Eating poorly in early pregnancy

[Anonymous]

I am 10 weeks pregnant.

During the earlier weeks of my pregnancy, I was eating really healthy, even as the nausea developed. Lots of whole grains, mixed with proteins, small snacks instead of big meals, eating frequently. Not so much veggies, but fresh fruits and a variety of foods, so i am not worried about nutrition. I have only thrown up a handful of times, (even though I feel like puking all the time), so neither I or my midwife are concerned.

But for the past week+ or so, the nausea has been absolutely debilitating, and I have lost most of my interest in any healthy eating. I just want to eat pasta, and maybe cake. I even started drinking cans of Coke! -I NEVER drink sodas - normally just water or seltzer! - but the sugar & caffeine have provided me some temporary relief. I feel so bad for eating poorly, but at the same time, I don't care - if it's what I can keep down, so be it. I don't want to cook at all, and I have become incredibly picky with what I'm in the mood to eat.

I find the evenings are worse, though the days are awful too. During the day though, I can eat every 2 hours or so, and keep things steady. But come evening, I feel full in my belly but my upper-body (hard to describe) feels hungry/empty. Like I'm hungry even though my stomach is full. But I don't want to eat anything in my house (even ice cream!) The thought of food just makes it worse, even though I know some food will calm the spinning-head-dizziness.

In my past pregnancies, my nausea lasts for 5-6 months, so I don't anticipate this letting up any time soon. At the same time, I know that 10 weeks or so is typically the peak of nausea for most pregnancies, as this is when the progesterone levels are peaking. I am hoping for a miracle that my nausea goes away as I end the first trimester.

Any advice? or just commiseration? I have tried MANY natural remedies, some of which seem to work for a few days, then stop working. I am running out of ideas, and I've gone through many, conventional and alternative and even somewhat questionable...

[LearningFromExperience]

What will happen if you eat junk for a couple of weeks?

[Zephyr]

Lemonade instead of coke. If it doesn't work, try Sprite.

And potato chips. I'm trying to remember which kid it was that was all I managed in early pregnancy, but ka'h she's fine.

[Magadociousrex]

If your'e so nauseated you're losing weight, eat WHATEVER YOU CAN.

It will do your little one no good if you don't get ANY nutrition.

Can you possibly, eat what little you CAN, and make sure you take your prenatals?


With my current pregnancy, all I could eat for a month was nasty boxed mac and cheese. It was pretty awful.

[Chavelamomela]

I was the anonymous mom.

B"H, we seem to be over the worst of the it. I'm still nauseaous in the evenings, but my days are overall much better this week (14 weeks). I can't say I am eating the most marvelous foods (too many carbs) but overall, over the course of a week or so, I get a variety. I even just started craving salads again, so that's good for my veggie intake (I really want a Greek Salad...yes, I eat Feta during pregnancy... all the kosher stuff available is pasteurized anyway).

And I have even had the occasional can of coke. About 5 cans this pregnancy. Which is about 4 cans more than I typically have in the course of about 6 months!!

[npl]

B'sha'a tova, again!
Glad you are starting to feel better. Morning sickness is so unpredictable. With my last pregnancy, one of the only things I tolerated, and I actually craved and helped me feel better, was spicy potato chips (flavours like chilli and general tzao!). This time, I couldn't stomach them.
Anyway, I was told to go with my instincts - my body would tell me what it needed. Of course, the chopped-liver craving that had me wanting 1/2 cup per day straight off the spoon was one that I couldn't safely indulge to it's fullest. But, the coke - sure! I just made sure to balance it with extra water, and get my calcium foods at other times.
Right now, I'm craving Powerade, which I'm guessing is because it's been so hot and it helps me stay hydrated. And also, Ribena, which I can't get here in kosher form. I don't drink it when I go home, and probably haven't tasted it in 15 years, but for some reason, I really want it! I'm wondering if that is a need for vitamin C?

Hope you continue to feel better, and the rest of the pregnancy is uneventful!

[gilima]

b'shaa tova!! I am glad to hear you are feeling better
btw, natural ginger ale can be very helpful for nausea and since it is bubbly and a bit sweet it is easy to swallow and satisfies that craving.

I make my own ginger syrup ( very easy to make) and then just add a tsp or 2 to a glass of seltzer. You could probably buy some or just look for a natural ginger ale @ your local hfs.

[4daughters]

BeShaah Tova! What exciting news!

Glad you are starting to feel better. BTDT and I have lost weight in early pregnancy from nausea and food aversions. B'H those babies all were healthy and good weights at birth.

[SaraFR]

B'shaa tova!!!!

[emunahbutterfly]

oooooooooh! chavi, thats so exciting! b'sha'ah tovah!

my nausea was always chased away by forcefeeding myself liver once a week, or enjoying it depending on the pregnancy.

[Zephyr]

B'Shaa tova!!

Glad to hear you are feeling better. May it continue!