Is Atkins safe while pregnant

[ais106]

I am hoping someone can give me some thoughts on this:
Two years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. a low carb lifestyle has allowed me to be a controlled diabetic, medication free. However, I am now 6 weeks pregnant and am afraid that low carb is unsafe for a developing fetus. doctors warn against mental retardation! Does anyone have experience with this???

[liv]

Re: Is Atkins safe while pregnant

What kind of doctors give this warning? Do you have a reference? I sure would like to see that!!! Because, seriously, many cultures would not have carbs available to them for part of the year but healthy babies were born nevertheless.
That being said Atkins phase four (maintenance) is good while pregnant. Atkins just says not to do any of weightloss phases. So eat healthy low carb with a variety of food and check with your own doctor.

[CalicoPrairie]

Re: Is Atkins safe while pregnant

I'm almost positive that eating healthy fats, lots of veggies, low glycemic fruits, whole grains, nuts would NOT be unsafe for a developing fetus, HOWEVER, I'm not sure about following Atkins during your pregnancy. Why not just cut out those foods that are high glycemic for you and wait to do Atkins? Are you trying to lose weight while you are pregnant? If you are, why?

[mizski]

Re: Is Atkins safe while pregnant

I don't have my DANDR in front of me so I can't give page#s, but the Maintenance Phase of Atkins may be OK for you during pregnancy and nursing. Bring a Maintenance food plan with you and ask your OB.

The Maintenance Phase is very healthy WOE and will give you & baby all the nutrients your bodies need. Use your OBs recommendations for vitamins/supplements, not the ones in DANDR.

You need to switch from Induction to Maintenance immediately. Ketosis may be harmful to the fetus (and later, to the nursing baby).

Oh...and congratulations!

[Georgiana]

Re: Is Atkins safe while pregnant

I am now 6 weeks pregnant

Congratulations!

While pregnant and nursing, following the Maintenance phase of Atkins is perfectly safe.

[ais106]

Re: Is Atkins safe while pregnant

How many carbs does the maintenece phase allow??? I am diabetic which is why I eat low carbs. So I am not trying to lose weight at this point, just trying to control my sugars. I fear that I am in ketosis since my carb intake is so low. My urine specimen yesterday was very high in ketones. Does that mean I am in ketosis? And harming the fetus????

[liv]

Re: Is Atkins safe while pregnant

It really depends on the individual person how may. Mine is low but other may be higher. Do you measure your own bloodsugar? Why not start out with around 100 healthy carbs (many from veggies - a variety to get all those nutrients in there) and see how you do.
And don't worry. You are good. It will be just fine.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Is Atkins safe while pregnant

You need to be above 50 net carbs for your body to not spill any excess ketones. It's the ketones that are warned against for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Add some higher carb vegetables and some higher carb fruits, even a slice of whole grain bread, if that's not a trigger for you.