Weight loss is defined as a decrease in body weight due to voluntary factors including diet or exercise, or as a result of factors beyond the control; Such as having a disease, and most cases of weight loss are due to the loss of body fat, but severe weight loss may lead to the depletion of proteins and other substances in the body, and it should be noted that in the case of pregnancy, it is important to gain weight in the normal amount to help the child get what Sufficient nutrients for growth and development, and if they do not gain this weight, a small child may be born, or other health problems.
Reasons for being underweight during pregnancy
The rate of weight gain of a pregnant woman varies as a result of several factors that vary according to the changing circumstances of pregnancy, and it should be noted that the weight loss of a pregnant woman during pregnancy is considered unusual, and its causes must be discussed with the medical provider, as some early symptoms of pregnancy may make the woman lose a little weight at first, but with the progression of the first trimester of pregnancy, it is assumed that the pregnant woman will gain a few kilograms as a minimum, but there are many reasons that lead to a decrease in the weight of a pregnant woman during pregnancy, and the following is an explanation of this:
Morning sickness
This condition is known to suffer from nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy, and this happens to many women during this period and is a normal part of a healthy pregnancy, and although its name is specified in the morning time, it may occur at any time during the day and at night, This condition usually begins around the sixth week of pregnancy, reaches its peak around the ninth week, and disappears between the 16th to 18th week, but it should be noted that this condition is considered abnormal when it becomes so severe that the woman vomits continuously and reaches several times. Severe morning sickness leads to weight loss, fluids, stomach acid during vomiting, dehydration, and an imbalance in electrolyte concentration in the body, and if a pregnant woman does not receive proper treatment, it can lead to many complications, including organ failure. Interfering with a woman's health and the ability of her child to develop, and premature birth.
Possibility of overlapping pregnancy symptoms with eating:
This is in the early stages of pregnancy, and although these symptoms do not directly cause weight loss, they may lead to women eating a small number of calories on a daily basis, and these symptoms include; Dislike of certain smells, tastes, or textures of foods, fatigue that occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as heartburn, indigestion, and constipation that can also occur in the first trimester of pregnancy and continue thereafter.
Abortion:
Miscarriages are likely to occur in the thirteenth week of pregnancy, and weight loss is one of the warning signs of this miscarriage, and there are many other symptoms that may also indicate a miscarriage, such as back pain from mild to severe The appearance of mucus in a pinkish-white color, cramping, bleeding in a brown or red color, loss of tissue from the vagina, and a sudden decrease in the appearance of signs of pregnancy.
Diet
related to a balanced diet during pregnancy, as eating healthy options may reduce a few kilograms, but it should be noted that it is not recommended to follow a diet that reduces calories, or trying to lose weight; Following this goal during pregnancy is a danger to the pregnant woman and her child, especially if she may limit important nutrients, such as iron, folate, vitamins, and other important minerals, and in the event of weight loss during pregnancy, the child will consume the nutrients that It needs it from the stores of the pregnant woman’s body, which causes a danger to the health of the pregnant woman and increases her vulnerability to infection and a feeling of constant fatigue, despite this, women who suffer from overweight or obesity are advised not to gain excessive weight during
pregnancy
hyperemesis gravidarum:
It is considered much worse than morning sickness, and its symptoms usually begin between the fifth and tenth week of pregnancy, and end in the twentieth week of pregnancy, including; Weight loss. Mild cases of hyperemesis gravidarum can be controlled by making changes in diet, rest, and use of antacids. In severe cases, treatment by a specialist or hospitalization may be needed so that doctors can evaluate the condition. And give appropriate treatment. Treatment of weight loss during pregnancy can include treatment of what is known as severe morning sickness that causes weight loss, medical intervention due to the severity of the condition, in addition to the following: Avoid eating orally for a short period to comfort the digestive system. Use of intravenous fluids. Pregnant women's consumption of vitamins and nutritional supplements. Consuming medication to stop vomiting, either orally or intravenously, if necessary. Eat foods containing ginger or take a vitamin B6 supplement if your doctor recommends it to help relieve nausea in addition to following the Bland diet, eating small meals frequently, drinking plenty of fluids when not feeling sick, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, and eating high protein snacks. Talk to the attending physician or specialized counselor if the woman feels anxious or depressed as a result of her condition, which may help to overcome this feeling.