Be careful, dieting during pregnancy can be risky for the fetus and mother’s health
During pregnancy, you must meet nutritional needs. Not only for health during pregnancy, nutrition is also needed to support fetal growth and development.
So it is not surprising if pregnant women experience weight gain. Weight gain, while still within normal limits, is not risky for pregnant women. But there are times when mama is overweight.
Perhaps one way to reduce excess weight is with a carbohydrate diet. So far, carbohydrates are often considered the cause of excess body weight.
But is reducing carbohydrates during pregnancy safe? Before deciding on a carbohydrate diet, let’s take a look at the reviews Popmama.com The following is about the risks of a low-carb diet during pregnancy, Ma.
What is a Low Carb Diet?
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A low-carb diet is a way of eating that limits carbohydrate intake. This diet is useful for maintaining weight and preventing obesity.
Referring to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, pregnant women are advised to get a carbohydrate intake of 300-350 grams per day.
Generally, the daily carbohydrate intake for adults is around 300-400 grams. When on a low-carb diet, carbohydrates are reduced by half.
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Can Pregnant Women Do A Low Carb Diet?
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Pregnant women should not go on a low-carb diet or follow any restrictive or weight-loss diets. Diet can not be ascertained whether it is safe for the fetus and pregnancy.
Following a low-carb diet during pregnancy can affect weight and fetal development. It can also prevent you and your baby from getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Low-carb diets tend to be high in fat and may also limit the amount of fruit, vegetables, and fiber you should eat. You may be missing important vitamins and minerals needed by pregnant women and fetuses, such as folic acid and calcium.
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Low Carbohydrate Diet Risks for Pregnancy
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A low-carb diet during pregnancy may increase some of the following risks:
- Increases the risk of babies with serious birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
- Lack of carbohydrates can cause ketosis, which is a condition when the body uses fat as an energy source. Symptoms of ketosis include headaches, weakness, dehydration, nausea, dizziness, and irritability.
- Pregnant women experience nutritional deficiencies which ultimately have a negative effect on the fetus.
- Damage to blood vessels.
- Lost weight.
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Benefits of Carbohydrates for Pregnancy
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Carbohydrates have several benefits for you during pregnancy, including:
During pregnancy, you get tired easily due to changes in your body and hormones. In order not to get tired easily and still be able to do activities, consume foods that contain carbohydrates to increase stamina.
- Prevent and treat constipation
Constipation is one of the most common complaints experienced by pregnant women. To overcome this, the consumption of complex carbohydrates, namely carbohydrates that come from vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Complex carbohydrates contain fiber which can speed up the work of the digestive system and make stools softer.
- Supports fetal development
Carbohydrates are known to play an important role in increasing the weight of the fetus and supporting its growth and development in the womb.
- Reduce the risk of birth defects
A study shows that pregnant women who follow a low-carb diet have a 30 percent higher risk of giving birth to babies with neurological disorders, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Therefore, it is not recommended that you go on a diet to lose weight without a doctor’s recommendation.
That’s the risk of a low-carb diet during pregnancy. Meeting the nutritional intake is very important to maintain health during pregnancy and also supports fetal development. So, before limiting the food you eat, discuss it with your doctor first, Ma!
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