Pregnancy affects every woman differently, and for some women, it can completely take away their appetites. Maybe this is you, and you’re starting to worry about your loss of appetite during pregnancy?
After all, surely you should be eating everything in sight, with major cravings, stuffing down calories left-right, and center?
Well, the first thing to remember is that every pregnancy is different. That’s something we say an awful lot, but that’s because it’s so so true.
The second thing you need to consider is that you’re not on your own. This happens a surprising amount, and so many women end with no appetite during pregnancy, especially early on.
Strangely enough, an awful lot of them end up asking the same questions, too, so we’re going to attempt to answer as many as possible here.
Loss of Appetite During Pregnancy Explained
Shouldn’t I Be Eating More Calories During My Pregnancy?
Yes, of course. Anywhere from 300 to 900 more, depending on how far into your pregnancy you are.
But remember, your body knows what it needs, so try and listen to it. Eat steadily, and as often as possible, and talk to your doctor.
What Are Some Tips for Trying to Eat More When You Have No Appetite?
Eat little and often. Snack every couple of hours, with small, healthy meals. Fruits and nuts are excellent choices for this, and so are healthy cereal bars.
If you’re struggling to keep anything down, or just can’t face food, try and eat relatively dry, tasteless, and scentless foods. Eat whatever you can stomach. If you’re struggling with food, any calories are better than no calories.
It can also be easier for some women to drink meal replacement shakes or protein shakes for healthy calories, rather than having to force down food.
What Causes a Poor Appetite During Pregnancy?
Your body is making important adjustments to accommodate the developing fetuses. That’s why appetite loss is completely normal, and nothing to worry about as long as it doesn’t last too long.
It’s more likely to happen near the end of the first trimester and into the second trimester, as the digestive system becomes sluggish and nausea becomes far more prevalent.
Will Eating Like This Affect My Babies?
It shouldn’t, as long as it doesn’t last too long and your developing twins are still having their nutritional requirements met.
However, if it goes on long enough or you’re not meeting the nutritional requirements of your developing babies, it could cause issues. As always, and like we keep saying, it’s best to speak to your doctor.
What’s the Best Thing to Do?
Keep eating, little and often. Use the tips up above to help you eat even if you don’t want to and can’t face it.
It’s also good to supplement with a pregnancy-specific multivitamin. We’d recommend doing this anyway, but if you aren’t then grab one and start taking it regularly for the extra boost in vitamins and nutrients.
Remember, it’s no longer just about you. Even if you can’t face food, you aren’t just eating for yourself.
A lack of appetite during pregnancy is no excuse not to be eating because you’re eating for your children, so make sure you get something down, no matter what it is.
The best thing you can always do is discuss it with a medical professional. If your loss of appetite goes on for more than a couple of days, make sure you talk to your doctor and get yourself checked out.
As long as you keep eating, you’re going to be able to give your babies what they need. Just make sure you’re living as healthily as possible and making the right choices, and you should be fine.
Did you experience a loss of appetite during pregnancy? When did it happen, and how did you cope with it? We’d love to hear your story, so let us know in the comments!
