Low-Carb Diet Effects in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Low-carb diets have gained popularity for weight loss and blood sugar control, but are they safe during pregnancy? If you’re expecting, you might be wondering whether cutting carbs is a smart move or a risky choice. While managing nutrition during pregnancy is essential, restricting carbohydrates could have unintended consequences for both you and your baby.

The risks and realities of going low carb while pregnant

Following a low-carb diet always carries some element of risk. The body’s designed to use carbs. They’re one of three major macronutrient groups (the other two are fats and proteins). Ultimately, carbs aren’t the problem. Instead, it’s the overconsumption of carbs. After all, they’re in just about everything these days, particularly if you eat a lot of ultra-processed foods.

Some of the risks you face on a low-carb diet include vitamin deficiency, muscle cramps, and headaches. Following a low-carb diet for a long time can even lead to mineral and vitamin deficiency. Couple that with pregnancy, and you could have a recipe for disaster. Not sure why? Let’s take a closer look at what your body needs during pregnancy.

Why your body needs carbs during pregnancy

Carbohydrates are one of your body’s primary energy sources. They give you fuel for both your body and your growing baby. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women consume a balanced diet that includes an adequate intake of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. Carbs help support fetal brain development, provide fiber for digestion, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Potential risks of a low-carb pregnancy diet

Going low-carb while pregnant may lead to several health risks, including the following:

• Nutrient deficiencies– Many high-carb foods, including fruits, whole grains, and legumes, contain essential vitamins and minerals that you and your baby need, like folic acid, which helps prevent neural tube defects. Folate deficiency has been linked with an increased risk of these defects, which include spina bifida and anencephaly.
• The keto flu – The “keto flu” is the name given to a collection of symptoms that you experience as your body starts to transition from burning carbs to burning fat. You’ll feel sick, have headaches, be tired, and suffer from nausea. Because you might already be experiencing similar symptoms from pregnancy, it can make the situation even harder to deal with.
• Low birth weight– Research suggests that low-carb diets in pregnancy can increase the likelihood of having a baby with a lower birth weight, which may lead to health complications. Just a few of those complications include low oxygen levels, trouble regulating body temperature, neurologic problems, developmental disabilities, difficulty feeding, difficulty gaining weight, an increased chance of infection, breathing problems, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Ketoacidosis risk– Extreme carbohydrate restriction can push the body into ketosis, which may be harmful during pregnancy, leading to increased acidity in the blood. Increased acidity is linked to significant complications, including fetal hypoxia (not enough oxygen in the body’s tissues), stillbirth, perinatal death, and long-term cognitive problems.
• Reduced energy levels– Pregnancy already demands extra energy, and cutting carbs can leave you feeling fatigued and sluggish. As the body switches to burning fat instead of carbs, you’ll feel fatigue and lethargy. This is compounded because pregnancy already decreases your energy levels, making it even harder to do even basic things in your life, like grooming and feeding yourself.

As you can see, following a low-carb diet during pregnancy is most likely a bad decision. It can lead to serious complications, negative health outcomes, and even death.

Remember, eating well is one of the best things you can do during pregnancy. That means focusing on the bigger picture (good nutrition in general) while maintaining a healthy weight. That doesn’t mean that you’re “eating for two.” Instead, it’s important to understand how pregnancy changes your calorie needs. For instance, in a conventional pregnancy (a single fetus), you’ll likely need between 340 and 440 extra calories per day.

Your doctor can explain the impact of a low-carb diet on your unique body and your developing fetus, as well as what you might expect during and after giving birth.

Can you follow a modified low-carb pregnancy diet safely?

If you’re thinking about reducing carbs during pregnancy, it’s important to do so in a balanced way. Instead of jumping in feet first, consider a gentler approach.

Instead of eliminating them entirely, focus on eating nutrient-dense carbs that give you the fiber and essential vitamins you need. You can reduce your carb intake and see benefits from that without completely depriving your body and your baby of the nutrients they require.

Instead of going 100% low-carb, consider the following:

• Opt for complex carbs – Don’t ditch carbs entirely. Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats offer fiber and nutrients without causing sharp blood sugar spikes.
• Load up on vegetables – Eat your greens. Non-starchy vegetables like spinach, kale, and bell peppers are packed with vitamins while keeping carb intake moderate.
• Incorporate healthy fats and proteins – Eat healthy fats. Avocados, nuts, eggs, and lean meats can help you feel full and provide important nutrients.
• Stay in touch with your doctor – Always talk to your doctor about any changes to your diet during pregnancy, particularly reducing carbs. Follow your doctor’s advice, even if that means waiting until after giving birth to start your new eating plan.

The bottom line: Balance is key

While a strict low-carb diet may not be the best choice during pregnancy, consuming carbs mindfully can support both your health and your baby’s development. If you’re considering adjusting your diet, talk with a healthcare provider to make sure you’re getting the right balance of nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.

Crandall & Pera Law is dedicated to advocating for maternal and infant health. If you’ve experienced complications during pregnancy due to medical negligence, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.