Women tend to eat a lot when they are pregnant, and this is quite the norm. However, some have no appetite during pregnancy. Is this something mums-to-be should be worried about?
Pregnancy is a time of significant physical and emotional changes, and one common symptom that many women experience is a loss of appetite.
While this can be concerning for expectant mothers who are worried about their nutrition and the health of their growing baby, it’s not necessarily a cause for alarm.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why pregnant women may experience a lack of appetite, as well as some tips for managing this common pregnancy symptom.
No Appetite During Pregnancy: What Causes It?
It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience a lack of appetite. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as hormonal changes, morning sickness, changes in taste and smell, and stress and anxiety. However, it’s important to try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy to ensure that both you and your baby are getting the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
1. Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, your body experiences significant hormonal changes, including an increase in the hormone progesterone. Progesterone can slow down the digestive system, making you feel fuller for longer and decreasing your appetite.
2. Nausea and vomiting
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Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom that affects many women during the first trimester. Nausea and vomiting can make it difficult to eat or keep food down, leading to a loss of appetite.
3. Changes in taste and smell
Pregnancy can also cause changes in your sense of taste and smell, which can make certain foods unappealing or even repulsive.
4. Stress and anxiety
Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and stress and anxiety can also impact your appetite.
Furthermore, depression during pregnancy is connected to lower intakes of critical nutrients like folate, fatty acids, iron, and zinc as well as an increase in the desire for unhealthy foods. The foetus and mother’s health may suffer as a result.
5. Mental Health Disorder
Due to the guilt that some pregnant women feel discussing mental health illnesses, mental health disorders sometimes go undetected during pregnancy. It’s crucial to speak with a reputable healthcare provider if you’re displaying signs of depression or anxiety.
6. Medications
A decrease in appetite is one of the side effects of some drugs that are safe to take while pregnant.
When pregnant women are diagnosed with depression or anxiety, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft and Prozac are sometimes recommended.
SSRIs may make people feel less hungry. In reality, after beginning fluoxetine (Prozac) for depression, some pregnant women have experienced a total loss of appetite, early fullness, and weight loss.
Aside from these medications, buprenorphine and olanzapine may also cause a decrease in appetite.
7. Disordered eating
Anorexia and bulimia are two eating disorders that some pregnant women may encounter. Changes in appetite, a fear of gaining weight, and a reduction in food consumption can all be symptoms of disordered eating.
Ask your doctor about treatment options if you have an eating disorder while pregnant.
Other potential causes
Medical issues include tumours, delayed stomach emptying, heartburn, and Addison’s disease can all cause pregnant women to lose their appetite.
Moreover, some pregnant women may experience appetite loss due to dietary shortages in vitamin B12 and iron, and general discomfort from carrying a baby.
Potential Complications Related to Poor Intake During Pregnancy
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