Your image of pregnancy might be one of wild cravings and perhaps some overeating, but many women lose their appetite while they pregnant, particularly during their first trimester. While a lack of appetite is common, getting the right nutrients is essential for your growing baby. You can tackle your appetite loss in a number of ways.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is the hallmark of the first trimester for many pregnant women. Despite its name, morning sickness can hit at any -- or every -- time of day. Constant nausea and vomiting can have a major impact on a pregnant woman's appetite. So, you might not be interested in eating much during the first trimester out of fear that you might throw it right back up. Morning sickness is common and caused by the changing hormones in your body as it adapts to the pregnancy.
Sense of Smell
Another pregnancy symptom that has an impact on your appetite is a heightened sense of smell. Like all symptoms, not all women experience this, but those who do might find the smells of many foods unappetizing. This, in turn, results in a lack of appetite. After all, it's hard to persuade yourself to eat foods if the smell of them alone is revolting.
Treatments
Early pregnancy nausea is unavoidable for many women, but there are some treatments that can help reduce the symptoms. Many women find that eating bland foods like saltines can help an upset stomach, as can ginger candy or ginger ale. If your nausea prevents you from eating altogether, talk to your obstetrician about getting a prescription for some anti-nausea medication, which can greatly reduce your nausea and, as a result, increase your appetite.
Considerations
What you eat during pregnancy is important, since everything you eat impacts your baby. A lack of appetite can limit the nutrients you get. Your baby will get his nutrients from you, but if you cannot eat well or enough, your nutrient supply will be depleted, as it is all going to the baby. Share any concerns about lack of appetite with your obstetrician, who can help find a treatment that allows you to eat appropriately during your pregnancy.
