What Causes Loss of Appetite During Pregnancy?

Appetite Loss During Pregnancy: Causes & Management

Changes in appetite is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms as your body undergoes multiple changes during this time.

While it is common for many women to experience increased hunger and food cravings, more women than you know experience a loss of appetite. There might be times when you find food unappetizing or you just can’t eat even though you are hungry.

This can be surprising and concerning, especially when eating more is essential to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Read ahead to know more about the loss of appetite during pregnancy.

Is Loss of Appetite Normal during Pregnancy? 

Loss of appetite during pregnancy is pretty normal despite all the talk about “eating for two”. There can be numerous reasons due to which there can be a loss of appetite, two of them being nausea and the baby taking up space in the abdominal area. But again, pregnancy is different for different people.

What are the reasons for loss of appetite during pregnancy?

There are several reasons that can cause loss of appetite, including:

1. Nausea and vomiting:

Commonly known as morning sickness, it is experienced majorly in the first trimester, and is one of the significant reasons for reduced appetite. Frequent vomiting or constant nausea can make you avoid meals or reduce food intake. However, it is necessary to seek professional help when you encounter a more serious case of vomiting and nausea.

2. Hormones:

Pregnancy is famous for triggering hormonal changes in the body, particularly the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), progesterone and estrogen. While these hormones play an essential role in supporting pregnancy, they can also suppress hunger.

3. Food aversions:

During pregnancy, certain women develop an aversion to specific foods, which is usually triggered by increased sensitivity to smell and taste. These aversions can make it difficult to tolerate or eat certain meals or ingredients, resulting in a limited range of acceptable foods and an overall decrease in appetite.

4. Gastrointestinal issues:

Digestive issues are another common cause of appetite loss. Bloating, constipation, indigestion and heartburn can occur due to slowed digestion and growing pressure of the uterus on the digestive organs, reducing the desire to eat.

5. Emotional and Mental Health:

Several mental health conditions can affect your appetite. In fact, pregnant women are more prone to mental health issues due to various changes taking place both mentally and physically.  Pregnancy-related stress, anxiety or prenatal depression can lead to a lack of interest in food. So it is very essential to take care of the mental and emotional well-being for both the mother and the fetal health.

6. Fatigue and discomfort:

The physical demands of pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters, can be extremely exhausting, leading to fatigue and general discomfort. This can lead to a lack of motivation to prepare and eat healthy meals, causing a decline in appetite.

When should you be concerned?

Occasional loss of appetite during pregnancy is usually not a cause for alarm, but specific symptoms might indicate a more serious issue that requires medical attention.

You need to seek professional help if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or rapid weight loss
• Constant nausea or vomiting that prevents you from keeping food and fluids down
• Extreme fatigue, dizziness and fainting spells
• Signs of dehydration, like dry mouth, reduced urination or dark urine
• Complete loss of appetite for several days without improvement

How to Manage Appetite Loss During Pregnancy?

If you are dealing with a loss of appetite, you may be looking for ways to address it. Here are a few different things you can try, whether you are experiencing appetite loss in the first trimester or the third:

1. Avoid your food aversions: You don’t have to force yourself to eat foods that make you nauseous, no matter how healthy. You can eat nutritious foods that you don’t feel aversion towards and can consume.
2. Eat small, frequent meals: Instead of focusing on three large meals a day, keep them small and eat them every 2- 3 hours to keep consuming nutrients without overwhelming your taste and smell receptors.
3. Stay Hydrated: Even if you are not hungry, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial during your pregnancy. Sipping on clear fluids like lemonade, coconut water, diluted fruit juices, or herbal teas can also be soothing and hydrating.
4. Choose easy-to-digest foods: Go for light, bland and easily digestible foods like banana, toast, rice, yoghurt and soups. They are less likely to trigger any nausea or discomfort and help you maintain some level of nourishment.
5. Prioritise a nutrient-rich diet: Try to include foods rich in protein, iron, calcium and healthy fats. Nutritious snacks like hard-boiled eggs, nuts, smoothies, wholegrain crackers, fruits and sauteed or boiled vegetables can offer much value in smaller portions.

Every pregnancy is different, so it may take some trial and error to figure out what works for you. Listening to your body and seeking professional help when needed can go a long way in taking good care of your health.