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Loss of Appetite during Pregnancy - Reasons & Remedies
The depiction of pregnancy in popular media sometimes falls short of the many intricacies associated with motherhood, in real life. One such example is the depiction of the hungry mother, whose voracious appetite is comically shown to be much larger than that of a normal human being. After seeing these popular characterisations of hungry mothers who gorge on everything from pizza to raw pickles, expectant mothers may be shell-shocked from the feelings they experience, in the real world.
Many people may be thinking that they have a free license to gorge all they want, considering that pregnancy is the only time in a woman's adult life where eating is encouraged and does not impart any guilt. However, it is then that loss of appetite usually strikes- the woman may then find herself getting nauseous at the sight and smell of their favourite food items.
First Trimester Appetite Loss
While the first trimester may not cause any changes in your outward appearance as an expecting mother, the foundation for the growth of the child is being laid within the body. Hormonal changes are taking place, and they directly cause morning sickness in the mother. In the first trimester, the expected weight gain is around one pound per week and will be enough to support the small needs of the foetus.
What Causes Appetite Loss?
In the early stages of pregnancy, loss of appetite usually occurs with the onset of morning sickness in the person. It is estimated that loss of appetite occurs in around 70 to 85% of pregnant women, unlike the portrayal of pregnancy in movies and shows.
Morning sickness develops in mothers as an instinctual method of protecting the minuscule foetus from any harmful food items which may have been taken by the mother. This explains the loss of appetite seen in the mother, in the first trimester. An increase of hormones in the pregnant mother, including hormones like oestrogen and the pregnancy hormone, hCG, also contribute to the loss of appetite. These changes make the mother increasingly sensitive to the smells around her and make her more susceptible to bouts of nausea. In some women, it also causes a loss of taste, with a metallic taste enveloping the whole of the tongue to make her averse to comfort food.
Remedies to Deal With Appetite Loss and Meet Your Nutritional Needs in Early Pregnancy
Loss of appetite, while beneficial in some cases, can also lead to the mother neglecting her nutritional needs. This needs to be remedied, and the standard remedies are:
Liquid intake is significant, perhaps even more than consuming solid food. Mothers need around 80 ounces of liquid per day, from sources like fruits and vegetables.
Another excellent choice is to mix warm water with lemon, ginger or ginger tea; this can not only reduce nausea but also provide nutrition required during the pregnancy.
Instead of consuming three large meals per day, you can opt to have six small meals spread out across the time you are awake. This helps reduce the symptoms of vomiting and also keeps your intake in check.
In times you do feel hungry, stock up on proteins and carbs. These items keep you full for a longer time and also keep your blood sugar stable throughout.
The sense of smell in mothers is heightened, so you would do well to avoid items which have a strong smell. For example, instead of having fast food chicken you can instead opt for chicken with a simple salad.
Avoid items that you know can make you feel uncomfortable, no matter how healthy they seem to be.
According to your preferences at the time, you can change the temperature of your food to suit your mood. This can help your stomach them a little better.
Also, remember to take your vitamin tablets without any breaks. This has to be routine, akin to brushing teeth in the morning. Vitamins can help you gloss over any gaps in nutritional intake, during pregnancy.
Loss of Appetite in Second Trimester
The second trimester is usually not as bad as the first one, as most women find that their appetite returns during this period. This time is widely regarded as the best period of pregnancy, as you get all the benefits, including a ravenous appetite and glowing skin, while the baby bump has still not been formed. However, it might not be all smooth sailing in some cases, as you may even find yourself unable to stomach food and bent over the toilet bowl many times.
What Causes Loss of Appetite?
The second trimester in the period of pregnancy is widely regarded as the most important one, as the major development of the foetus takes place during this period. Therefore, adequate nutritional intake is a must, for the health of the foetus. It is during this period that you have to eat for two, considering the health of the child. Loss of appetite in mothers is not ideal, as the development of the baby may be directly affected by it.
