Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> - 9/21/2005
Question I am 27, have no children (yet), and my last menstrual period was on Aug 21, so I am only almost 5 wks pregnant. I am a little concerned because upon finding out that I am pregnant, I immediately started taking pre natal vitamins and completely changed the way I eat. I have been eating vegetables, whole grain bread, milk, fruit, protein, and drinking lots of water. This is not a usual diet for me and I am not starving myself by any means, I'm actually eating more meals a day than before, but I have begun to lose weight. Only about 5 pounds so far which is not much, but I am concerned that this might be harmful to my baby? Especially if I continue to lose. I am 5'10 1/2 and weigh around 175 lbs which is 10 lbs more than I weighed all year last year. 165 is average for me, but I've gained 10 lbs in a year and now I'm losing it without trying. Could eating right be what is causing my weight loss? I just don't want to lose too much in case it wouldn't be good for me or the baby right now. Any advice would help. Thanks!
Answer You will probably gain around 30 lbs during the pregnancy. However, it is normal during the first trimester not to gain much due to morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting. You sound like you are eating correctly. YOu should eat a high protein, low carbohydrate diet with three glasses of milk per day. Avoid greasy foods, fatty foods, or spicy foods for awhile if you are nauseated. If you are losing more than 10 lbs per week, you should check with your doctor. Your doctor will test your urine for ketones, which would indicate that you are not metabolizing the food you are eating. If there is any doubt, call your doctor and mention that you have been losing weight.
