Loss of appetite during the first trimester is quite natural during pregnancy. But this becomes detrimental to your health when it persists for a long time. So we have provided you some ways to increase your appetite during pregnancy.
While some women experience an increased appetite during pregnancy, others don’t feel hungry at all owing to an excessively suppressed appetite. Incredible! Isn’t it? But why does this happen? During pregnancy, the amount of hormones secreted by your body changes drastically and this may affect your mood and hunger. Increase in appetite, however, is a symbol of healthy pregnancy. Although you put on a little extra weight, your baby derives adequate nourishment from your diet, which is conducive for his growth.
Your appetite generally steps down during the first trimester when morning sickness gains prominence. You experience nausea and vomiting and you do not even feel a pinch of hunger throughout the day. Initially, these symptoms are considered to be normal. But as days pass, the baby also grows and you need to consume sufficient food that will make the baby healthy. Moreover, you become susceptible to vitamin deficiencies if you do not eat adequately. If your appetite has reduced to a large extent, then you need to practice certain healthy methods that will elevate it. So how to increase appetite in pregnancy? Let’s know about some of the unique ways to do so.
1. Take Prenatal Vitamins
If you notice that you are not in any way feeling hungry or your diet has drastically reduced, then you must visit a doctor. Lack of nutritious foods can malnourish your baby, retarding his growth severely. Thus, you can well assume the importance of a nutritious pregnancy diet. Doctors often prescribe prenatal vitamins that improve your appetite in a healthy way. It’s important to consult your gynecologist before taking multivitamin pills or syrups.
2. Eat what you Feel Like
It’s normal for you to refrain away from foods that were once your favorite while developing cravings for foods that you disliked the most, when you are pregnant. All these strange things taking place inside your body can confuse you on what to eat and what not to eat. This further affects your normal appetite level. The solution to this problem is simple! Eat foods that you feel like eating. When you have your meals wholeheartedly, your appetite automatically increases. Take pleasure in eating to feel hungry more often. Once you get back your normal appetite you can start incorporating more fruits, vegetables, dairy and animal products in your diet.
3. Have Small Meals
The most common reason behind loss of appetite during pregnancy is eating large portions of meals when you are hungry. When you stuff your stomach with heavy foods, you tend to skip the next meal. Eating heavy meals especially during lunch makes you feel bloated throughout the day. Lethargy and laziness grip you that indirectly affects your appetite. A simple way to get over this problem is, reducing the size of your meals. This way you will feel hungry within a time span of two hours and you can quench your hunger with healthy foods. You should eat in small portions at least six times a day throughout.
4. Pregnancy Rejuvenation Techniques
It’s vital for a pregnant woman to exercise regularly not only to keep herself fit but it is also necessary for proper movement of her baby developing inside her womb. Prenatal yoga, mild aerobics, pregnancy stretching and Lamaze classes are some brilliant ways to rejuvenate your body. They keep your body fit and your metabolic power is substantially boosted up. Visit spas that offer massages especially for pregnant women and allow yourself to relax completely. You can take aromatherapy baths and massages to soothe your body from within. The therapies performed on your body have an indirect effect on your hormones and the relaxation that you receive is capable of elevating your appetite.
Now that you know these tips, you can implement the aforementioned ways for achieving the desired results. You can generously ask your hubby to feed you and this would naturally boost your appetite! Apart from all these, you need to cultivate positive vibes around you and lead a life free from stress and tension. Stay happy, eat healthy and prepare yourself to cuddle your bundle of joy.