At this stage, loss of appetite usually occurs due to the slowing down of the digestive system. With the uterus becoming increasingly larger in the lower abdomen region, it exerts pressure on the stomach and digestive system. This leads to constipation and loss of appetite. Progesterone levels in the mother also increase during this time, and results in constipation and not feeling hungry during pregnancy.
Ways to Get Through Appetite Loss in Mid-Pregnancy
The habits formed in the first trimester may be hard to continue, but you must keep up with them regardless of how difficult they are.
Drinking water remains as crucial as ever, along with the practice of keeping with small meals instead of large ones.
Calcium needs to be had adequately, for the development of the foetus. Along with protein and folates, it constitutes the three most important vitamin and mineral intakes the mother should remember to consume daily.
Leafy vegetables can help ease constipation, and settle your stomach well.
Omega 3 fatty acids can help the development of the brain of the foetus, so it is an excellent addition to your existing nutritional intake.
Loss of Hunger in the Third Trimester
By the third trimester, you find that you quickly become a full-fledged stereotypical pregnant woman, complete with a growing belly and a ravenous appetite. However, this does not mean that you can eat away to your heart's content, as you find that even though you are hungry, your appetite has diminished considerably. The good part is that nausea usually disappears by this time, and is replaced by a large belly.
What Causes Loss of Appetite?
In this stage of pregnancy, it is your growing belly that causes the loss of appetite. The uterus has grown large by this time and leaves very less space for the adjacent organs to function. Organs like the stomach and small intestine are pushed out of their normal place and do not function normally, as a result.
Heartburn is another side effect of this displacement, and it gives you a sense of aversion to spicy or citrus-filled food items. Progesterone-Induced constipation remains in the mother and also contributes to the loss of appetite. It is a combination of all these factors which makes the mother incapable of filling up to her heart's content, during the third trimester.
Tips to Combat Loss of Hunger in the Last Trimester
Small meals should be continued with, as they help you stay full and get your fill of the required nutrients.
Another major thing to remember is to stock up on food items rich in fibre, like bread, avocado, and leafy greens. This helps you improve digestion, and reduce the feeling of constipation.
When to Consult the Doctor?
If the mother feels a loss of appetite even if she has followed the steps as mentioned above, it might be an indication of dehydration, fewer nutrients for the baby, or even negative effects in the growth and development of the baby. This definitely warrants a visit to your OB/GYN, as soon as possible.
The most important thing to remember is that there is no harm in getting an external opinion, even it does not seem warranted. Continued symptoms of light-headedness or inability to retain food may be symptoms of some bigger problem, so visit the doctor if you ever get doubtful!
Loss of appetite during early pregnancy is more common than it is made out to be. The feeling may occur at any time of pregnancy and usually happens within four weeks of gestation. Food items that previously were favourites are now discarded. This is due to the many hormonal changes that occur within the female body, during the time of pregnancy. Listen to your body and respond to the hunger cues and you are sure to get all the nutrition you need at every stage of pregnancy.
Also Read: How Safe are Painkillers in Pregnancy Read more
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Date Syrup for Babies - Natural Sweetener for Infant Food
Babies develop an instant liking for any edible item that is sweet in nature. But using and giving them everyday sugar or jaggery may not be the healthiest way to satisfy their needs. New moms are generally advised to not give sugar to babies up until they turn a year old. But if you want to satisfy your baby's cravings for sugar, you can give him date syrup, this natural sweetener can be quite useful.
Benefits of Using Date Syrup for Infants
Date syrup is a natural sweetener that can be used in baby food but there is more to it. Dates have many advantages and health-related benefits, which find their way to the child through the date syrup. Find out how date syrup benefits a child:
The presence of fibre helps in reducing any presence of constipation faced by the baby, as well as help in stimulating the bowels naturally.
The nutrition present in dates is quite expansive. They are rich in Vitamin A as well as multiple minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron, which help in reducing anaemic tendencies.
