Loss of appetite during pregnancy

Food aversions can occur at any stage, and digestive pressure or heartburn may make a usual portion uncomfortable. Appetite changes do not follow one fixed pattern, and some people have little nausea. Reduced appetite can also accompany an illness such as Influenza or COVID-19, so fever, cough, aches or diarrhoea should not be overlooked. Persistent low mood, loss of interest or anxiety can also affect eating and warrants compassionate support.

Try frequent small meals, simple snacks and drinks spread through the day. Combine tolerated carbohydrate foods with protein where possible, and keep easy options nearby for periods when cooking feels difficult. Cooler foods may be easier if smells are unpleasant. Continue prenatal supplements as advised, but ask your maternity clinician before changing doses or taking over-the-counter, herbal or reflux products.

Tell your maternity team if drinking is difficult, urine becomes much less frequent or dark, you feel dizzy, weight is falling, or eating remains very limited. Seek urgent help for fainting, severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, confusion or persistent vomiting. Yellow skin or eyes, high fever or severe diarrhoea also needs prompt medical review.

Ask how much fluid and food to aim for, whether reflux or constipation treatment is suitable, and which symptoms should prompt an earlier maternity review.