LC and pregnancy

gilbabe75 · 11-04-2004, 03:05 PM

AN- How many carbs should pregnant women be eating? I'm trying to continue on Atkins but have SEVERE 24 hr a day nausea. The only thing I can stomach are starchy foods. Any suggestions? I am not anywhere near goal yet and became extremely unexpectedly pregnant.

Thanks

Atkins_Nutritionist · 11-04-2004, 03:16 PM

Congrats on your pregnancy!

Although you state that you are not at goal yet, you must switch your focus away from weight loss for now. Lifetime maintenance is appropriate for pregnancy (or breastfeeding), but the weight loss phases where you may be producing ketones is not. The reason for this is because the only studies that observe ketosis in pregnancy or breast feeding are in uncontrolled diabetics who are in ketoacidosis, not the same thing as ketosis. Also, weight loss is never appropriate during pregnancy.

There are NO studies that show the safety of burning ketones and its effect on babies (either in utero or breast feeding). We do know that ketones are found in breast milk. Babies may have a different threshold of tolerating ketones than adults, maybe not, but this has not been shown in the scientific research and that is what we base all of our recommendations and guidance on, so we cannot promote that it is okay.

So because we do not have long term studies validating the safety of ketones as a source of energy for babies, we cannot recommend controlling your carbs to a specific range during this time of your life.

Focus on making smarter food choices using the priniciples of the Atkins Nutritional Approach. Avoid foods with added sugars, starch, and those high in simple sugars. Choose low glycemic foods. You want to be sure you receive adequate nutrition for the baby. That is what is most important right now.

11-04-2004, 03:05 PM	#1
gilbabe75 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Eastern PA Posts: 4,590 Gallery: gilbabe75 WOE: the lower carb anti-diet	LC and pregnancy AN- How many carbs should pregnant women be eating? I'm trying to continue on Atkins but have SEVERE 24 hr a day nausea. The only thing I can stomach are starchy foods. Any suggestions? I am not anywhere near goal yet and became extremely unexpectedly pregnant. Thanks

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11-04-2004, 03:16 PM	#2
Atkins_Nutritionist Nutritionist Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Atkins Health and Medical Information Services Posts: 684 Gallery: Atkins_Nutritionist	Congrats on your pregnancy! Although you state that you are not at goal yet, you must switch your focus away from weight loss for now. Lifetime maintenance is appropriate for pregnancy (or breastfeeding), but the weight loss phases where you may be producing ketones is not. The reason for this is because the only studies that observe ketosis in pregnancy or breast feeding are in uncontrolled diabetics who are in ketoacidosis, not the same thing as ketosis. Also, weight loss is never appropriate during pregnancy. There are NO studies that show the safety of burning ketones and its effect on babies (either in utero or breast feeding). We do know that ketones are found in breast milk. Babies may have a different threshold of tolerating ketones than adults, maybe not, but this has not been shown in the scientific research and that is what we base all of our recommendations and guidance on, so we cannot promote that it is okay. So because we do not have long term studies validating the safety of ketones as a source of energy for babies, we cannot recommend controlling your carbs to a specific range during this time of your life. Focus on making smarter food choices using the priniciples of the Atkins Nutritional Approach. Avoid foods with added sugars, starch, and those high in simple sugars. Choose low glycemic foods. You want to be sure you receive adequate nutrition for the baby. That is what is most important right now.