During pregnancy, you generally gain a bit of weight every week. The weight gain is a combination of the fact that there’s a baby growing inside you, a growing placenta, and added fat and fluids in your body. Simply put, the weight gain is normal. As an early pregnancy sign, weight gain will be minimal, but every week should show a bit of weight gain. Because the unborn baby has many nutritional needs, dieting during pregnancy is almost never a good idea.

Dieting during pregnancy can harm you and your baby. There are nutrients you both will miss out on, and the baby may not grow properly. For this reason, you shouldn’t diet while pregnant unless under the advisement and supervision of your healthcare provider.

Diet pills are especially risky during pregnancy, because they may contain ingredients that are harmful to your baby. For those who become pregnant and are overweight, the most important thing to do is to make sure you eat enough healthy, nourishing food for you and the baby. After you have the baby you can make a plan for dieting and losing weight.

During pregnancy, a woman generally gains between 25 and 30 pounds. If you’re overweight, gaining between 15 and 25 pounds is about average. You should check with a doctor if you have concerns or wonder how to eat right for pregnancy. You may need to gain weight during pregnancy and avoid dieting, but that means eating healthy foods that contain the nutrients you need.

In early pregnancy, you may not be thinking about weight gain or loss, but weight gain will happen. Be prepared to eat healthy foods and avoid dieting so that you can help your baby grow properly. Healthy eating protects both you and the baby, so take precautions to be healthy.