Is Keto Diet Safe For Pregnancy

For anyone who is expecting and you actually are curious about the thought: is keto diet safe for pregnancy. You can find lots of helpful info on this specific topic, as well as tips, suggestions, thoughts, and answers to be able to questions regarding being pregnant, appropriate nutrition and diet programs.

Is Keto Diet Safe For Pregnancy

The ketogenic diet has become fashionable for its health benefits. In addition to promoting weight loss, it also works as part of the treatment of several complex pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases.

Yet it is not an appropriate diet for everyone and its eating protocol has a number of limitations that must be taken into account. Some are related to the degree of individual adherence and others linked to the context.

In this article we will explain whether it is appropriate or not to apply this model during gestation.

Is it possible to do ketogenic diet during pregnancy?

Ketogenic diet during pregnancy

So far there is very little research on the effects of the ketogenic diet during pregnancy. Most of the publications are conducted in animal models, usually in rats, and most conclude that the total suppression of carbohydrates could generate alterations in the fetus.

Most of the publications are conducted in animal models, usually in rats, and most conclude that the total suppression of carbohydrates could generate alterations in the fetus.

In fact, in general experts advise against implementing a ketogenic diet during pregnancy. This is because energy and nutritional requirements in pregnancy are usually increased, so restricting one or more food groups may not be a good idea.

It is clear that it is important to control weight gain, avoiding risky situations such as obesity. However, there are other strategies that can be implemented safely during pregnancy, without the need to fall into a regime as restrictive as this one.

It is clear that it is important to control weight gain, avoiding risk situations such as obesity.

The most recent scientific publications on the subject have been based on the treatment of epilepsy in pregnant women. In this case, the suppression of carbohydrates could reduce seizures, thus offering a health benefit to the mother. However, it remains unclear what risks this treatment poses to the health of the fetus, according to an article published in Seizure.

The ketogenic diet and gestational diabetes.

According to a study published in the Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, the ketogenic diet is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, there is no research examining the effects of this treatment in the context of gestational diabetes.

As it is a pathology of a transitory nature, to control it it is often enough to regulate the maternal diet. By avoiding the consumption of foods rich in simple sugars, it is possible to control the level of glucose in the blood (glycaemia) and thus avoid complications.

It should be noted that gestational diabetes occurs more frequently in women with a history of or who were already overweight before they became pregnant.

We should note that gestational diabetes occurs more frequently in women with a history of or who were already overweight before they became pregnant.

Because there is still insufficient scientific evidence, it is not recommended to implement a ketogenic diet when gestational diabetes is diagnosed. It is preferable to resort to other strategies that improve the mother’s diet and other lifestyle habits, such as physical activity.

Carbohydrates are necessary in the diet of pregnant women.

It seems that carbohydrates are important in the diet of pregnant women. However, not all types of foods that have these nutrients have to be introduced into the diet equally. It is preferable to prioritize tubers and legumes, which provide complex sugars with low energy density.

It is important to avoid flour and its derivatives, as they are excessively processed cereals that have a negative impact on glycaemia. Their consumption is not recommended at all stages of life, especially during pregnancy.

This does not mean that they can never be consumed, but you have to moderate their amounts in the diet. Decreasing the intake of foods such as pasta, bread, pastries and dough can help to improve overall health.

Ketogenic diet, a diet that is not recommended during pregnancy.

As we have said, it is not advisable to consider a ketogenic diet during pregnancy. Although the available studies were done in animal models, they warn about the risk of malformations or problems in fetal development after removal of carbohydrates from the maternal diet. Further research is needed to investigate what happens in humans.

Monitoring of the pregnant woman and instruction on good eating and exercise habits is of great importance. Performing the necessary interventions when health conditions such as gestational diabetes are detected will be mandatory. But completely removing sugars from the diet is not a recommended practice.

Hopefully you have obtained everything regarding: is keto diet safe for pregnancy. Keep your feedback and reveal your perception and thoughts regarding: is keto diet safe for pregnancy. We are constantly available to answer all your questions concerning being pregnant, healthy and balanced eating and also diets. Stay with us!

Stephany Bennett
Dr. Stephany Bennett is a registered nutritionist with an MD from the University of Pittsburgh. She uses her research background to provide evidence-based advice on diet for pregnant women. She is a firm believer that nutritional science is an ever-changing field, so her pregnancy diet recommendations combine classic methods with the latest findings.

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