What Causes Weight Loss During Pregnancy And How To Prevent?

Losing weight after the first trimester is risky and it is very vital that you should inform your OB/GYN when you experience weight loss during the 2nd or 3rd trimesters, given that, it can harm you as well as the developing baby.

During the first trimester, loss of weight is not that abnormal and need not alarm you.

In fact, in case you are obese your OB/GYN may recommend that you lose a few pounds during the initial phase of the pregnancy.

• Experts say that weight loss during the 1st trimester is not that unusual. It happens more often than one might think, and isn’t considered a grave issue.
• Many women have severe episodes of vomiting and this can result in weight loss. A great way to reduce nausea and vomiting is to eat smaller portions, more often. Eat 5 to 6 small meals through the day; it helps prevent these symptoms. Morning sickness and the accompanying loss of appetite causes you to lose a few pounds in the 1st trimester.
• Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition which is seen as severe nausea, excessive vomiting, an electrolyte imbalance and significant loss of weight.
  Treatment options include – changes in the diet, antacids and rest. In severe cases, you may need to stay in the hospital for IV fluids and nutrients.
• Nutrition has a pivotal role to play in pregnancy. Eating wholesome and nutritious foods helps you to put on weight in a healthy way. If you do not eat adequately, you may lose weight.
• Some pregnancy symptoms can get in the way of one’s eating habits early in pregnancy. Aversion to certain smells, tastes or textures of foods are a common cause. Fatigue sets in early in pregnancy and morning sickness appears as well. Heartburn, indigestion and constipation come on as well. Whilst these symptoms do not cause weight loss themselves, they have a say in how much a woman can eat by reducing her appetite.
• Weight loss is a warning sign of miscarriage. There may be mild to severe back pain, contractions, and bleeding. In case you experience any of these symptoms, you need to talk to your OB/GYN promptly.

How To Prevent Weight Loss During Pregnancy?

• It is essential that you discuss with your health care provider about the diet chart that you need to follow. Schedule weekly meetings with a nutritionist so that she can plan your menu and make sure that you get the adequate nutrients.
• You need to ensure that you and the baby receive the nutrients. Confer with your doctor and have the necessary prenatal vitamins. Also, try to eat whenever you can bear to. An empty stomach triggers nausea; as can low blood sugar, so try to eat before you get hungry and always keep snacks handy. Eat every 2 hours to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
• Getting extra sleep and dealing with stress works wonders for your appetite and helps you gain weight healthily.
• Ginger is an excellent home remedy to deal with nausea, vomiting and queasiness. Have ginger tea, ginger ale or ginger powder with honey; it affords relief. Ginger is packed with gingerols which allays tummy discomfort and promotes appetite as well.