loss of weight & not eating much.

[angeldanielle]

So i can't really help it but i have lost alot of weight within the last 6 months, i am slowly gaining a little bit back i'm guessing because of the baby. But according to doctors i am still underweight for my height, and i have to take multi-vitamins to help me have calcium and iron cause i don't get enough of those type of nutrients. Also, for a year now i've have a loss of appetite it first started off with medicines i was taking but now i am just still in a pattern where i don't eat but a couple snacks and very rarely can i ever finish a full dinner meal. So i know that i have to force myself to eat, but i live with a bunch of people who don't have good healthy types of food. So please tell me what you think about this situation, and give me some advice on small portions but healthy foods for the baby so i can start eating so the baby can get what it needs to be getting Thanks in advance!

 

[Emmea12uk]

From what you say you need proper nutritionist help. Have you been taking vitamins the whole pregnancy ? How many weeks are you ?

It is vital for baby that you eat consistently enough in terms of energy and nutrients. Any lack of nutrient can lead to birth defect or cause long term illness in you. Any lack of energy and baby won't grow properly. Starving followed by binging in sugary fatty foods when pregnant can cause gestational diabetes.

As a minimum -

1- eat three to four hourly until bedtime, from the moment you wake.

2- eat three balanced meals containing carbohydrates, lots of protein and vege/fruit.

3- snack between meals, healthy food such as fruit/vege/yogurts/toast/sandwiches

4- never replace a balanced meal with junk

5- drink at least 2 liters of water a day on top of any carbonated, caffinated or sugary drinks.

6- take charge of your body and baby. They are your responsibility, not your housemates or family. If they eat junk, you don't have to. This is a little life you are bringing into the world that you have to care for. If you can't even look after yourself, how can you look after a baby?

Admit if you find it hard and speak to someone about it - such as your gp. Not eating well is worse than overeating for you and baby.

 

[DarlingMe]

Angel if you are thinking your medications are decreasing your appetite you should talk with your doctor and see if there is an alternate medication they can give you that would do the same thing but have less side effects. What are you on medications and what are they if I can ask ( just curious)!

Other thing is that in the US low income pregnant and breastfeeding women can get a WIC card (like food stamps) and they can provide you with fresh produce, milk, bread, meats, etc. You look fairly young and if you are still in school your counselor should be able to refer you to such programs. Again you look young and I am just guessing that you do not have a steady income and maybe still in school, which in the case of getting state assistance you can get more with low income and being a student. PM me if I can help you search for something in your area!

Maybe this link can help https://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramidmoms/index.html
I know there are specifics for breastfeeding/pregnancy. I am sure you can find an app for your phone that maybe a little more user friendly. There are tons of resources out there! Your doctor may even be able to refer you to a nutritionist if you are not (or even if you are) eligable for WIC or state assistance.

 

[DarlingMe]

BTW you should be on prenantal vitamins! If you are eligable for WIC you can get them paid for. Otherwise they are only a few dollars and can be purchased OTC or you can get an RX from the doctor. They have different recommendations than regualar vitamins. Seriously PM me if I can point you in the right direction, I am nurse too if that helps.