Some pregnant women suffer from loss of appetite, which is a very serious problem, as the body needs proper nutrition during pregnancy to support the mother's health and provide the fetus with the necessary nutrients for its growth. In the following report, "Dalili Medical" presents the causes of loss of appetite in pregnant women and ways to overcome it, according to our website.

**What causes a pregnant woman to hate eating?**

 

The intense desire to eat some foods and aversion to others during pregnancy is due to the effect of pregnancy hormones, which the body secretes in the early stages. These hormones enhance the sense of smell, which in turn affects the sense of taste.

**Why doesn't a pregnant woman feel hungry?**

 

Pregnancy is one of the main reasons for not feeling hungry. Morning sickness, which occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, may reduce the pregnant woman's desire to eat. In addition, the increased pressure on the abdomen as a result of the growth of the fetus in the third trimester of pregnancy leaves limited space for food, which may also lead to not feeling hungry.

**Does not eating affect the fetus?**

 

In the first months of pregnancy, the lack of food does not greatly affect the fetus, as its size is very small and what it consumes from the mother is minimal. However, after the third month, it becomes necessary to adhere to a healthy diet. If you experience any problems related to malnutrition, it is preferable to consult your doctor, as you may need vitamins to enhance your health and nourish the fetus.

What can you eat during pregnancy when you do not feel an appetite?

 

You can try sugary drinks such as lemonade, sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, and soft drinks. It is also useful to record the times when you feel your worst to avoid what triggers nausea. Try eating salty foods such as potato chips or some types of biscuits. It is preferable to avoid spicy, fried foods, and any fatty or greasy foods.

Does the mother's hunger affect the fetus?

 

Fasting does not stop the fetus from obtaining nutrients during fasting hours. Fasting during pregnancy does not affect the growth or weight of the fetus at birth, provided that the mother was healthy before pregnancy and ate healthy and balanced food during breakfast and suhoor.

Is hunger harmful during pregnancy?

 

Hunger during pregnancy is a completely normal and healthy response to the process of having a baby. The goal is to meet your needs and provide the right amount of nutrients for the developing fetus.

Is there a relationship between hunger and pregnancy?

 

The answer is that pregnancy can affect the feeling of hunger in different ways, but hunger alone cannot be considered a sign of pregnancy.

When can loss of appetite occur in pregnant women?

 

Loss of appetite in pregnant women can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but for many women, it is considered an early symptom. Nausea and vomiting usually begin in the fourth week of pregnancy, and loss of appetite is accompanied by these symptoms. Women notice that they do not want to eat most of the foods they enjoyed before pregnancy, especially during the first three months, in addition to difficulty keeping anything in the stomach.

How long does loss of appetite last during pregnancy?

 

Some women notice an improvement in their appetite during the second trimester of pregnancy, but loss of appetite may return in the third trimester. This is due to the pressure of the growing fetus on the stomach, making it difficult to eat more than a few bites at different times.

### Causes of loss of appetite in pregnant women

 

#### 1. Causes of loss of appetite in the first trimester of pregnancy Loss of appetite in the first trimester of pregnancy is usually associated with several factors, including:

Loss of appetite may occur in conjunction with morning sickness, which affects about 75% of pregnant women in the early stages. Morning sickness is a natural mechanism to protect the fetus from any potentially harmful foods, which explains the loss of appetite in pregnant women during this period. Increased levels of hormones, such as estrogen and the pregnancy hormone (hCG), also play a role in loss of appetite, as they increase the pregnant woman's sensitivity to smells, making her more susceptible to nausea attacks.

At this stage, loss of appetite is usually observed as a result of the following factors:

. **Slowing down of the digestive system**: As the uterus increases in the lower abdomen, pressure is placed on the stomach and intestines, leading to constipation and loss of appetite

. **High progesterone levels**: During this period, the level of progesterone increases, which contributes to constipation and reduces the feeling of hunger.

