Is Ketosis Safe While Pregnant?

Here’s what you need to know about keto and pregnancy. Let’s talk about keto and pregnancy. You might hear that keto is not healthy for someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. So, is keto safe when pregnant?

Timestamps
0:00 Introduction: Keto and pregnancy
0:10 Is keto safe when you’re pregnant?
2:38 Pregnancy and a high-carb diet
3:04 Share your success story!

What to Eat and When Pregnant:

Foods to Avoid When Pregnant:

The conventional thought is that we need to consume 175g-300+g of carbs per day. This includes women who are pregnant. It’s recommended that 45-65% of all of your calories be carbohydrates.

It’s also said that ketones could affect fetal brain development. This thought is based on one study that measured urine ketones (not blood ketones) just one time during labor (not throughout pregnancy). This is somehow correlated to the child’s IQ. But, there were no follow-up studies to confirm the outcome. However, women typically don’t eat anything during labor. So, if you’re not eating, you’re generating ketones.

It's actually natural for a pregnant woman to make ketones. She may generate even more ketones than when she's not pregnant, even if the carbs are a bit higher. Ketosis is very different from ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a situation where a diabetic doesn't take their insulin, and they have extremely high blood sugar levels, very high ketones, very acidic urine, and the blood starts to become very acidic. This is much different than what happens when you're pregnant.

The problem with pregnancy and being on a high-carb diet is that you increase the risk of gestational diabetes, and you greatly affect the future of the child’s health. It is vital that a woman eats extremely healthy while pregnant.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

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Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

#keto #ketodiet #weightloss #ketolifestyle

Thanks for watching! I hope this helps you better understand keto and pregnancy.

[toadercy]

With our first baby, my wife was eating like the dieticians suggest. Even though the girl was born healthy, she does have issues with weight now, aged 10. My wife struggled immensely with hormonal issues and weight gain during and after pregnancy. For 6 years after, she suffered with PCOS and obesity, the doctors said no more kids for us. Then, we found Dr Berg and she went on keto. Two years later, we were expecting our second baby. The whole permanency we stayed keto, she was feeling great, no morning sickness, no swelling, no blood pressure issues (unlike the first baby time) and she delivered a healthy baby boy, 4.5kg. She lost her baby weight in less than 8 months and continued breastfeeding all along. She has never been better-looking than now, she is healthy, confident and joyful! Keto does miracles!!! Thank you Dr Berg for making this happen for us!

[emeraldelle]

I am 40 years old and pregnant with my fourth keto baby. Conceived all of them on the first try and they are very healthy children.

[colleeyd]

I am not Keto, but definitely low carb. I make my own einkorn sourdough and eat 1 slice a day. Besides that, the rest of my diet is pretty keto. I was carb heavy my whole life and during my first pregnancy. While I didn’t have weight issues at all, I was just definitely anemic especially during my first pregnancy. I’m 32 weeks pregnant with baby #2. Low carb has been amazing for me. I am so much more comfortable and no longer struggle with anemia! I’m not even on a “pure” keto diet.

[VictoriaReadsReddit]

When I was pregnant I ate a whole food high carb low fat vegan diet. I had no morning sickness, no swelling at all at any point, no gestational diabetes, was able lose weight during the pregnancy (I was obese), carried my daughter to 41 weeks when they had to induce, gave birth vaginally without any issues, she was 8 lbs 6 oz and had no health problems, was able to breastfeed afterwards without issues.

Each person is different and different diets might not have the same affect on everyone. Do what works best for you. I will say that eating whole foods, whether plant based or meat based, does seem to have the most benefits.

[sconnielassie]

I’m 42 and pregnant with my second keto baby. I feel
Best eating that way. I won’t compromise.

[Maal]

“Someday I’m gonna find out who they is” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[Emily_Easton]

I had heard these things as well....it's been eating away at me thinking this was what caused my miscarriage in February. This gives me some peace of mind. Thank you Dr. Berg.

[CarolynnMarkey]

I had a keto pregnancy. It was awesome. By the way I have had six miscarriages and I wasn’t keto for those. (I have a blood clotting disorder) I also stayed keto after birth for eight months. My daughter is almost four, smart, and very normal. :) I will do keto if I ever have another baby… due to the blood clotting issue.

