Most pregnant women devour their plate and have a huge appetite! Others have more of a bird's appetite. Does it matter when it happens?
For several reasons, the appetite of pregnant women may decrease along the way. This loss of appetite can happen during the first trimester, along with the nausea, but for some, the appetite will not return until after delivery. This is a subject that worries future mothers who would not want to miss anything at this time when their he alth is so important. Here is what can cause this unfortunate situation and how to fix it.
Causes and consequences
When pregnant women no longer want to eat, several factors can be involved. Of these, the most likely are nausea, gastric reflux, hormonal changes and lack of space.
No matter what causes this bird appetite, the consequences are always the same. Pregnant women feel weaker, even dizzy, and are at risk of deficiencies in iron, calcium, iodine and vitamins which are essential for a he althy pregnancy.
Of course, several vitamins and minerals can be recovered frompregnancy multivitamins. In particular, they provide all the folic acid you need to ensure your baby's neural tube development. But for your comfort and he alth, it's still best to manage those symptoms that keep you from eating.
Nausea
Those infamous nausea and vomiting of pregnancy that appear in early pregnancy usually disappear after the first trimester. When they do not go away and they cause you pain, your doctor can prescribe Diclectin to relieve you a little and give you the taste to eat.
Until then, there are several things you can do to ease your nausea:
- Smell freshly cut lemons and add slices to your water.
- Eat whenever you feel hungry and keep crackers by your bed to avoid morning sickness caused by fasting.
- Avoid mixing liquids and solids.
- Avoid strong smells.
- Use ginger and ginger ale. It is reputed to soothe the stomach.
Gastric reflux and heartburn
If you feel that your stomach is very acidic and you have a lot of gastric reflux, you probably don't have much of an appetite. You can take some antacids during pregnancy, but they don't always provide complete relief. Your pharmacist will advise you on the most suitable product for pregnancy.
You can alsoimprove your condition by following these tips:
- Avoid fried foods, mint, chocolate and citrus juices.
- Walk a bit after meals.
- Avoid sitting in a reclined or lying position after meals.
- Eat small meals frequently.
- Avoid clothing tight at the waist.
Hormonal changes that affect taste buds
The funny tastes that often make us laugh during pregnancy lose their humor when they prevent us from eating. If you're having a hard time eating your favorite meals, try trying new foods. Your taste buds may be playing tricks on you, and if so, eventually you'll find something that doesn't taste weird.
Lack of space
The older the baby gets, the less the stomach seems to have capacity. For some women, this crush quickly makes them feel full and prevents them from eating properly, so that they feel hungry and weak a few hours later.
If this is your case, you can still meet your energy needs, even if you eat less.
- Eat small meals often.
- Make nutritious and vitamin-packed drinks such as fruit and peanut butter smoothies or soy milk and banana drinks.
- Eat purees and soups.
- Take high-calorie snackssuch as uns alted nuts, dried fruits and cheese.
If despite everything you are unable to eat, ask your doctor for advice, who will check if you suffer from anemia. He will suggest foods suited to your disdain or deficiencies and will confirm whether your weight gain is normal.
