After a difficult first trimester marked by nausea and food aversions, the second trimester can be a welcome respite for many expectant moms. In actuality, this time of pregnancy is referred to as the “honeymoon phase” because the woman who is pregnant begins to experience a rise in her level of energy just as the fatigue and morning sickness that is typical during the first trimester begin to subside. Still, many women experience a loss of appetite during pregnancy-2nd trimester as well. There are a variety of reasons why you might experience a loss of appetite during the second trimester of pregnancy. Despite the fact that this is perfectly normal, you must ensure that you and your baby are getting adequate nutrition.
Reasons For Loss Of Appetite During Pregnancy 2nd Trimester
When it comes to fetal development, the second trimester is widely considered to be the most critical. To ensure the fetus’ health, adequate nutritional intake is essential. When a mother’s appetite decreases during this phase of pregnancy, it has the potential to negatively impact her unborn child’s development.
Here are some top reasons for loss of appetite during pregnancy 2nd trimester:
1. Slowing down of the digestive system
In most cases, a decrease in appetite during the second trimester of pregnancy is caused by sluggishness in the digestive system. Increasing the size of the uterus in the lower abdomen places a strain on the stomach and digestive system. This causes constipation and a loss of appetite.
During this time, the mother’s progesterone levels also rise. This causes the muscles in your digestive tract to relax, which in turn slows down the movement of your bowels.
This is the body’s way of ensuring that the developing fetus receives an adequate supply of nutrients for its growth. Your body is able to extract more nutrients from the food you eat when it remains in your digestive tract for a longer period of time. However, this also plays a role in the development of constipation and a loss of appetite.
Related Reading: 18 Home Remedies For Constipation During Pregnancy
2. Morning sickness that lasts into the second trimester
15% to 20% of pregnant women still experience nausea and vomiting in the second and third trimesters, despite the fact that it is typically thought to be the first-trimester issue1. Nausea can strike at any time, day or night, and for no apparent reason. During the second trimester of pregnancy, this may make it difficult to maintain a healthy appetite.
3. Heartburn
Heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can be another cause of a loss of appetite during the second trimester. Increased progesterone levels may contribute to these issues. The hormone progesterone causes the muscles at the top of your stomach to relax, which in turn allows stomach acid to flow backward into your esophagus, causing heartburn. Additionally, your expanding uterus can put pressure on your stomach, which can make your heartburn even worse. The desire to consume food is diminished as a result of all of these factors.
4. Medicines
It’s possible that some medications that are perfectly safe to take during pregnancy could cause unpleasant side effects like decreased appetite. One such example would be antidepressants that are used to treat depression that is brought on by pregnancy. A lack of appetite is one of the side effects that can occur in some pregnant women who take iron tablets like ferrous fumarate2.
Related Reading: Loss Of Appetite During Pregnancy
5. Stress
Your body goes through a series of emotional and psychological shifts in response to anxiety, which assists you in better coping with the pressure. The stomach and digestive tract are frequently affected by these changes, which can cause you to lose your appetite. If stress is the cause, your appetite will typically return once you have achieved a state of greater relaxation. It is also possible for hormonal problems like hypothyroidism to suppress one’s appetite.
6. Anemia
The term “anemia” refers to a condition in which the blood cell count is abnormally low. Appetite loss and weight loss can be signs of anemia, particularly when accompanied by fatigue3. During the second trimester of pregnancy, anemia and fatigue are common due to the increased blood volume.
Tips To Cope With Loss Of Appetite During The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy
You must eat enough food throughout your pregnancy, no matter what’s making you feel hungry. You don’t need to worry about a temporary loss of appetite that lasts for a couple of weeks. As long as you continue to drink plenty of water, continue to take your prenatal vitamins, and make sure to eat regularly, you should be fine. The problem, however, is that many women suffer from a significant decrease in appetite, making it difficult for them to gain weight.
Here are some suggestions that may help you cope with a loss of appetite in the second trimester of pregnancy:
- Pregnant women who begin to lose their appetite in the first trimester of pregnancy should stick to the routines they established in the first trimester, no matter how difficult it is
- Special dietary needs must be met in order to ensure adequate nutrition. It is important to include foods rich in calcium, protein, and omega-3
- Add smoothies to the daily menu. Yogurt, peanut butter, frozen fruit, and other high-protein ingredients can be added to smoothies to boost their nutritional value
- To stimulate appetite, try to get the recommended amount of sleep each night, participate in regular physical activity, consume 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, and avoid skipping meals
- Include a lot of leafy vegetables. This will help to retain appetite by easing constipation
- Cook food that not only tastes good but also has a pleasant aroma. This will increase your desire to consume more food. You should also stay away from foods that have unpleasant odors because this will make you feel less hungry
- Maintain an active lifestyle
- If you have heartburn, stay away from spicy, acidic, and fried foods
- Try some home remedies that have been found to be very effective in restoring appetites, such as ginger, cloves, garlic, peppermint, and tamarind
Related Reading: The Top 10 Precautions To Take In The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy
When Is A Loss Of Appetite During The Second Trimester A Cause For Concern?
Pregnant women who go without food for a long period of time are more likely to have a premature birth, according to a new study. In fact, poor nutrition during pregnancy can alter the metabolism of the fetus and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes before the child is even born. For this reason, a severe loss of appetite is something that should be brought to the attention of a doctor. The advice of your doctor can help you decide whether or not to take medication.
If you notice any of the following symptoms along with a loss of appetite, contact your doctor immediately.
- Recurring bouts of vomiting
- Dizziness when standing
- An inability to eat or drink appropriately for more than 12 hours
- Has gone at least twenty-four hours without eating.
- Infrequent or dark-colored urination
- Cramping or pain in the abdomen
- Signs of dehydration
- Pelvic pain
- Losing weight noticeably
- Fevers or diarrhea
- Signs of depression
The loss of appetite in the second trimester is usually temporary and will resolve on its own. In the event of a loss of appetite, a pregnant woman may find it more convenient to eat smaller portions throughout the day rather than three larger ones. Ensure that these meals are high in calories and protein as well. Pregnant women experiencing loss of appetite during the second trimester may find it easier to consume liquid meals, such as smoothies and protein drinks, than solid meals. If the reason for a reduced appetite is a treatable underlying condition, diagnosing and treating the illness will probably increase appetite.