[mandeeprettyman]

I did keto while pregnant with my 3rd baby and it was by far my easiest pregnancy. My baby girl grew and developed perfectly. My labor and delivery was great too(I’m sure a little of that had to do with it being my third but you get the point) 10/10 recommend staying on keto during pregnancy. So much less fatigue and I only gained what I needed to for the baby. I got a lot of flak about it from friends and family but I just ensured them that keto is safe and that I was not lacking getting anything to the baby by being on keto. I did take a good multivitamin though just to be sure.

[mira]

I'm 6 weeks pregnant at age 37, thank you for this Doc.

[Jewelanncn]

I had 2 scheduled c-sections and was told not to eat or drink 12 hrs before the surgery, so I definitely didn't have anything to eat! I'm also currently breastfeeding my 2 yr old while being on a keto diet and he's doing great! 😊

[carmen_sandiego]

When my contractions start i stop eating anything i just use drinks to satisfy my hunger and my contractions last for 3 days and on the 4th day my baby is born may GOD help every woman bearing children is difficult

[sarahbutler]

Hey Dr. Berg I've watched your videos for 7 years now! AND I buy your supplements and have had my clients buy your supplements. I say all this to say to you that I am a Traditional Midwife and women in certain phases of their labors will eat or will not eat depending on the phase. They need the nutrition because they burn on average 10, 000 calories! that is equivalent to what a marathon runner burns. Needless to say the clients I have, when I run their urine tests almost always have ketones in their urine. Obviously the mother is not starving because she is eating food. would love more content on pregnancy, neonates and ketones. Thank you!

[bubblemummy]

Twenty nine and a half hours of labour, followed by emergency c-section, food was the last thing on my mind! I was in hospital for a week after, successfully breastfeeding and actually ate very little, and wasn't hungry. Felt great, plenty milk for baby!

[saltrock]

Common sense tells me if you eat healthy meats and vegetables(even some fruit) this would be the best thing for the baby. Also helps to have a healthy potential mom and dad before the seed is planted. 🙂

[athirahaziz]

I'm just started Keto one month ago after ramadhan fasting.. i was searching for answers for my hormonal & infertility problems.. i had miscarriaged last year (it was conceived by hormonal injections) since before that were trying hard to conceive (3 months/i'm 33).. since Keto i've conceived naturally after one try.. tqsm Dr.. your videos on pregnancy food really helps me..

[MatiaBryson]

With me the rule in the 1980s from Dr's and hospitals was no solid food in labor whether you wanted it or not. In case of emergency cesarean with general anesthesia, was the reason given. I guess ketosis concerned them less.

[CandaceTarbat]

I’ve been through three labours including giving birth to twins (the last and fastest labour) and I wasn’t hungry at all during any of them. I guess the body is focused on giving birth so it knows to tap into your stores of energy.

[Jesuslovesme]

I’ve had three pregnancies. First and third I gained a total of 50 pounds and first time it was two weeks before I was back to normal weight but the third time I still have the weight gain on me. My second pregnancy however, was different. I had spent six years of hormonal imbalance, and when I began to eat keto, not only did it balance my hormones, and I lost 35 pounds within a month, but it boosted my fertility and after six years, I conceived Not one child, but, one in 2019 and the last one in 2021. My pregnancy immediately after eating keto, resulted and only 17 pounds of weight and that included placenta, etc. So, in conclusion, ketosis, not only benefits, hormonal balance, if you have had Issues with balance or PCOS, but I found that I gained significantly less than the other non-keto pregnancies

[dawnelder]

My mother in law studied nursing in the early 50s in Canada. There was a diet for pregnant women in one of her textbooks.
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, liver and cheese. At least 1 egg per day. Cheese at least 3 times a week. Liver once a week.
4 glasses of milk
2 servings fruit, 1 citrus, may be tomatoe.
1 green vegetable, 1 yellow vegetable with butter
1 small salad
1 serving whole grain for breakfast
1 slice whole wheat bread with butter for lunch
1 small potatoe for supper
Water
If you put on too much poundage remove the grains.
When I had my last baby 1988 I ate 1600 low fat, high fibre calories a day. Gained 80 pounds and had many a lecture about gaining too much. It was a horrible pregnancy in every way, despite wanting a baby. Constant hunger, guilt about gaining too much and guilt about not eating enough.
The only reason I managed that pregnancy is that in a desperate attempt to lose weight, as my normal 1200 low fat, high fibre diet was failing, I went on the evil Atkins diet. I am quite sure the Evil Atkins diet is responsible for my first child as well. I had been told several times as a teen I would never have children. 3 week periods, with a week between.
My mistake was not staying on the Evil Atkins diet.
If I could go back in time I would have a lot to tell myself.