. Causes of loss of appetite during the third trimester of pregnancy

Loss of appetite in the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with the following factors:

The growing uterus leaves little space for the rest of the organs, including the stomach, causing heartburn, which in turn gives a feeling of aversion to spicy or acidic foods.

Constipation caused by progesterone is one of the factors in loss of appetite during the third trimester of pregnancy

**. Causes of loss of appetite in the third trimester of pregnancy**

Loss of appetite in the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with several factors, including:

- The increasing uterus puts pressure on other organs, including the stomach, leading to a feeling of heartburn, which may make women feel aversion to spicy or acidic foods.

- Constipation caused by progesterone is one of the factors that contribute to loss of appetite during this stage of pregnancy.

Eating disorders**Experts estimate the prevalence of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, among pregnant women to range from 0.6 to 27.8%.

* When should we worry about loss of appetite during pregnancy?

 

If you experience occasional loss of appetite or a preference for certain foods, there is no need to worry as long as you are consuming adequate amounts of nutrients daily. For example, if you are eating nutrient-rich meals regularly and gaining weight in line with the requirements of your growing fetus, then loss ofOccasional loss of appetite is not a cause for concern. It is also common for some pregnant women to lose their appetite for certain foods, such as strong-smelling foods or meat, and this is considered normal in most cases. However, if you frequently skip meals or lose your appetite for more than a day, it is important to contact your health care provider for advice. It is essential to get the nutrients you need to support your health and the health of your developing baby. Malnutrition can lead to several pregnancy-related complications, such as poor fetal growth, low birth weight, and maternal weight loss. It has also been linked to poor mental function and behavioral problems in children. Pregnant women who suffer from chronic poor appetite may face additional risks that require attention and care.

**How ​​to Overcome Loss of Appetite During Early Pregnancy**

**Choose Your Favorite Foods:** If you still have some foods that you prefer, do not hesitate to eat them in moderation. Avoid foods that disgust you or negatively affect your appetite. If you must eat certain foods, such as meat or vegetables, find suitable alternatives. For example, you can replace meat with minced meat or use chicken kofta instead of whole chicken. You can also eat protein-rich foods such as nuts, eggs, and legumes. You can also combine vegetables with fruits to prepare delicious juices.

**Divide your meals:** It is preferable to eat small, multiple meals instead of large meals, as this helps reduce the feeling of nausea and the desire to vomit associated with loss of appetite.

Avoid certain foods: There are certain foods that may negatively affect your appetite, making you more susceptible to nausea and digestive disorders, such as spicy and fatty foods that are characterized by their strong smell.

Drink sufficient amounts of water: Drinking water helps improve the digestion process and facilitates the absorption of food, which enhances the efficiency of your digestive system. You can replace some cups of water with milk, ginger, or natural juices. If you feel nauseous when drinking water after a meal, it is preferable to drink it away from mealtime and in batches.

Stick to nutritional supplements: If you suffer from a severe lack of appetite, you may not be consuming enough of the nutrients necessary for you and your baby. So, it is important to stick to the supplements and vitamins recommended by your doctor.

How to meet your specific nutritional needs:

 

- Drink fluids: Make sure you drink enough fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Aim for eight glasses of water a day, and you can substitute lemon juice if you are experiencing nausea or ginger tea.

- Avoid overeating: Try to eat six small meals throughout the day to satisfy your appetite with light foods instead of large meals that may harm your health.

- Keep your meals during the day light: If you feel hungry during a short period of the day, you can eat some proteins and carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Eating a banana can also be gentle on the stomach, and don’t forget to have a spoonful of yogurt for calcium, and add protein and whole grains to your nutrition and that of your fetus.

- Avoid foods with a strong smell: These include foods rich in spices and fats, which may mean skipping Chinese food and choosing grilled chicken or salmon as a salad.

– Use your taste buds well: Variety is certainly a good dietary habit, you can add turnips to spinach to get vitamin A, and other foods.

– Change the temperature: Many women feel cold about food and drink during pregnancy, so you should diversify between hot and cold foods so that you do not get bored of eating and then lose your appetite.

