Pregnancy, Nursing, Trying to Conceive, and Atkins

[Elleth Faewen]

The following information has been incorporated into a FAQ to specifically answer questions coming from women who are of child bearing age. We want to give credit to our wonderful Beth (Marigold) for putting this information together for us. She quotes her sources in the article. Thanks Beth!!!
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I just wanted to put a few guidelines out there for those who are Pregnant, Nursing, or trying to conceive.

If you are PREGNANT:
You may do the Lifetime Maintenance Phase of Atkins, but you may not do ANY of the weight-loss phases of Atkins. (Dr.Atkins New Diet Revolution 2002 edition page 107)

If you are NURSING:
You may do the Lifetime Maintenance Phase of Atkins, but you may not do ANY of the weight-loss phases of Atkins. (DANDR p107)

The weightloss phases of the Atkins Nutritional Approach are not appropriate for pregnant women and nursing mothers. (DANDR p120)

Nursing mothers are advised to speak to their doctor about an appropriate meal plan. You and your doctor may be able to come up with a program that is both safe and effective for you and your nursing baby.

If you are TRYING TO CONCEIVE:
I have not found any specific reference to this on Atkins.com or DANDR. However, since Dr. Atkins advises against using any of the weightloss phases during both pregnancy or lactation, women would be well advised to refrain from losing weight while trying to conceive. Because a woman may be pregnant for a length of time and not know it, it is sensible to treat her body as if she were pregnant, and that means not trying to lose weight. Lifetime Maintenance is appropriate for such a time. I am aware there are some fertility medical conditions (such as PCOS) for which a doctor may recommend a low-carbohydrate diet as treatment, but that is only under the supervision of a physician.

It is not recommended to try to lose weight during pregnancy and lactation, and this is not just pertaining to Atkins---it means ANY method. This is common knowledge medically speaking, there are no safe ways to intentionally lose weight during these times without the consent and supervision of your doctor.

This is not medical advice! If you are pregnant, nursing or trying to conceive, you should talk to your doctor to find an appropriate eating plan for your specific condition.

After you are finished with nursing and with your doctor's clearance, come back to Atkins and get back with it. Many women successfully lose the baby weight and get right back on the Atkins wagon, and you can, too!

ADBB PREGNANCY FORUM