Loss of appetite during pregnancy is common in the first trimester of pregnancy. If it continues, pregnant women and their fetuses can be malnourished. Find out how to deal with loss of appetite during pregnancy before this condition affects the health of the pregnant woman and the development of the fetus.
Loss of appetite during pregnancy is generally caused by hormonal changes and morning sickness. This condition is actually natural to experience in the early trimester of pregnancy, but you need to be careful if it continues throughout pregnancy.
How to Overcome Loss of Appetite When Pregnant
Ideally, during pregnancy, pregnant women will gain about 11–16 kg of their initial weight. If pregnant women lack appetite, this can result in pregnant women experiencing nutritional deficiencies, which in turn triggers fetal development disorders, premature births, and even miscarriages.
Well, to avoid this, there are several ways pregnant women can do to overcome loss of appetite during pregnancy, including:
1. Consume slightly cold food
Usually warm or hot food will give off a more pungent aroma. This can make some pregnant women feel nauseous and lose their appetite.
To avoid this, pregnant women can let the food sit until it starts to cool and loses its aroma. After that, pregnant women consume it.
2. Make food more varied
Eating the same food every day is certainly boring and can make pregnant women not in the mood to eat it. So, in order not to get bored, pregnant women can make the types of food consumed more varied, while still providing sufficient nutrients needed by the body, yes.
Try changing the food menu every day or changing the way it is served. For example, if pregnant women are nauseous when they have to eat green vegetables, instead they can mix green vegetables and favorite fruits in the form of juice. However, make sure the food that pregnant women consume is really cooked.
Another example is pregnant women can replace meat consumption with nuts, because these two foods both contain high protein.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly can also help overcome loss of appetite during pregnancy. The reason is, physical activity can stimulate the brain to release compounds that can improve mood and stimulate pregnant women's appetite.
Some sports that are safe for pregnant women to do at the same time can increase appetite, among others, take a leisurely walk and swim.
4. Get enough sleep
To increase appetite, pregnant women also need adequate sleep, you know. The reason is, a body that is not fit during pregnancy can trigger nausea.
The ideal nighttime sleep for pregnant women is 7-8 hours. If possible, pregnant women can take a nap for 30-60 minutes, between 14.00-16.00, so that the body is more refreshed.
Pregnant women can do the various ways above to help restore their appetite. In addition, pregnant women should also reduce stress so as not to lose their appetite, yes.
Pregnant women can also take prenatal vitamins as recommended by their doctor to meet their nutritional needs. If you feel nauseous while taking prenatal vitamins in solid tablet form, pregnant women can take prenatal vitamins in liquid form or chewy tablets.
If you have done the methods above but the pregnant woman's appetite does not improve and her weight continues to decrease, there is a possibility that she has health problems, such as hyperemesis gravidarum or thyroid disorders.
Immediately consult this to the doctor. That way, doctors can provide appropriate treatment for pregnant women's health conditions.
