hi i am a new member. i am due in nov but i seem to be losing my appetite and can't eat much. please .help Vindhya replied. Hi Manisha,

Sorry to hear about the weight loss. You must talk to your doctor about this. Hope you are taking your prenatal vitamins regularly. Eating is not filling your stomach but eating healthy food. Please don't starve your baby at this time, you are almost there.

Ginger root, Anise & Fennel seeds seem to increase our appetites. Before taking these too, please consult your doctor. I feel ginger wouldn't have any side effects, and it infact helps in digestion.

I found this Q&A session on parentsplace*com. Hope it helps.

Q:I'm 18 weeks pregnant and I've lost 2-3 pounds every month since becoming so. I'm getting concerned because I still have NO appetite and, in fact, must choke down what I can to ensure that my baby is getting the calories that he/she needs. I went to the doctor and they asked me if I was depressed - I'm not! I feel physically revolted by the idea of most foods. Have you ever heard of this before? Do you have any suggestions?

A:I have heard of this but it is uncommon. It is a variation on the nausea and vomiting theme - due to the progesterone effects on the smooth muscle of the stomach.

It is true that most of the literature on this implicates psychological distress or depression. But thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and liver problems have been associated with this as well. In most women, it eases by the 20th week which is good because the baby really cannot grow and develop as efficiently as he needs to if the mother's nutrient needs are not being met. You may see signs of intrauterine growth restriction by 24-26 weeks if you are not getting adequate calories. You may also want to test your urine for ketones which are by-products of fat metabolism and these can be toxic to baby's brain,

I would recommend that the calories that you do get be dense with nutrients. Eat Total or Product 19, sports shakes or Ensure. Vitamin C can stimulate appetite so consider drinking some juice upon arising in the morning and waiting an hour to eat breakfast.

I really believe this will ease up and your body will do what is best for your baby. Try not to be overly concerned or anxious and it will resolve on its own.

Take care,
Vindhya