How Can Date Syrup Be Used?
Tasting a small portion of date syrup will make you aware of its delicious flavour. Using it intelligently with your kid can help in a multitude of ways. Since it is a safe and natural way to sweeten any food items for your child, you can use it in many preparations.
Adding date syrup to milk can enhance its taste. Some do believe that chances of iron absorption may reduce since adding date brings about a combination of calcium with iron directly. Therefore, you could get your doctor’s opinion before adding date syrup to your baby's milk.
If your little one has started eating portions of bread or roti, or dosas and pancakes, you can use the date syrup to coat them before feeding to your child.
While preparing any desserts for your little one or family, opt for date syrup instead of sugar or any other sweetener.
Even simple preparations such as purees or porridges that are cooked for the baby can make use of date syrup as a sweetening agent.
Homemade Date Syrup Recipe for Babies
Rather than purchasing date syrup from any marketplace, you can make it on your at home without any hassle. Here is a simple and quick recipe to make date syrup for your baby.
Ingredients
A cup of water
A cup full of dates
How to Make
Wash the dates and deseed them.
Once deseeded, chop them.
Put these chopped dates in a bowl and add boiling water to it.
Cover the bowl with a lid and leave it for a couple of hours so that the dates get soft and tender.
After the dates are soaked well, take them out and mash them.
Take another bowl and place a muslin cloth onto it tightly and pour the mashed dates into it squeezing well.
Add water to the squeezed pulp as required.
Put this in a pan and bring it to a boil. Let it continue boiling on medium flame until the solution starts thickening. Stir occasionally to avoid any chance of burning the base.
Once it starts getting thick and dark in colour, resembling honey, you can turn off the flame. Allow the solution to cool down. Get a glass jar and pour the date syrup into it, closing it tightly.
Preparation Time: Total preparation time to prepare the ingredients is no more than 10 minutes.
Total Cooking Time: The total time to prepare the final date syrup can range from half an hour to 40 minutes.
Serving Portion: This recipe can help you obtain around 50ml of syrup with ease.
Tips To Remember
Date syrup usually lasts for about a week. So prepare the amount accordingly.
Thickening continues even as the syrup cools. So take it off the flame at the right time.
Avoid using date syrup repeatedly with the child or he will develop a sweet tooth.
Using date syrup with milk for babies is a wonderful way of enhancing the flavour as well as providing them with good nutrition. But it is suggested that you use it in moderation and after consulting with your doctor.
Also Read: How to Give Almonds to Babies & Their Benefits Read more
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Giving Jaggery (Gur) to Babies
Jaggery, called gur in Hindi, is unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or a date palm sap. It is made by boiling the sugarcane juice or date palm sap until it becomes a thick syrup, and then cooling it until it solidifies. It is used in both sweet and savoury dishes in several South-Asian countries, including India. Jaggery is used in India as a sweetener in baby food. This article explains in detail the benefits and risks of feeding your baby jaggery.
Can You Add Jaggery to Baby Food?
You must be wondering if jaggery is good for babies or not. The answer is yes, but it must be used with caution. In rural India, doctors may recommend the inclusion of jaggery in food for babies less than a year old to combat anaemia, as jaggery is a good source of iron. Thus, including jaggery in your baby’s diet depends on feeding methods, lifestyle, and individual preferences.
When Can You Introduce Jaggery to a Baby?
Jaggery should be introduced to a baby’s diet only after the age of one year. However, this may vary based on the baby’s health and your doctor’s advice. Paediatricians recommend that babies should not be given any form of sugar until they turn one. For babies less than a year old, it is better to use various kinds of fruit purees to sweeten the food.
Amazing Health Benefits of Jaggery for Infants
Jaggery has several health benefits for babies - however, it is not recommended for babies less than a year old. Babies older than one year can be given jaggery. The health benefits of jaggery are:
1. Prevents Anaemia
Jaggery is a good source of iron. 10g of jaggery contains 0.3mg of iron, which is 3% or the daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Including jaggery in your baby’s diet can prevent anaemia, which is caused due to iron deficiency in the blood.
