Q: Losing weight?
Posted
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 8:42 PM
Q: I just found out I’m pregnant, and I’m actually losing weight. Is this normal? Should I be worried?
A: It certainly seems strange to lose weight when you’re creating a whole new person, but it’s probably nothing to fret about. Morning sickness and
the accompanying loss of appetite can cause you to shed a few pounds in
the first trimester. Don't worry -- you'll more than make up for this
loss in the upcoming months. And remember, most women only gain between two and five pounds in the first trimester.
Still, you can (and should) take action to ensure you and baby get the nutrients you need. Prenatal vitamins
are the way to go,though you might want to try one with a low dose of
iron (the mineral can actually make nausea worse). And, try to eat whenever you can stand it.An
empty stomach can actually trigger nausea, as can low blood sugar,so eat
before you are hungry and always keep snacks nearby. Getting extra sleep
and cutting down the stress will also work wonders for your appetite.
For
an alternative remedy, try ginger. (Ginger ale, ginger candies, ginger
beef with snow peas…) It has a long history of making tummies feel
better. Or slip on an acupressure band, found at most drugstores.The
bands -- meant to ward off seasickness --help many a mom fight
the queasies. If you continue to lose weight or simply can’t keep
anything down, talk with your doctor.
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