Women go through major physical and emotional changes during pregnancy, including weight gain, changes in body shape, bloating, and fatigue. While these changes are completely natural, they may cause anxiety for some pregnant women—especially those who associate beauty with slimness and fitness. More honestly, many expectant mothers fear that their husband’s perception of them may change.
Dr. Hussein Shaaban, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, explains that because of these fears, some women resort—intentionally or without medical consultation—to weight-loss pills, believing they are a quick and safe solution. This raises the key question: Are weight-loss pills safe during pregnancy, or do they pose a danger to the mother and the fetus?
Important Facts You Should Know
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, poor maternal nutrition or attempts at weight loss are responsible for a large proportion of low birth weight cases worldwide.
Children born to mothers who maintain healthy nutrition during pregnancy tend to have better learning abilities later in life. Pregnancy is not a phase for losing weight—it is a phase for building a new life. A mother’s health is the foundation of her child’s future.
Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy significantly reduces childbirth complications compared to strict dieting or food deprivation. Weight-loss pills are not a solution to obesity during pregnancy; they are a real danger. While fear of weight gain or body changes is understandable, a fetus’s health cannot be experimented with. The safe alternative is awareness, balanced nutrition, and emotional support from the husband and family.
Why Do Some Pregnant Women Consider Weight-Loss Pills?
From a pregnant woman’s perspective, several psychological and social factors may lead her to consider weight-loss pills, including:
Fear of excessive weight gain:
Some women worry that they will gain too much weight and struggle to lose it after delivery, especially if they had a difficult experience with weight in a previous pregnancy.Anxiety about body changes:
Pregnancy changes the shape of the abdomen, breasts, and thighs, which can affect self-confidence—particularly under the influence of idealized images on social media.Fear of a change in the husband’s perception:
Some women worry about reduced attraction or emotional support from their husbands, or fear negative comments, pushing them to try to maintain their weight by any means.Social and family pressure:
Pregnant women may hear insensitive comments such as “Why did you gain weight so quickly?” without consideration for the emotional sensitivity of this stage.
Medical Reasons for Rejecting Weight-Loss Pills During Pregnancy
Despite understandable motivations, doctors and global health organizations strongly oppose the use of weight-loss pills during pregnancy because they:
Pose a direct risk to the fetus:
Most weight-loss pills suppress appetite, block fat absorption, or increase calorie burning. This deprives the fetus of essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, proteins, and vital vitamins needed for proper growth.Increase the risk of fetal abnormalities:
WHO reports indicate that some substances in weight-loss medications may affect the development of vital fetal organs, especially during the first trimester—the most critical stage for brain and heart formation.Increase the risk of low birth weight:
According to UNICEF, poor maternal nutrition raises the risk of restricted fetal growth and low birth weight, which can lead to health problems in childhood, such as weak immunity and delayed development.Cause health risks to the mother:
Weight-loss pills may lead to anemia, dizziness, fainting, dehydration, and heart rhythm disturbances—serious conditions during pregnancy.
Is Weight Gain During Pregnancy Normal?
Absolutely yes. The World Health Organization confirms that weight gain during pregnancy is both normal and necessary. It is not just fat accumulation, but includes:
The baby’s weight
The placenta
Amniotic fluid
Increased blood volume
Growth of the uterus and breasts
Healthy weight gain varies depending on a woman’s pre-pregnancy weight, but on average ranges between 10 and 15 kilograms throughout pregnancy.
Safe and Healthy Alternatives to Weight-Loss Pills
The solution is not deprivation or pills, but gradual and healthy weight management under medical supervision:
Balanced nutrition instead of strict dieting:
The goal is not weight loss, but preventing excessive weight gain.Safe physical activity:
Daily walking for 20–30 minutes
Light pregnancy exercises (after consulting a doctor)
Regular medical follow-up:
Doctors or midwives monitor weight, blood pressure, and fetal growth to ensure everything is within a healthy range.
The Link Between Maternal Health and Fetal Development
A well-nourished mother is less likely to experience premature birth.
The fetus benefits from better brain development.
The risk of chronic diseases later in life is reduced.
Good physical and mental health for the mother means:
A stronger baby
Easier delivery
Better breastfeeding
Faster recovery after childbirth
Foods That Help Maintain a Healthy Weight During Pregnancy
Recommended foods:
Fresh vegetables: spinach, broccoli, zucchini
Fruits in moderation: apples, oranges, berries
Healthy proteins: eggs, chicken, well-cooked fish
Whole grains: oats, brown rice
Low-fat dairy products
Adequate water intake
These foods promote satiety and nourish the fetus without unnecessary weight gain.
Foods to limit or avoid:
Fried foods
Processed sweets
Soft drinks
Fast food
Refined sugars
High-salt foods
Such foods contribute to weight gain without nutritional benefit and increase the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
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