2. Strengthens Bones
Jaggery contains phosphorous and calcium, which are minerals essential for the development of strong, healthy bones. Hence, consuming jaggery can help strengthen your baby’s bones.
3. Detoxifies the Liver
Jaggery is an unrefined sugar that can help flush out toxins from the body. It cleanses and detoxifies the liver.
4. Increases Immunity
Jaggery is rich in antioxidants and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins B4, B5, B6, and choline. All of these together help in increasing your baby’s immunity.
5. Treats Symptoms of Flu, Cough, and Cold
Jaggery has traditionally been used as a home remedy to treat symptoms of cold, cough and flu in India. Warm water mixed with a bit of jaggery is given to babies suffering from cold, cough, or flu. This gives the baby an immediate relief. Jaggery has the ability to cool the body down. Having warm water with jaggery brings down body temperature when your baby has the flu.
6. Prevents Constipation
Jaggery stimulates regular bowel movements, thus preventing constipation. It also aids in digestion by activating digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestine.
7. Eliminates Stomach Problems and Worms
Jaggery cools the body down and soothes stomach aches. Jaggery also provides relief from worms and prickly heat rashes.
8. Provides Instant Energy
As it is 97% sugar and is made of complex carbohydrates, jaggery takes more time to get absorbed by the body. It provides your baby with greater energy for a longer duration.
9. Helps Maintain Blood Pressure
The mineral content in jaggery helps in regulating blood pressure and keeping blood pressure steady.
10. Good for Intestinal Health
The magnesium in jaggery promotes good intestinal health and aids digestion. 10g of jaggery contains nearly 4% of the daily RDA of magnesium.
Risks of Giving Jaggery to Babies
Jaggery contains about 97% sugar. Therefore, excessive use can be harmful to your baby. The risks of giving jaggery to babies are:
1. Too Many Calories
Jaggery contains about 38 calories per 10 g. As a result, excessive consumption of jaggery can result in the baby getting too many calories, causing an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes later in life.
2. Sugar Addiction
Jaggery can cause babies to become addicted to sugary foods later, leading to diabetes.
3. Unfavourable Reactions
Some babies may have unfavourable reactions to jaggery, such as rashes or stomach problems.
4. Cavities
Excessive consumption of jaggery can cause cavities in your baby’s teeth.
5. Obesity and Diabetes
Too much jaggery can cause obesity and diabetes in babies when they grow up.
Healthy Jaggery Recipes for Babies
Here are some healthy jaggery recipes for babies:
1. Sooji Halwa
Sooji or semolina is used to make a sweet dish along with jaggery.
Ingredients:
Sooji or semolina, jaggery, water, and cardamom powder.
How to Make:
Boil water with some jaggery in it. Roast the sooji in a pan until golden brown. Add it to the boiling jaggery water, stirring continuously until it thickens into a porridge-like solid form. Next, add cardamom powder. Stir well and your sooji halwa is ready.
2. Jaggery Syrup:
Jaggery syrup recipe for babies is simple and easy to make. It can be stored for up to 2 months in the refrigerator and used to sweeten the baby’s porridge.
Ingredients:
Jaggery and water.
How to Make:
Melt some jaggery with one tablespoon of water in a pan on a low flame. Sieve this into another pan and discard the lumps. Add 1 cup water to this, and bring it to a boil. Keep it on the heat for another couple of minutes, and allow it to cool. After cooling, it should look like a thick, golden brown syrup. Store this syrup in a refrigerator and use for sweetening the baby’s porridge.
Jaggery has many health benefits for babies, but it is best to check with your paediatrician before including it in your baby’s diet. Giving your baby jaggery also has some risks, so it is usually not recommended for babies less than a year old. You can sweeten infant food using fruit purees like mashed banana, pureed dates, or applesauce.
