Keto While Pregnant: Is It Safe?

Nutrition is always important but when pregnant, proper eating habits become even more vital. Going keto can have both pros and con while pregnant and it’s important to understand both of these. As always, if you are considering following the ketogenic diet while pregnant, please consult your physician first.

Cons of  Being Keto While Pregnant

1. Nutritional Deficiencies: While the majority of your caloric intake will come from fat and a moderate amount of protein, it’s important to focus on eating well-rounded choices. For example, despite popular belief, keto is more than avocados and bacon. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and low-carb fruits are also permitted. Limiting your food options on a keto diet can put you and your baby at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Pregnant women need higher levels of folate, for example, because folic acid helps to prevent birth defects. Where can you find all-natural sources of folate? Leafy greens, for starters. A keto diet will supply plenty of vitamins D, E, and B-12, but you’ll need to keep an eye on your intake of magnesium and vitamins A and C.
2. Not Eating Enough: Pregnancy is not the time to worry about weight loss. Expecting mothers need between 200 to 300 extra calories per day in order to provide adequate nutrition for both you and the baby. Dietary fat is the most satiating macronutrient, providing nine calories for every gram consumed. Since the bulk of your calories will be coming from fat, you can rest assured that you’ll feel satiated on the keto diet. What’s more, you’ll easily be able to get in those extra calories.
3. Keto Flu: The keto flu is the most common side effect for those attempting to transition into a state of ketosis. It’s caused by losing too much water and electrolytes. Thankfully, it’s easily remedied by eating a well-balanced diet, consuming plenty of electrolyte-based water or drinks, sugar as sugar-free sports drinks, and maintaining an appropriate exercise program.

Benefits of Keto While Pregnant

1. Prevention of Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that you can develop while pregnant, gestational diabetes typically goes away after childbirth, but it can increase your risk of type-2 diabetes. Studies suggest that keto can help to prevent and management gestational diabetes while lowering your risk for type 2 diabetes. ^[1]
2. Improved Fertility: For women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who want to have a baby, the ketogenic diet might be able to help. Research suggests that the keto diet can improve fertility by reducing inflammation that makes it more difficult to conceive. ^[2]
3. Reduced Cravings: Odd cravings such as pickles and ice cream are a hallmark of pregnancy. Researchers suggest that the keto diet is effective for reducing cravings while providing satiation. ^[3]

Keto While Pregnant? Make Sure You Do It Right

Think of staying or going on keto while pregnant, but you’re nervous that you won’t know what to eat? Our OK4Life system is our most comprehensive guide to beginning and perfecting the keto lifestyle over the long term. 

You’ll get meal planners, recipe guides, workout programs, restaurant guides, and so much more. If you’re serious about committing to the keto lifestyle, the OK4Life system is for you.