Control the loss of appetite during pregnancy

Many women lose their appetite during pregnancy. They may find food unappealing, or they may feel hungry but can consume any type of food. If you are dealing with these symptoms, you may want to know what causes your loss of appetite and how to treat it to maintain a balanced diet throughout your pregnancy.

During pregnancy, a woman's appetite can fluctuate greatly, especially as your body goes through stages of change during pregnancy. With loss of appetite, women may not exhibit an appetite for all foods.
Loss of appetite, which is different from aversion to certain foods, is also quite common during pregnancy. Several factors can cause loss of appetite during pregnancy, such as:
1.1 Nausea and vomiting Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Even so, some women may experience these symptoms throughout their pregnancy. Both nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can significantly affect a woman's food intake and appetite.
Research has shown that fluctuations in the hormones leptin and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during pregnancy can lead to decreased appetite, more nausea and vomiting. A study in 2,270 pregnant women demonstrated that among women who experienced frequent nausea and vomiting, up to 70% reported a decline in certain food intake during pregnancy.
Pregnant women who have lost their appetite due to nausea and vomiting should try to avoid fatty or spicy foods, avoid drinking water while eating, and divide food into smaller, more frequent meals. Most pregnant women can easily tolerate dry, salty foods, like cookies, as well as bland foods like grilled chicken breast. However, pregnant women are advised to seek medical attention if they experience severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

1.2 Mood swings Various psychological health conditions, including anxiety and depression, can affect a pregnant woman's appetite. In fact, pregnant women may be more prone to mental health problems due to various physical and biochemical changes. In particular, depression can lead to changes in eating habits, including decreased appetite and reduced intake of nutrient-rich foods.
In a study of 94 pregnant women, 51% of those diagnosed with depression had a poor diet, increasing to 71% after 6 months. Furthermore, depression during pregnancy has been associated with decreased appetite for healthy foods, increased appetite for unhealthy foods, and decreased intake of important nutrients such as folate, fatty acids, iron and zinc.
This can negatively affect the health of the fetus and pregnant woman. Mental health disorders often go undiagnosed during pregnancy due to the susceptibility of the illness to many people. Meeting and asking for support from reputable medical professionals can help pregnant women improve their condition and have a healthy pregnancy.
1.3 Using drugs

Some medications that are safe to use during pregnancy can cause side effects such as decreased appetite. Selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft and Prozac are sometimes prescribed for pregnant women diagnosed with depression or anxiety. SSRIs can cause a decrease in appetite.
In fact, some pregnant women have reported a complete loss of appetite, early satiety and weight loss after taking fluoxetine (Prozac) to treat depression. Similarly, Olanzapine and Buprenorphine are other medications that can lead to a decrease in appetite
Some pregnant women may experience eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia. Experts estimate that the prevalence of disordered eating in pregnant women is between 0.6% and 27.8%. Improper eating can lead to changes in appetite, obsession with weight gain, and reduced food intake. If a pregnant woman has an eating disorder, she should consult her health care provider for appropriate treatment options.

Some foods can be prioritized for pregnant women to use to ensure adequate nutrition for pregnant women and fetuses. Many of the following foods are simple to prepare in small portions, feel full, and are easy to digest.
Protein-rich snacks: hard-boiled eggs, greek yogurt, baked chickpeas, cheese, crackers, sliced ​​chicken, turkey or cold ham Pale, high-fiber vegetables: sweet potatoes, chickpeas, carrots (steamed or raw) and raw spinach salad Sweet fruit and fibrous foods: oatmeal, dried fruit and cold dairy products like cheese Good nuts and starches: quinoa, brown rice, pasta, baked or mashed potatoes Soups: chicken noodle soup and chicken soup Liquids: bone broth and healthy smoothies

If the loss of appetite is related to nausea or vomiting, you can try consuming smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, and increasing your intake of ginger and thiamine. At the same time, acupuncture can be a useful option for pregnant women during pregnancy.
Severe nausea and vomiting may require different treatments, including medications and intravenous (IV) fluids. If pregnant women experience nutritional deficiencies due to loss of appetite, they may need high-dose nutritional supplements to restore numbers to healthy ranges. Therefore, it is very important to listen to your body and seek medical advice when necessary.

If you experience frequent loss of appetite or loss of appetite for specific foods, it's usually just to make sure you're getting enough nutrients daily from other food sources.
In addition, some pregnant women may lose their appetite for aromatic and meaty foods. However, it is a relatively common condition and is not usually a cause of concern for health problems.
Conversely, if pregnant women frequently skip meals or lose their appetite for more than a day, they should contact healthcare professionals for advice. Malnutrition can lead to many complications related to fetal health, including poor growth, low birth weight, neurological effects and behavioral problems in the baby. Pregnant women who experience chronic anorexia tend to be at risk for anemia, fetal growth abnormalities, and premature birth.

Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal check-ups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and other routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively.
In addition to regular check-ups, pregnant women will also be advised on nutrition and exercise so that the mother can gain weight reasonably while the fetus still absorbs nutrients well.

Reference article: Healthline.com