The frequency with which you get hungry increases when you’ve got Baby on the way.
What causes it?
The number one cause of increased appetite during pregnancy is the growing baby, who needs certain vitamins, nutrients and calories to grow and develop properly. In addition, a woman’s body must have enough food to maintain higher blood levels and body processes active during gestation. During the latter part of the pregnancy, increased hunger may be associated with milk production.
Tips?
Eating several small meals a day, choosing filling meals with high fiber intake, and making healthy snack selections instead of fatty and processed foods can all help to combat hunger and provide healthy foods for Baby. Pregnant women might only need to increase their calorie count by 300 or so a day, but it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about your appetite.
Reviewed by Dr. Jamie Lo
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Sources
- “Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Number 548.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1/13/2015. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Pregnancy diet: Focus on these essential nutrients.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 3/1/2014. Web.
