Why Pregnancy and Excessive Weight Loss Can Be a Concern

Losing excessive weight during pregnancy—more than 5% to 10% of a woman's body weight—is not normal.

As many women well know, the first trimester of pregnancy can bring nausea and vomiting as the body adjusts to the pregnancy hormone, and that can cause women to initially lose some weight, which is normal.

According to Dr. Robert Atlas, Chair of Mercy Medical Center's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, excessive weight loss during pregnancy can be a serious problem and explains potential treatments.

"We do get worried about that, and sometimes, you have to do supplements. Sometimes, you have to do intravenous fluids. Sometimes, you have to give steroids to try and improve people's appetite," Dr. Atlas said.

Dr. Atlas noted that if a woman does not get enough nutrition, it can affect the baby's growth. A pregnant woman who is losing weight beyond her first trimester should call her provider. It could be nothing or it could be related to a serious problem, such as hypertension or preeclampsia.

View Mercy OB/GYN Dr. Robert Atlas’ interview regarding weight loss during pregnancy.