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The third trimester of pregnancy brings unique changes to the would-be mother. The growing belly during this period impacts sleep quality and mobility, while causing back pain, breathing issues, and digestive problems. In most cases, a sudden loss of appetite in the 9th month of pregnancy causes more anxiety to the mother than harm to the baby. Understanding the underlying causes of this change can bring relief to expectant parents. This article aims to shed light on the issue of poor appetite, making it easier to navigate the final stages of pregnancy.
Loss of Appetite in the Final Stage of Pregnancy
Eating habits and caloric requirements keep changing throughout the pregnancy period. A woman’s pre-pregnancy diet need not be substantially altered during the first trimester. The second trimester calls for approximately 300–350 additional calories per day, while during the third trimester, this caloric need might rise to as much as 450–500 additional calories each day.
It is normal for hunger and food cravings to rise steadily as the pregnancy advances. Nevertheless, decreased appetite in the third trimester is noticed in some women. Eating a nutritious diet is essential for healthy foetal development, but loss of appetite in the third trimester is not unusual or alarming. The following is a list of reasons for the same:
Nausea and Vomiting
Although common in the first trimester, nausea or morning sickness can occur during the third trimester as well. Hormones like GDF-15 and hCG cause persistent nausea and vomiting throughout the day. This constant discomfort causes loss of appetite during pregnancy, triggered by aversion to certain smells, tastes, and foods.
Hormones
Hormones like progesterone, which slows digestion, leptin that suppresses hunger, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen, which trigger nausea and food aversions, and finally, Peptide YY (PYY), a gut-derived hormone, that inhibits food intake, result in third-trimester appetite loss for most women.
Gastrointestinal Issues
As the pregnancy advances, the growing baby leaves little room for the digestive organs to function properly. The uterus compresses the stomach to a degree that forces acid into the oesophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn. Women who complain of not feeling hungry in pregnancy usually suffer from indigestion, bloating, and constipation during the third trimester.
Food Aversions
During pregnancy, some women develop an aversion to certain food groups. These aversions are triggered by high progesterone and HCG hormones that cause nausea, altered taste, and heightened sensitivity to odours. This situation limits the range of acceptable foods, becoming one of the chief causes of decreased appetite in pregnancy and nutritional gaps.
Fatigue and Discomfort
The physical strain of carrying a rapidly growing baby that weighs around 2kg by the 36th week. The increased blood volume, consistent back pain, poor sleep, frequent heartburn and nausea, and chronic fatigue result in low appetite in the 9th month.
Emotional and Mental Health
Physical discomfort and hormonal upheaval take a toll on the mental health of a soon-to-be mother, and anxiety about the new responsibility of parenthood, stressing over each foetal movement or the lack of it, fear regarding labour pain, or prenatal depression can exhaust a mother emotionally, triggering appetite loss before labour. The emotional well-being of the mother and the foetal health are crucial for a healthy birthing experience.
Managing Late Pregnancy Decline in Appetite
Loss of appetite in the third trimester is quite common, but not to be taken lightly. A mother must ensure proper nutrition for both herself and her unborn baby.
Aversion to healthy foods during the third trimester can be an obstacle to protein and vitamin intake. Choosing a healthy diet that doesn’t cause nausea helps make up for the lost nutrients.
Consciously including foods rich in protein, iron, calcium, fibre, healthy carbohydrates, and healthy fats enhances foetal development. Nutrient-dense options like hard-boiled eggs, nuts and seeds, smoothies, wholegrain crackers, fruits, curd, and boiled or sautéed vegetables are best suited for normal mothers to lose appetite in late pregnancy. These varieties offer wholesome goodness in a platter while being easily digestible.
Having light, and closely spaced meals throughout the day are best for women who worry whether not eating much in the third trimester is safe. Small helpings of salads or bland and easily digestible foods like banana, toasted brown bread, rice, or soups maintained the calorie quota. These items do not overwhelm the smell and taste receptors of the expectant mother.
A soon-to-be mother must make it a point to drink adequate water and natural electrolyte fluids like lemonade, coconut water, and diluted fruit juices throughout the day. This supports the increased blood volume, helps produce amniotic fluid, and transports nutrients to the foetus, while easing nausea.
Conclusion
A carefully planned diet throughout pregnancy can foretell how healthy the newborn will be.