It doesn’t matter whether you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant; the struggle to lose weight is universal. And while there are ways to slim down during your pregnancy (eat healthy foods, reduce your caffeine intake, and exercise), sometimes this struggle is more difficult than we’d like. If you’re looking for an easy way to shed some pounds, you’ve likely considered taking a supplement. But while supplements can offer some benefits (like taking care of any nutrient deficiencies you may have), they can also sometimes do more harm than good. That’s why, before you commit to taking any supplements, it’s important to think about what your needs are and whether or not they align with the pills you’re choosing.
Progesterone
If you’re unfamiliar, progesterone is a natural hormone that many women produce during their monthly cycles. In some cases, it can help support female reproduction by boosting the function of the endometrium (the tissues in your uterus that are responsible for fertilization and implantation). In other cases, it has mild effects on the central nervous system and plays a role in maintaining pregnancy by triggering milk production in the lactating mammary glands.
Despite its many known biological functions, progesterone doesn’t usually appear in conventional medication regimens because it can cause women to gain weight. So if you’re looking to take a supplement, most experts recommend avoiding progesterone-based medications.
Why Do Women Lose Weight During Pregnancy?
The reasons for women’s body shape changes during pregnancy are numerous and vary from person to person. For some women, the struggle to lose weight can be quite challenging. Depending on your body type and the kind of nutrients you need, you may need to adjust your diet or exercise regimen. Here are just some of the things that could be causing your weight to fluctuate during pregnancy:
Thrifty Genes
If you’re genetically predisposed to store calories as fat, you’re going to have to change your behavior and how you handle your weight to bring down the amount of fat on your body. Studies have shown that women who have a certain gene variant (MC4R) are at a greater risk of obesity. That means that if you have this gene variant, it’s like having a built-in genetic tendency to be overweight. And while there may be some supplements available that could help with this (like the one mentioned above for MC4R), there is no quick fix in sight.
Diet
The type of food you eat has a profound impact on your weight. If you’re a fan of fast food, you’re going to have to adjust your diet to avoid going overboard. Some studies suggest that the frequency with which you consume certain foods can influence how much you weigh. For example, if you frequently eat chocolate, you may end up storing more calories as fat because your body doesn’t realize it’s being supplied with the nutrient. Similarly, if you overeat fish, you could also experience weight gain because fish contains high amounts of fat. If you want to lose weight during pregnancy, it’s vital to eat the right food and avoid the wrong ones.
Exercise
If you’re looking to shed some pounds, you’re going to have to hit the gym or take up a sport. There are many different types of exercises that you could do, so find something that appeals to you and stick with it. If nothing appeals to you, ask your doctor for a list of recommendations or check with your local gym to see if they offer any programs that could help you lose weight.
Taking Progesterone During Pregnancy
If you’re currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant, most experts recommend against taking any supplements. That’s because nutrients like folate and iron (which are necessary for fetal development) can’t be adequately supplied through food alone. So while it’s important to eat healthily during pregnancy, it’s also important to avoid taking any supplements that could affect fetal development.
That being said, there are some instances where it may be appropriate to take a supplement. If you’re unable to consume enough folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin C because of dietary restrictions, for example, then you may need to consider taking a supplement. And since progesterone doesn’t usually appear in conventional medication regimens for women, some doctors recommend it as an alternative for those who want to lose weight.
When Is It Appropriate To Take A Supplement?
While there are some benefits to taking a supplement like progesterone during pregnancy, there are also some risks associated with doing so. If you decide to go this route, make sure you’re aware of these risks and decide whether or not they’re worth it for you. Some of the things that you should be aware of include:
Risks Of Taking Progesterone
Just because a medication isn’t recommended for you specifically doesn’t mean that it’s totally safe for everyone. There can be risks associated with every medication, particularly when taken in excess. Some of the things that you should be aware of include: