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Postpartum Weight Loss: How Much Weight Do Women Lose After Delivery
Think about a scenario: suppose you are told to hold a 2 kg weight in one hand; naturally, it feels easy. But when the weight gradually increases to 5 kg, then 10 kg, soon, your hand will not be able to handle it and will start to shake, straining your hand. Similarly, this is what can happen inside your body with extra fat and weight over time.
In some phases of life, like pregnancy, weight gain is completely normal and necessary for a healthy pregnancy, supporting your baby’s growth. After delivery, the body naturally starts shedding this extra weight. Most women lose about half of their pregnancy weight within 6 weeks postpartum through baby weight, fluids, and hormonal changes.
Also Read: Top 5 Pregnancy Apps Every Mum-to-Be Should Download in 2026
However, some women find weight loss more difficult because of metabolism shifts, stress, or lifestyle changes. As discussed earlier, you need to remove this extra weight to avoid future strain in your body, like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Thankfully, by following your doctor’s postpartum weight loss guidance, you can get back to your healthy weight.
Do You Naturally Lose Weight After Pregnancy?
Yes, you naturally lose some weight right after giving birth (usually around 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth)
How Much Weight Do You Lose Right After Giving Birth
Weight loss may vary from person to person. However, you might lose as much as 20 pounds (9 kg) in the first few weeks after giving birth.
Also Read: 10 Amazing Books for Parents-to-be and New Parents
Why It Is Difficult For Some Women to Lose Weight After Giving Birth
Some of the factors that make it harder to lose weight are:
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Thyroid Issues
- Disrupt Metabolism
- Insulin Resistance
- Water Retention
- Lifestyle and Emotional Factors
- Sleep Deprivation
- Stress (Cortisol)
- Limited Activity
- Emotional Changes
- The Body May Hold Onto Extra Weight for Breastfeeding
- Some Women Have a Longer Healing Process
2 Factors You Need to Consider Before Starting Your Weight Loss Journey
Fat mass and lean mass (muscle, organs, and bones) both contribute to weight.
Fat Mass
Fat is essential for the body, but excess increases the risks of health conditions.
Lean Mass (Muscle, Organs, and Bones)
Help in metabolism, strength, and healthy sugar level management.
Your doctor in Singapore will help curate a postpartum weight loss plan that will help you lose extra unhealthy weight due to fat mass and preserve lean mass.
Why is it Important to Lose Extra Weight Due to Fat Mass After Pregnancy
It is important because:
Negative Aspects (If You Don’t Lose it)
- Increases the risk for long-term obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
- Raise complications like gestational diabetes, large babies, and even stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies.
Positive Aspects (If You Lose it)
- Helps muscles tone
- Improves body shape
- Restores body firmness
- Prevent issues such as Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and hormonal imbalances
How to Lose Weight Safely After Delivery | Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss Program
Cryoviva Singapore (a cord blood or stem cell bank) says every woman is different, and to be kind to your body, especially after childbirth. Your doctor will help guide you to lose extra fat mass in a healthy manner; just follow their advice.
Here are some tips that your doctor may recommend:
Set Realistic Goals
- Aim for 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lbs) loss per week.
- Targeting 5-10% body weight over 6 months.
Focus on Balanced Nutrition & Diet
- Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (chicken, fish, and beans), and healthy fats (avocado and nuts).
- They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for recovery.
Keep Your Don’ts in Mind
- Avoiding rapid weight loss that can harm recovery or milk supply.
- Cut back on sugary drinks and refined sugars.
- Say no to fried foods and packaged snacks.
- These can hamper the body’s natural recovery process.
- Avoid heavy lifting and high-intensity cardio.
- Do not isolate yourself from loved ones.
- Avoid unnecessary comparisons to other pregnancy journeys.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water (2-3 liters daily), especially if breastfeeding.
- Hydration helps support metabolism and milk supply.
Give Time to Recovery Postpartum
- Start with low-impact activities like walking 30 minutes after your doctor’s approval.
- Nap when your baby naps to manage stress hormones.
- Acknowledge that baby blues are common.
- Take support for mental health.
Conclusion
Cryoviva Singapore (AABB-Accredited Cord Blood Bank in Singapore) encourages every woman to embrace her pregnancy journey. It took nine months to gain, so allow time to lose it, because rapid and stressful weight loss can cause more harm than good.
Always follow your doctor’s advice on a postpartum weight loss plan to regain your body’s strength, which can protect it in the future.
Planning to protect your baby’s health from potential future health conditions?
You can opt for stem cell preservation services, a choice many parents in Singapore are already making with Cryoviva Singapore.
Speak to our dedicated team to guide you further in the stem cell preservation services.
- Phone number: (65) 8339 8482
- Address: Corporate Office 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #01-06 Mapex, Singapore 577177
- Write Us: enquiry@cryoviva.com.sg
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational use only. For right weight loss after pregnancy, you must contact your healthcare professional only.
Note: This content is medically reviewed by the Cord Blood Collection Team of Cryoviva Singapore, a leading private cord blood bank in Singapore that has successfully stored over 10,000 umbilical cord blood and cord tissue units. All content is medically reviewed to ensure reliability and clinical accuracy.
FAQ's
Yes, it is common and normal to lose a little weight in the first trimester; it is often normal because of morning sickness, appetite loss, and hormonal changes. However, always consult your doctor for the right guidance.
Doctor-recommended post-pregnancy weight loss programs focus on safe, gradual weight reduction through a balanced diet, hydration, and gentle exercise. The program prioritizes nutrition for recovery and breastfeeding (if applicable) over quick, rapid weight loss after pregnancy.
No, weight loss is not a typical or reliable sign of pregnancy. But if you are romantically involved and a home pregnancy kit shows positive, then you can experience loss in weight due to morning sickness, appetite loss, and hormonal changes.