Weight Loss after Pregnancy

The weight gain of pregnancy poses a challenge to many women. Women generally expect to lose most, if not all, of the weight they gained during pregnancy in the months following childbirth. If you are a new mother who worries that you'll never lose the weight gained during pregnancy, be patient and remember that life has seasons. Women generally lose fifteen pounds within a few days after delivery and approximately twenty-four pounds by six to eight weeks postpartum. This loss represents the accumulated weight of the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. Further weight loss varies in rate and amount from patient to patient.

The best approach to weight loss involves exercise plus a well-balanced diet that's low in fat and includes a mix of protein, fruits, and vegetables. After delivery, realistic weight goals, emphasizing slow and steady weight loss, should be encouraged. If you lose weight too rapidly by limiting your intake of calories, you may be unable to make enough milk to satisfy your baby. Losing about one pound per week, or four pounds a month, is a healthy pace.