Loss of Appetite During Pregnancy

Overview

Loss of appetite during pregnancy is common, especially in the first trimester, and is often caused by nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or hormonal changes. It differs from an aversion to a few specific foods, appetite loss means a general disinterest in eating. It is usually temporary and not a cause for concern, but it can affect your nutrition if it persists.

Common Causes

• Nausea and vomiting: Particularly in early pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations (e.g., hCG and leptin) can reduce appetite and increase nausea.
• Heartburn and indigestion: Triggered by hormones like progesterone, these can make eating uncomfortable.
• Slowed digestion: Increased progesterone slows digestion, making you feel full quicker.
• Growing baby: Later in pregnancy, the uterus pressing on the stomach can cause early fullness and reflux.

When appetite loss lasts only a day or so and you still get enough fluids and some food, it is usually not concerning. However, persistent poor appetite has been associated with lower birth weight in some studies. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned.

Managing Appetite Loss: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this ordered framework to help manage appetite loss during pregnancy, using concrete examples.

Step 1: Choose Easy-to-Digest Foods

When you feel queasy, focus on bland, simple foods that are gentle on your stomach.

• Soups and broths: Chicken noodle soup and chicken rice soup are examples.
• Liquids: Clear liquids like broth can help maintain hydration.
• Cold or room-temperature foods: These often have less smell and may be more appealing.

Step 2: Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Instead of three large meals, try eating 5–6 smaller meals throughout the day. This can help when you feel full quickly or have nausea.

Step 3: Manage Heartburn and Indigestion

If heartburn is causing your appetite loss, try the following:

• Eat smaller meals.
• Avoid trigger foods (like spicy or greasy foods).
• Don’t lie down for at least an hour after eating.

Step 4: Address Nausea

• Eat a dry cracker or biscuit before getting out of bed in the morning.
• Avoid strong smells that trigger nausea.

Step 5: When to Seek Help

Speak with your healthcare provider if:

• You lose your appetite for more than a day or two.
• You are unable to keep down any food or fluids.
• You are concerned about your weight or your baby’s growth.

References

1. Appetite Loss During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Advice. (2020). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/loss-of-appetite-pregnancy
2. "I can't eat anything:" Is appetite loss in pregnancy normal? BabyCenter. https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/health-and-safety/appetite-loss_41002442
3. Managing appetite loss during pregnancy. Optum Now. https://now.optum.com/article/nutrition/loss-of-appetite-pregnancy
4. How to Increase Your Appetite During Pregnancy. Side by Side Nutrition. https://sidebysidenutrition.com/blog/how-to-increase-your-appetite-during-pregnancy
5. Nausea, vomiting and poor appetite during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes in rural Nepal. (2020). PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7499900
6. Appetite decrease during pregnancy. Ovia Health. https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/10489/appetite-decrease-during-pregnancy
7. Tips For Managing a Loss of Appetite During Pregnancy. Kin Fertility. https://kinfertility.com.au/blog/loss-of-appetite-pregnancy
8. Appetite Loss During Pregnancy. Window to the Womb. https://windowtothewomb.co.uk/appetite-loss-during-pregnancy