What about ketosis and pregnancy?
It’s clear that the keto diet and the metabolic state of ketosis is safe for most adults. Keto is also known to have a lot of health benefits. But what about ketosis and pregnancy?
The question about ketosis being safe for pregnant woman and their unborn children is an important one to think about. This post will look into ketosis and pregnancy so you’ll be better informed.
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Ketosis and pregnancy
Obviously, a woman’s body goes through many changes during their pregnancy. Their awareness and their partner’s awareness concerning food choices increase while trying to conceive. So how does ketosis affect conception?
Conceiving in ketosis
Ketosis may be beneficial to conception. Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which can make conception difficult if not impossible, have been seen in studies to succeed with conception while following a keto diet. Because a well-planned keto diet is safe for the average person, it’s safe for a woman trying to conceive. This is especially so if she were eating the standard American diet or a high-carb diet.
Is ketosis safe during pregnancy?
One of the prevailing misconceptions about ketosis while pregnant is that ketosis will lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is quite harmful but entirely different than nutritional ketosis that comes from the keto diet.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis vs. Nutritional Ketosis
- DKA is a metabolic state found in diabetics that aren’t properly managing their diet or insulin. This results in unnaturally high levels of ketones along with blood sugar levels that are three times higher than normal, or more. Causing a dangerous amount of acid in their body. Ketoacidosis needs to be avoided by everyone, not just women who are pregnant.
- Nutritional Ketosis is a naturally occurring state of metabolism where the person’s body is using fat instead of carbohydrates for its energy. In this state, there are very low levels of ketones and blood sugar levels are normal. The body also has a healthy acidity.
Sometimes these get confused with one another and if can cause professionals to think that nutritional ketosis has the same effect as Diabetic Ketoacidosis. This is especially so because DKA can be harmful to the development of the fetus’s brain. Because of this, there’s belief ketosis is harmful to the developing baby. But that’s inaccurate!
Now for some facts
Naturally occurring ketosis during pregnancy
The majority of women who are pregnant suffer from morning sickness at the beginning of their pregnancy. Morning sickness brings nausea, reduced appetite, and aversions to some foods. Eat often becomes intermittent and in smaller amounts. Because of all of this, a pregnant woman is frequently, and temporarily, in and out of ketosis.
Let’s point out that ketosis is part of being human, naturally. For instance, the time between eating dinner and eating our first meal the next day is putting our bodies into a state of fasting. Even our first meal of the day is call breakfast… break the fast. And this happens to everyone, not just pregnant women.
Furthermore, pregnancy might be in favor of ketosis. Because according to the study, “Starvation in human pregnancy: hypoglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, and hyperketonemia”, ketone levels are about three times higher in pregnant women after an overnight fast than in non-pregnant women.
Late-stage pregnancy and ketosis
Ketosis often occurs naturally in late-stage pregnancies. Ketones are used by the baby before and just after birth produce essential fats in the brain during growth. Actually, researchers think the fetus may be making its own ketones. Possibly being the reason ketosis is so common during the third trimester.
Related reading: “Ketonuria in Pregnancy—With Special Reference to Calorie-restricted Food Intake in Obese Diabetics“
The metabolism of pregnant women changes to a catabolic state in late-stage pregnancy. The catabolic state is one of molecular breakdown, meaning ketosis is happening more frequently. Remember food aversions and nausea that many pregnant women experience alone will reduce the amount of food consumed, more easily entering ketosis.
Related reading: “What is a Catabolic State?“
Pregnancy with low-carbs
A low-carb diet is fine during pregnancy so long as enough nutrition is consumed. A balance of ketones and glucose is key for the fetus to grow. The important thing is to ensure normal blood sugar levels and the consumption of enough calories.
Thing to consider
We know ketosis is safe and natural when done correctly. A woman goes through a lot of changes and there are extra things to consider during pregnancy. Regardless of being in ketosis or not, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Now is not the time for weight loss – The keto diet is a very effective way to lose weight. For most women, losing weight during pregnancy isn’t a good idea. It’s important to consume enough calories regardless of your diet. Proper nutrition is vital.
Eat whole foods – Proper nutrition is especially important for your growing baby. There are some foods with higher carbohydrates that are important to include in the pregnancy diet: fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, occasionally dairy products.
Avoid added sugar, processed foods, and refined grains – Carbohydrate quality is important because it relates to nutrient-dense foods for both the mother and the growing baby.
Don’t fast intermittently – Even though there are a lot of benefits to intermittent fasting it’s not a good idea while pregnant. It’s more important to pay attention to your hunger cues and consume enough nutrition for growth.
In summary
It’s necessary to consider your diet during your pregnancy, don’t let fear-mongering and ignorance make you think the keto diet is harmful to pregnancy. Especially when you compare it to the diet most people are earring.
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