Weight Loss During Pregnancy?

by Maham
(Lahore, Pakistan)

hi. maham here again. i am now 7 weeks pregnant. my weight is 150 lbs and my height is 5'2". my doctor has advised me to lose some weight. she says, there is no harm in losing some weight during early pregnancy. all my tests and ultrasound are normal. please suggest me some good exercises that i can do to lose some weight. also suggest me some healthy diet plan that doesn't effect health of my baby but help me in losing weight. thanks

Matthew's reply: Hi Maham, it is difficult for me via the internet to offer specific advice on weight loss during pregnancy. In Chinese medicine everyone is considered a unique individual, so our dietary and other health requirements are different.

Generally speaking, walking is a very good way to lose excess weight and to build some physical fitness, without straining your body too much. Here in China I walk every second day to and around a local park. There are stairs going up a hill at the park and I run up these to give me a harder workout.

I suggest you find somewhere like a park where you can take enjoyable walks at least 3-4 times a week for 30-40 minutes each time. To burn off excess weight you will need to walk fast enough to increase your heart rate. Also, walking before breakfast is a good way to lose excess weight.

Regarding diet, once again it is difficult to offer through the internet specific advice on diet and weight loss during pregnancy. I do offer some general Chinese dietary advice in a special report on this page.

This advice may not be suitable for you during pregnancy though. I would discuss your dietary requirements with your doctor. He/she would surely be able to offer you suggestions that are specific to your unique needs and that of your baby.

All the best,

Matthew