– Take pre-pregnancy and prenatal vitamins. Ideally, you should start taking a vitamin at least every month before pregnancy, or during pregnancy. This will help you fill in temporary nutritional gaps.

– Get extra help: To combat nausea, you can discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking vitamin B6, which contains a combination of vitamin B and antihistamines, as this can help reduce nausea and increase your appetite.

**The second trimester of pregnancy** What happens: For many women, this period is the golden period of pregnancy, as they appear radiant. The good news is that many women feel that their appetite increases these days more than ever, which means that you can eat for two.

**How ​​to meet your nutritional needs:** Now is the time to boost your bone health, so it is essential to get 1,000 mg of calcium daily. You can also get protein from sources such as salad (75 mg daily), in addition to folic acid. Choosing foods rich in fiber such as legumes and green leafy vegetables will help relieve some of the symptoms you may be experiencing recently, such as constipation. You can also get abundant amounts of omega-3 acids from rich foods such as fish, which enhances the baby's brain capacity. It is recommended to eat two servings of fish per week to ensure a safe pregnancy.

**The third trimester of pregnancy**

What happens: In the last months of pregnancy, nausea is likely to disappear and your appetite increases significantly, despite some stomach cramps. This is due to the growth of the uterus, which leaves space for the rest of the organs, including the stomach, which leads to it being pushed from its natural place as the baby descends to the bottom of the uterus. In addition, you may suffer from constant heartburn resulting from the pressure of the baby, as spicy or fried foods and citrus fruits can become uncomfortable for you. Constipation due to hormonal changes can also be common. So, the third trimester of pregnancy brings you a lot ofAppetite if you lost it in the first and second trimesters.

How to meet your nutritional needs:

- Eat small meals: As you did in the first trimester of pregnancy, small meals help you feel full throughout the day and ensure you get the necessary nutrition. Make sure to choose nutritious meals and avoid foods that may cause increased uterine contractions or lead to premature birth.

- Add foods rich in fiber to your diet, such as leafy greens, whole grain breads and cereals, avocados, asparagus, and sunflower seeds, to help relieve constipation.

- Continue to follow the advice you were following in the first trimester of pregnancy, such as drinking enough fluids and taking prenatal vitamins.

**Herbs to gain weight and stimulate appetite**

 

Some individuals who suffer from thinness resort to using alternative medicine as a means to help gain weight. Some herbs have been known to stimulate appetite, which contributes to eating larger amounts of food and increasing calories.

**Herbs mixture to gain weight**

There are many herbs that contribute to weight gain, the most prominent of which are:

. **Chamomile** Chamomile is considered one of the most effective natural remedies for enhancing appetite. Eating this herb daily helps to significantly increase appetite and gain weight.

. **Dandelion Roots** Dandelion roots are used in many cultures, especially by women, to gain weight. They stimulate appetite and are often recommended to be added to herbal formulas for weight gain, especially for pregnant women, due to their many important nutrients, making them a healthy choice for weight gain.

*. Ginger** Ginger is considered one of the effective herbs in recipes for treating thinness, as it works as an appetite stimulant and is characterized by its multiple benefits in treating colds, coughs and intestinal problems.

**. Ashwagandha**, a famous Indian herb, is considered one of the most prominent herbs used to gain weight. It is known for its nutritional components that contribute to treating stress, lack of energy, lack of appetite and fatigue. If included in a healthy and balanced diet, it can help gain some weight.

**. Gentian **Gentian, also known as wolf's paw, has been used for decades to treat people suffering from unwanted weight loss and poor appetite. This herb helps the body absorb food properly, which increases the feeling of hunger and improves appetite. It also enhances the flow of bile, which helps digest food, making it one of the most prominent herbs for weight gain in men. **Holy Thistle**Holy Thistle is one of the most prominent herbs used to increase appetite, as it is known for its benefits in enhancing the secretion of gastric juice and bile, which contributes to improving the digestion process and increasing the desire to eat. Therefore, people who suffer from thinness are advised to try this herb.