When you think of pregnancy, you probably think of eating for two, right? But for some moms, pregnancy does the exact opposite. Everything sounds completely disgusting – even former favorite foods – and I can completely lose my appetite.

As a member of the BabyCenter community he says“If I didn’t force myself to eat, I probably wouldn’t eat anything at all. I literally just can’t eat a lot. Some of the foods I think I want suddenly don’t taste good.”

“Loss of appetite during pregnancy is very common,” she assures Rikki Baldwin, DO,Opens a new window gynecologist at Memorial Hermann in Cypress, Texas. “It usually occurs during the first trimester, but I’ve had some patients where it lasted the whole pregnancy.” This lack of hunger is closely related to food aversion and nausea, says Dr. Baldwin, and is usually caused by the hormonal changes of pregnancy.

Here’s what loss of appetite means, whether it’s ever dangerous, and some expert advice on how to deal with it so you can have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Is loss of appetite normal during pregnancy?

Loss of appetite is certainly normal during pregnancy. Although it is most closely associated with the first trimester, it can occur at any time.

Loss of appetite in the first trimester

Loss of appetite is especially common in the first trimester of pregnancy due to rising hormone levels, he says Stephanie K. Lao, MDOpens a new windowgynecologist at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) spikes in early pregnancy – as detected by pregnancy tests – and can make you feel nauseous, causing loss of appetite and food aversions.

During this period, you may have a general lack of hunger, a desire to eat only bland foods, or cravings for foods you don’t normally eat. In other words, your palate can change drastically.

Some of this is related to changes in your sense of smell, which is closely related to your taste buds. Odors often intensify in early pregnancy – and smells that were once attractive can now smell overpowering or even repulsive.

Loss of appetite in the second trimester

For most people, changes in appetite, nausea, and hunger go away in the second trimester because some hormones decrease during that time, she says. Rebecca Keith, MDOpens a new windowgynecology board certified gynecologist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Kentucky.

Although less common, some people experience a decreased appetite after the first trimester, in the second trimester, and during pregnancy.

“When this is the case, it is usually associated with other conditions such as hyperemesis gravidarum or other gastrointestinal conditions,” says Dr. Lao. “Don’t hesitate to address your loss of appetite with your gynecologist if you’re concerned.”

Loss of appetite in the third trimester

Even if you enjoyed an increase in appetite in the second trimester, you may experience a decrease in the third and final trimester. Your body goes through some major physiological changes as it expands to accommodate the growing fetus.

First, your uterus becomes much larger, which means you have less overall space in your abdomen. “The stomach is compressed, and women are at a much higher risk of GERD or reflux,” says Dr. Keith. You may feel full much faster when you eat.

Plus, more hormonal changes can suppress your appetite, he says Mitchell Kramer, MDOpens a new windowgynecologist at Huntington Hospital in New York.

Is loss of appetite dangerous during pregnancy?

If your diet consists primarily of white toast and salty foods in the early months, you might be worried about what this means for your pregnancy.

The good news: Loss of appetite and food aversions are usually not dangerous, especially in the first trimester, says Dr. Keith. “We might give you a ‘pass’ in the first trimester,” she says. “We usually recommend a well-balanced diet, but if food aversions don’t allow that, then sometimes we have to look outside the box and allow the patient to eat whatever (within reason) they can tolerate.”

However, sometimes loss of appetite can become dangerous when it is associated with certain symptoms, says Dr. Lao, such as:

• Significant changes in weight

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• Inability to retain fluids

• Vomiting blood

• Severe cramps or pain in the pelvis

“If you have difficulty eating, don’t hesitate to tell your doctor,” stresses Dr. Lao. “When difficulty eating is associated with nausea, vomiting, or an inability to tolerate even liquids, contact your doctor or visit the emergency room.”

You may have hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that affects up to 3% of pregnant women. This condition is treatable, but may require hospital admission, IV hydration, and IV medications.

Is loss of appetite a sign of pregnancy?

If you’re anxiously waiting to find out if you’re pregnant, you might start looking for the most subtle early signs, and yes, loss of appetite is one of them, says Dr. Lao

“Some women experience an increase in appetite, while others have a significant decrease in appetite, with difficulty eating foods they normally enjoy,” she describes.

You can blame it on hormones. Your estrogen and progesterone levels, as well as hCG, are already rising, says Dr. Lao. However, if you don’t have changes in appetite or nausea, it doesn’t mean you’re not pregnant or that you don’t have a healthy pregnancy, she emphasizes.

How to deal with loss of appetite during pregnancy

In most cases, loss of appetite during pregnancy is temporary and manageable. But that doesn’t mean it’s not without its challenges. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help manage this symptom:

• Eat smaller meals or snacks every two to three hours (rather than larger meals spaced out)

• Try to sneak in some protein, as protein-rich foods are more likely to stave off nausea than carb-rich foods

• When you eat, try to eat slowly

• Avoid foods or smells that may cause food aversions or nausea

• Stick to bland foods and cut out foods rich in oil, spices or sugar

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• Ask your doctor about pregnancy-safe anti-nausea medications, such as Zofran

Keep in mind, too, that sometimes this kind of advice isn’t enough. Good nutrition is essential during pregnancy, says Dr. Kramer. “If a person has a loss of appetite that prevents adequate food intake, they should see their doctor as soon as possible to rule out any serious medical conditions and for advice,” he concludes.