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Decrease in Appetite in Pregnancy

Although most women have an increased appetite during pregnancy, decreased appetite is also very common, especially in the first trimester.

What is the reason of this?

There are many different explanations for experiencing a decrease in appetite during pregnancy, most of which are most common in the first trimester.

  • Morning sickness: Most commonly seen during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, nausea and morning sickness will inhibit many women's appetites. Eating can be overwhelming when battling persistent nausea or vomiting.
  • Reluctance: Although common in the first trimester, and possibly persisting throughout pregnancy, reluctance to food can make it difficult to eat, especially if there is repulsion to it.
  • Increased sense of smell: Increased sense of smell, often accompanied by morning sickness and food reluctance, may cause loss of appetite.
  • Growing baby: Most commonly later in pregnancy, the pressure exerted by the growing baby on the belly can cause a decrease in appetite.
  • Tips

    While it is important to gain adequate weight during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, it is quite common to notice a decrease in appetite from time to time. For nausea and morning sickness, you can try talking to your healthcare provider about using Vitamin B6, or try ginger supplements, including ginger tea or lozenges, to reduce nausea and make it easier to eat. You may want to talk to your healthcare provider to develop a strategy to help you eat more and gain enough weight.

    Caution

    If you're losing weight, can't consistently hold back on food, or if you often feel lightheaded, it may be time to contact with your healthcare provider. Pregnancy comes with a number of discomforts, but constantly feeling symptomatic can be a sign of a more serious illness. It never hurts to ask!

    Decrease in Appetite in Pregnancy

    Although most women have an increased appetite during pregnancy, decreased appetite is also very common, especially in the first trimester.

    What is the reason of this?

    There are many different explanations for experiencing a decrease in appetite during pregnancy, most of which are most common in the first trimester.

  • Morning sickness: Most commonly seen during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, nausea and morning sickness will inhibit many women's appetites. Eating can be overwhelming when battling persistent nausea or vomiting.
  • Reluctance: Although common in the first trimester, and possibly persisting throughout pregnancy, reluctance to food can make it difficult to eat, especially if there is repulsion to it.
  • Increased sense of smell: Increased sense of smell, often accompanied by morning sickness and food reluctance, may cause loss of appetite.
  • Growing baby: Most commonly later in pregnancy, the pressure exerted by the growing baby on the belly can cause a decrease in appetite.
  • Tips

    While it is important to gain adequate weight during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, it is quite common to notice a decrease in appetite from time to time. For nausea and morning sickness, you can try talking to your healthcare provider about using Vitamin B6, or try ginger supplements, including ginger tea or lozenges, to reduce nausea and make it easier to eat. You may want to talk to your healthcare provider to develop a strategy to help you eat more and gain enough weight.

    Caution

    If you're losing weight, can't consistently hold back on food, or if you often feel lightheaded, it may be time to contact with your healthcare provider. Pregnancy comes with a number of discomforts, but constantly feeling symptomatic can be a sign of a more serious illness. It never hurts to ask!