Also Read: Salt and Sugar for Babies - Reasons to Avoid Them Read more
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Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a delicacy from Kashmir. It literally means ‘Red Lamb’ and derives its name from the redness of the dish, thanks to the Kashmiri chillies used in the recipe. The dish is hands down mouthwatering and tastes best with naan or steamed rice. Enjoy with a dash of lemon juice.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10-15 Minutes
40-45 Minutes
Ingredients
1 kg lamb chopped into medium size pieces
4 tbsp oil
1/2 cup curd
4 whole cloves
1/2 inch cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
3 pods black cardamom
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder (available in stores)
a pinch of turmeric powder
1 tbsp dried ginger powder
1 tbsp fennel powder
Salt to taste
a pinch of asafoetida
Method
Step 1
When buying the lamb, choose the shank or the shoulder part for best results. A kilo of lamb should yield about 8 to 9 pieces.
Step 2
Wash the meat and place it in a colander for all the water to drain out. Use a clean dry cloth and pat the moisture out.
Step 3
Let the meat marinate in a bowl of curd for at least 15 minutes.
Step 4
Now in a large pan. Heat oil and fry the marinade and the meat together. Add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, coarsely ground cardamom and black pepper. Stir fry the meat.
Step 5
It is important that you fry the meat till the oil and curd separate into two layers.
Step 6
Now, add Kashmiri red chilli powder, salt, sugar, turmeric powder and constantly stir for about a minute.
Step 7
Add water, ginger powder and fennel powder. The fennel will thicken the curry.
Step 8
Stir well and let simmer on low heat for about 30 to 45 minutes till the meat is cooked well and the gravy is thick and red.
Step 9
The cooking time depends upon how tender the meat is. Enjoy hot with rice.
Nutritional Information
Calories
611 K cal
Proteins
171.9 g
Fats
32.3 g
Carbohydrates
4.5 g
Cholesterol
227 mg
Sodium
1370 mg
Potassium
909 mg
*For frying, add approximately 10 grams of fat per serving at 9 Kcal/gm of fat. Read more
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How a Second Chance and Forgiveness Can Change Your Life Completely..!!
Hi,
I have been reading the stuff here for a long time. So I thought of sharing my story with you.
7 years ago, I met him by chance and we became friends. Gradually this friendship turned into love and we were in a relationship. We were studying at that time. After 1 year, as I completed my studies, my parents started looking for a boy for my marriage. When I asked him for marriage, he said no and everything fell apart.
Three years passed and I didn't have any contact with him. My marriage had been fixed. Suddenly one evening I received a call from my dad and he told me to stop talking to my would-be as he had turned out to be a divorcee. I was shocked to hear this. Sitting in dismay, I received a call from an unknown number just after I disconnected my dad's call. It was him and he wanted to marry me. He apologized for being so stone-hearted and selfish when he was with me.
I said No to him. But with help of one mutual friend, I decided to give him another chance. I told him to talk to his parents immediately about our marriage. I remember the day, It was 15th October, 2015.
To my surprise, he put the call on hold and talked to his mother. So I talked to my parents as well. Both the families met and we got engaged on 15th Nov, 2015 and married on 31st Jan, 2016.
Even after marriage, i was in doubt whether I took a right decision or not. But he proved my decision to be the best one. He changed himself totally for me. Now we do everything together. Whether it is about cooking or cleaning the house. He always helps me out. He tries his best to make me happy and fulfill all of my desires. He never tries to show his ego. The way he helps me in everything is setting an example for all other couples in our family.
I must say that everyone needs a second chance whosoever it is. Forgiveness is a virtue that all of us should inculcate in ourselves and yes we should be happy in whatever situation God puts us in as whatever He does is for our best. Never lose hope and always be positive. Life will become happier.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. Mera 8 month start hu white distance hora mere ko
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. hello since u are a expecting mom this would require a proper medical attention and it is better to check with your doctor and your doctor will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
5 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
37 mins ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
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