Weight Loss During Pregnancy, Should Mom Worry?

 Weight loss during pregnancy can be caused by dietary changes, morning sickness, to diseases such as infections and diabetes. Pregnant women need to regularly consult a doctor to keep weight gain within the normal range.

Weight loss during pregnancy can be caused by many things, ranging from harmless to diseases that need to be watched out for. If the decline occurs only temporarily and after that it starts to go back up, you don't have to worry.

Conversely, if the decline occurs continuously even after passing the first trimester of pregnancy and making pregnant women look thin, you should immediately see an obstetrician to find out the cause. This is also to prevent further disorders in both the mother and fetus.

Causes of weight loss during pregnancy

Weight loss during pregnancy can be caused by several things, including:

1. Dietary changes

One of the causes of pregnant women losing weight may even appear thin during pregnancy is changing diet to achieve a healthier pregnancy.

This change is accidental can cause weight loss, because a high intake of calories, fat, and sugar is usually the first thing to be avoided.

As the gestational age increases, usually weight gain will still occur. This is not harmful to the mother or the fetus.

2. Morning sickness

Nausea and vomiting or often referred to as morning sickness is one of the most common complaints of pregnant women. In some pregnant women, this condition can trigger weight loss while pregnant, even making them look thin.

These symptoms usually appear when pregnant young or when the gestational age is still in the first trimester. After that, nausea and the desire to vomit will disappear and the weight will return to its original state or begin to increase.

3. Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum has the same symptoms as morning sickness, namely nausea and vomiting. However, it is much worse.

Weight loss that occurs due to this condition will be more drastic, which is more than 5% of the body weight before pregnancy. That's why, some pregnant women who experience hyperemesis gravidarum can appear to look thin.

Hyperemesis gravidarum usually appears in the 4th to 6th week of pregnancy and will end at the 13th week. In most women who experience it, entering the 14th to 20th week, the condition will feel much better. But some mothers need more intensive care due to this condition.

4. Other diseases suffered

Sometimes, weight loss during pregnancy can also occur due to a history of the disease suffered by the mother. Some examples of diseases that can cause this condition include:

• Undiagnosed diabetes
• Hyperactive thyroid gland
• Autoimmune diseases
• Infection
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
• Nerve disorders
• Eating disorders
• Mental disorders
• Cancer

5. Miscarriage

Weight loss can be one of the signs of miscarriage. Especially, if other symptoms are felt, such as back pain that is quite severe, pink discharge, there is bleeding from the vagina, to contractions.

How to cope with pregnant women who look thin when weight loss

If you experience weight loss while pregnant, then immediately consult a gynecologist. Especially if the physical changes that become thinner are already visible.

This condition is not always dangerous, but if you lose weight drastically and appear thin, pregnant women need to make sure that nutritional needs are met.

You are also advised to immediately see a doctor if weight loss is accompanied by headaches, weak body, or vomiting and nausea that never subsides.

The following are some ways to overcome weight loss during pregnancy that makes pregnant women look thin.

• Eat more often but in smaller portions.
• Consumption of vitamins pregnant women to meet nutritional needs.
• Avoid eating foods that smell, taste, or texture make you nauseous.
• Increase protein intake in the daily menu to increase daily calorie intake.
• Drink a lot of water.

Weight loss during pregnancy is quite common and not all of them are caused by dangerous conditions. To prevent this condition from getting worse, routinely consult a gynecologist.

You are also advised to always record the condition of the body's development during pregnancy, including weight and abdominal circumference. That way, you can realize if there are suspicious changes and need to be checked by a doctor immediately.