Increased Appetite during Pregnancy

Normally, many pregnant women can very well understand that they are pregnant just by the symptoms or change in their body conditions. Even before nausea and other symptoms of pregnancy start, appetite increases for a pregnant woman. It is because of the formation of the foetus in the womb in the first trimester. Increase in hunger accompanied by continuous nausea and vomiting signs can be because of pregnancy for women, which can be confirmed by consulting a doctor and performing the required pregnancy tests. In this articleMajor Reasons for Increase in Appetite during PregnancyIll Effects of Eating Excessively during PregnancyHow to Deal with Increased Appetite during PregnancyBalancing Increased Appetite, Nutrition and CravingsDealing with Increased Appetite through Slow EatingMajor Reasons for Increase in Appetite during PregnancyIncrease in appetite during pregnancy clearly indicates that the baby is growing and this is one of the major reasons for the increase in huger during pregnancy. Sometimes, the appetite may also be due to the hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman. The blood flowing through the body of the pregnant women is higher than the blood flowing in normal women. Due to the high level of blood in the body also, the level of intake of food increases in pregnant women. Of course, the higher intake of food helps to retain the energy in the pregnant women.Ill Effects of Eating Excessively during PregnancyMany pregnant women tend to take heavy or excessive diet due to the increase in the appetite during pregnancy. Because of this, they tend to gain excessive weight. This may cause several side effects such as back pain, difficulty in maintaining the posture while standing or sitting, sleeplessness, and indigestion. Excessive weight gain may become dangerous to the mother and the baby in due course of time. Overweight may affect normal delivery as well.How to Deal with Increased Appetite during PregnancyIt is always good to consult the doctor when there is an excessive increase in appetite during pregnancy. With the help of the doctor and the dietician, it would be easy to manage with the problems of increasing appetite. Generally, it is advisable to take small meals in a distributed manner, which may be between 5 to 6 times a day along with some nutritious snacks such as salads, fruits, and dairy products that can be consumed in between the meal. It is also good to take sufficient amount of water.Balancing Increased Appetite, Nutrition and CravingsMany pregnant women have the urge to eat certain food items which are mouth watering to them. It may not bring the fullness required. Moreover, it may not be healthy as well. Protein rich diet will not only provide the required nutrition to the body but also give the feeling of fullness to the stomach. Pregnant women may consider taking healthy and tasty soups before meals, which give a sense of fullness to the stomach and the taste will also give a satisfaction to the mind and body.Dealing with Increased Appetite through Slow EatingLast, but not the least, it is proven that the slow eaters generally do not put on much weight. This sounds true in case of the pregnant women as well. Pregnant women can plan to eat slowly when they find that there is an excessive increase in appetite. Even if the pregnant women have the urge to take some junk food or snacks, they can just go about eating the snacks in very small quantity in a slow passion, which can help in satisfying themselves. However, eating junk food frequently during pregnancy is not good.Increased appetite in pregnant women may also be due to gestational diabetes. So, it is always better to consult the doctor when there are changes in the body conditions during pregnancy.