How To Deal with Appetite Loss During Pregnancy

How To Deal with Appetite Loss During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings several emotional and physical changes. From mood swings to “bhookh swings”, women face it all. Most pregnant women experience appetite loss during pregnancy. It is like you look at your favorite food worldwide, yet you do not feel like eating it because it does not appeal to you.

Struggling with appetite loss during pregnancy can be concerning because, without a proper diet, your body does not receive the essential nutrients required to support you and your baby. You must be wondering about the causes of appetite loss during pregnancy and how to manage it.

Don’t worry. We will guide you through it. This blog will explore the various causes of appetite loss during pregnancy and will share the best tips to manage it. Additionally, we will mention the best prenatal vitamin to bridge the gaps. Let’s start.

Causes of Appetite Loss During Pregnancy

Hormonal Changes:

During pregnancy, your hormones change rapidly, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. This sudden change in hormones causes the loss of appetite during pregnancy. To deliver all the essential nutrients to your body, you should consume prenatal vitamins along with a balanced diet to support you and your baby.

Morning Sickness:

Some of the most common symptoms of pregnancy are nausea and morning sickness. Both of these are the real kicker. Surprise, surprise, both nausea and morning sickness cause loss of appetite during pregnancy while leading to nutrient deficiency in your body. To overcome it, you can consult your healthcare provider first and then start pregnancy supplements along with a balanced diet.

Stress and Anxiety:

Emotional rollercoasters are a part of every pregnancy and affect most women in the worst way possible. One minute you are happy, the next you are The Grinch. Most women also worry about pregnancy, labour, and their well-being after delivery. All this stress and anxiety cause loss of appetite during pregnancy. Therefore, to make up for the lost nutrients, you should consume prenatal vitamins only after consulting your healthcare provider. 

Digestive Issues:

It is one of the most common events of early pregnancy that slows down your digestion, causes constipation, bloating, heartburn, and other issues. All these digestive disorders cause loss of appetite during pregnancy, which requires prenatal vitamins to overcome them.

How to Manage Appetite Loss During Pregnancy?

Small & Frequent Meals:

Eat small and frequent meals throughout the day. It helps reduce the digestive system's burden and makes eating manageable during appetite loss.

Go For Nutrient-Rich Foods:

Eating nutrient-dense food becomes crucial during appetite loss. Thus, eating lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables helps get adequate nutrients.

Hydration Is the Key:

Staying hydrated is essential to keep the body healthy. However, if plain water is not working, try lemon, cucumber, mint water, herbal teas, or coconut water.

Fight Morning Sickness:

Eating dry, plain crackers, sipping ginger tea, nibbling on ginger candies, or snacking on bland foods helps ease nausea and morning sickness.

Avoid Food Triggers:

Pay attention to items that trigger nausea or appetite loss. Avoid eating triggering items and opt for foods like plain yoghurt, simple soups, mashed potatoes, etc., that are gentle on the stomach.

Take Prenatal Vitamins:

Prenatal vitamins help fill the dietary gaps and provide enough nutrients to the body to support the well-being of both the baby and the mother.

Things to Eat

  • Protein-rich foods: Greek yoghurt, hard-boiled eggs, sliced chicken, roasted chickpeas, cheese, and crackers
  • Bland, fibre-rich veggies: Green beans, sweet potatoes, raw spinach salad, and baby carrots
  • Tiny, simple bites: Oatmeal, dried fruits, fresh berries, and plain cottage cheese
  • Soups
  • Liquids: Coconut water, infused water, smoothies, and simple broths

Why is Trimacare the Best Prenatal Vitamin for Appetite Loss During Pregnancy?

Appetite loss during pregnancy is a common symptom, leading to a lack of nutrients in the body. This is where Trimacare prenatal vitamins provide a comprehensive solution. It is formulated by following the guidelines of the WHO and the Indian Council of Medical Research. It provides 20+ essential nutrients to fill the dietary gaps, even if your appetite has decreased.

Trimacare is a trimester-wise formula that fulfils the nutritional needs of Indian expectant mothers experiencing appetite loss during pregnancy. It includes nutrients like folic acid, calcium, iron, etc., to provide optimal support during the baby’s development.

Conclusion

Appetite loss during pregnancy is something that most women suffer, but this is manageable. Eating small and frequent meals, nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, fighting nausea, and seeking support whenever needed can help you. Also, choosing prenatal vitamins can help fill the dietary gaps during appetite loss. However, before starting any supplement, consult your doctor.

FAQs

1. Why do I lose my appetite during pregnancy?

Appetite loss during pregnancy can happen due to hormonal changes, morning sickness, digestive issues like bloating or constipation, or stress.

2. Is loss of appetite in early pregnancy normal?

Yes, loss of appetite in early pregnancy is common.

3. Are there any specific foods that help improve the loss of appetite during pregnancy?

You can try eating ginger, citrus foods, avocados, and whole-grain toast to improve appetite loss.

4. What drinks help with loss of appetite during pregnancy?

Ginger tea, coconut water, infused water, and smoothies.

5. Can prenatal vitamins help with a lost appetite?

Yes, prenatal vitamins like Trimacare™ help provide essential nutrients to expectant mothers.

6. What foods can help with the decreased appetite during pregnancy?

Banana, Greek yoghurt, eggs, avocado, and whole-grain toast with nut butter.

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Pallavi Aggarwal

A Certified Nutritionist with a rich healthcare background in health journalism, the author has immense experience in curating reader-friendly, engaging, and informative healthcare blogs to empower readers to make informed pregnancy-related decisions.