Many people have tried the keto diet, and a majority attests that it is a perfect diet. It helps with weight loss, low blood sugar, improves brain function, and has a positive health impact all around. But are all these things beneficial to an expectant mother?
We all know that a growing fetus needs all the nutrients and energy to grow, so is it safe for a pregnant lady to start or continue on a low-carb, high-fat diet? What is a keto diet bringing to the table for the pregnant mother?
There is nothing wrong with a pregnant mum having a ketogenic diet, but she must be cautious to keep these five points in mind if she wishes to go on with the keto diet menu.
1. The Mom May Have to Ingest More Supplements
Yes, the best keto protein powder has proteins, minerals, and vitamins, but most often, it’s only enough for one, while other products might be lacking. And since the growing child might need surplus, a woman might have to get more supplements for the growing fetus. A typical person on a ketogenic diet has significantly low magnesium levels, vitamins B, A, C, D, and E, which are all fundamental to the growing child. Apart from the normal iron, zinc, and calcium supplements, you may be forced to add these deficient minerals and vitamins.
2. The Mom Must Watch The Fat Intake
Healthy fats are very important for a growing baby, but having too much is very dangerous for both you and the baby. Saturated fats pose a danger to your cholesterol levels, as they might elevate the levels through the roof. This may, in turn, pave the way for other issues like elevated Bp due to clogged arteries and other blood vessels and cause stress to your heart hence your pregnancy.
3. The Pregnancy Side Effects May Be Amplified
Pregnancy comes with its fair share of side effects such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and tiredness. On the other hand, some people who take keto foods have also had their dosage of side effects like dehydration, bloating, muscle cramps, headaches, constipation, gas, and diarrhea. Now try to combine the two! Wouldn’t that be horrible?
That’s the reason why pregnant moms must really be committed to this diet and always take it under the watchful eye of a doctor.
4. She May Have To Start the Keto Diet before Pregnancy
It is never advisable to start a keto meal plan during pregnancy. This sudden change will take your body through stress, which may lead to the miscarriage of the baby. A lady hoping to conceive should start the ketogenic diet two to three months before conceiving. With that duration, your body will have grown accustomed to the new ways of operating on the ketosis mode and will accommodate the fetus.
5. A Keto Diet Can Help Moms With Diabetes and Epilepsy
Expectant mothers who already have epilepsy and diabetes, need a keto food list to stay healthy. The other option of keeping such conditions under control, like taking medication, may cause more harm to the fetus; thus, a keto diet is the best option.
However, undertaking this regime must be closely monitored by an obstetrician, gynecologist, and physician to make sure that both the mother and the baby are healthy.
Food for Thought
When dealing with anything health-related regarding expectant moms plus their babies, it is always advised that a medical practitioner is the primary source of information. A keto diet still offers numerous nutritional benefits for both the child and mom, but as we all know, pregnancies are different—one mom may be okay, another may not.
To sum up, it is always best to talk to your doctor as they are in a better position to be objective and advise accordingly. Good luck, and if you have anything to share, let us know in the comment section below.
Author’s Bio: Catherine Wiley is a healthy food enthusiast and fitness instructor from Dorking, UK. She’s been a lifelong student of health and enjoys staying active with her husband, 2 young children, and dog Bentley in the beautiful Surrey Hills countryside.
