Pregnancy can be confusing because every woman’s experience is different, but everyone you know has truckloads of advice. One of the most persistent myths about pregnancy is odd food cravings such as the classic pickles and ice cream. Some women do experience cravings ranging from healthy obsessions such as fresh fruit to more alarming compulsions such as laundry detergent or dirt. If you are experiencing a normal pregnancy and are just not overly hungry, relax. Not having cravings is just as normal as having them.
Nutrition
Pregnant women require more calories and more folic acid, but eating for two should not mean a massive increase in your food intake. A diet based on fresh fruits and vegetables with plenty of lean protein, whole grains and healthy fats should be enough to keep both you and your growing baby healthy. If you don’t have much appetite, eat several small meals throughout the day.
Stages
Morning sickness can make eating enough difficult. The cause of morning sickness is still not known, but it may be tied to hormones, fluctuating hormone levels or an increased sensitivity to foods that are more likely to harm the fetus such as meats, dairy, fish, eggs and drinks containing alcohol and caffeine. Morning sickness usually ends at about the 12th week of pregnancy. The second trimester is usually when cravings start, but not every woman has them. Appetite loss is common in the last trimester, because your baby is taking up an awful lot of room inside of you. Acid reflux and heartburn are common, as is constipation. Small, nutritious meals, lots of fiber, mild exercise and staying hydrated can help rev up your appetite.
Cravings
Not all women experience cravings, and their cause is unknown. As long as you are gaining an appropriate amount of weight and experiencing a normal, healthy pregnancy, a mild lack of appetite is nothing to worry about. Write down what you eat to make sure that you are taking in enough calories per day. Take a slow tour through the supermarket to see what tempts you if you are concerned that you aren’t eating enough.
Warning
Proper prenatal care is important both for your health and the health of your baby. It’s normal to lose a few pounds when you are in the early stages of pregnancy, and morning sickness sometimes lasts all nine months. Be honest with your doctor about what you are feeling and what you are eating, so that she can help you figure out how to get the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that you and your baby need. If you have odd cravings, such as for laundry detergent or dirt, contact your doctor as this could be a sign of a serious iron deficiency.
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