Is it too late to go on a diet?
Being overweight creates additional risks for both the expectant mother and the baby. Doctors strongly recommend that you come to a normal body mass index (a BMI between 18 and 25 is considered normal) before you plan to conceive [1].
In real life, not everything goes according to plan. So you may find yourself asking should I go on a diet now or is that dangerous for baby?
Most researchers agree [1, 2, 3] that, during the first trimester, the developing baby does not need additional calories — baby needs the necessary vitamins and minerals. You will want to make sure you are eating foods rich in folates and iron [4].
Iron contained in meat and seafood is more readily absorbed than from cereals, fruits, berries and vegetables. Increasing the amount of lean red meat you eat will provide you with a good portion of your daily iron requirement. Dark leafy greens, like spinach will also supply you with iron and folates.
In other words, a healthy diet of protein and vegetables will provide the child with everything necessary and also help you stay healthy. At the same time, refined carbs and sugar are not necessary for baby’s development. You don’t need to think of this as going on a diet — you are just choosing a variety of food that’s good for you and baby.
