Weight loss through/after birth | Unwanted weight loss

Weight loss through/after birth

After the birth the woman loses weight. This is normal, because of course on the one hand the weight of the baby and the amniotic fluid is lost, on the other hand the placenta is expelled and the uterus contracts again. The woman starts breastfeeding.

Through breastfeeding, the mother burns a lot of calories, because the milk production and the breastfeeding process consume a lot of energy. In addition, the body returns to its original “non-pregnant” state. Previously accumulated fat deposits are slowly broken down again (not least through breastfeeding), and stored fluid is excreted.

During pregnancy, the blood volume of the pregnant woman has also increased in order to be able to supply the growing uterus and the baby. This now excess blood is also reduced again. All these processes lead to weight reduction.

Sport should not be taken up again in the first weeks after birth. However, the woman loses weight quite naturally due to the factors mentioned above, which is about six kilos. Walks with the baby, breastfeeding and normal everyday activities also promote weight loss all by themselves.

Weight loss during pregnancy

Weight loss during pregnancy must be observed. Usually the pregnant woman tends to gain weight during pregnancy as the baby grows and the woman’s body stores fat deposits and fluid. However, some pregnant women gain little weight or keep their weight constant, especially at the beginning of pregnancy.

Few women even lose a few kilos in the beginning. This is not necessarily always a cause for concern, but should always be observed, as a significant weight loss poses a threat to mother and child. If the woman’s body has too few reserves, the growing baby cannot be adequately cared for and the pregnant woman’s body is overstretched by the pregnancy and the associated stress.

Damage to the child, premature births or maternal health problems can be the result. The pregnant woman should therefore make sure that she eats enough and, if possible, does not go through periods of hunger. Pregnancy massively increases the body’s energy requirements and these must be met. As long as the unborn child develops normally and the mother does not show any physical symptoms, weight loss is not always a cause for concern. However, regular visits to the gynecologist are a prerequisite for ruling out other causes for weight loss and for early detection of any maternal or infantile danger.