Tips for dealing with hunger during pregnancy so you don't just eat

It is normal for pregnant women to eat half an hour ago but the stomach sounds again asking to be filled. If you experience it often, don't worry because feeling hungry all the time is a normal thing for pregnant women. However, this is not a reason for you to just eat at will, you still have to make sure the food consumed during pregnancy contains nutrients that are good for the fetus.

Why do pregnant women often feel hungry?

You may be wondering and confused about the changes in appetite during pregnancy. This is believed to be due to an increase in the amount of the hormone progesterone in the body.

This hormone has started to increase since entering the first trimester of pregnancy. The increase in the hormone progesterone will make you feel dizzy and nauseous, so that you end up with vomiting symptoms or what is commonly called morning sickness happened. The drained stomach contents from vomiting will leave you feeling hungry shortly afterward.

Apart from hormonal factors, it is easier for pregnant women to feel hungry, especially in the second trimester because the fetus needs more nutrition than usual in order to grow and develop properly.

To maintain fetal life, blood levels in the body also increase. You need more calories so that blood production in the body can continue and can meet the needs of you and your fetus.

Meanwhile, if the feeling of hunger that is felt by pregnant women in the third trimester, it could be that the body is getting ready to produce breast milk for your baby after birth.

Tips for controlling hunger so you don't just eat during pregnancy

Unfortunately, the hunger that pregnant women feel is often followed by the desire to eat unhealthy foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt. In fact, maintaining a healthy diet must be done so that the development of the fetus does not experience problems, especially at the beginning of pregnancy, which is the most crucial period for fetal life.

Therefore, here are various tips you can do so that you are hungry during pregnancy does not end in eating.

Eat a healthy diet regularly

Eating regularly at the right time can reduce sudden hunger pangs. The food consumed is of course healthy and filling food. Make sure the foods you choose are the nutrients needed for fetal development, such as omega-3s, iron and calcium.

Limit consumption of instant or ready-to-eat food, you should choose foods with fresh ingredients. Healthy foods that are low on the glycemic index value, such as plain oatmeal, whole wheat bread, or baked beans can help you feel fuller longer.

Another way is to divide food portions into smaller portions that you can eat every few hours. Apart from overcoming hunger, this method will also reduce the bloating that is often experienced during pregnancy.

Adjust to calorie needs

You do not need to increase your calorie needs while pregnancy is still in the first trimester. It is enough to eat regular portions but with healthier foods. Usually, you just start to need additional calories after entering the second trimester.

The recommended amount of additional calories from the diet is usually around 350 calories, then it will increase to 500 calories when you enter the third trimester. You can also consult your obstetrician again about how many calories you should meet in one day.

Avoid monthly shopping when pregnant women are hungry

Source: The Daily Meal

Before you leave the house to shop for your monthly needs, it's a good idea to fill your stomach first. The hunger you experience during pregnancy can make you act impulsively by buying lots of foods that look good.

This does not rule out that later you will get out of control and eat at will.

Drink a lot of water

Not only does it make the stomach feel fuller, during pregnancy the body actually needs more fluids. Sometimes many find it difficult to distinguish the symptoms of dehydration in pregnant women from hunger, drinking more water may help control hunger.

Drink 12 or 13 glasses of water per day. If you get bored of drinking water, don't waste it on soft drinks like soda and switch to fruit juices.

Maintaining a diet during pregnancy so you don't just eat it doesn't mean you shouldn't fulfill your cravings at all. There is nothing wrong if you indulge in sweet snacks such as donuts or cakes with lots of cream, as long as the portions are still limited.