Weight Loss in Early Pregnancy (16 Weeks): Is It Normal?

Question
I am 16 weeks pregnant, and I lost six pounds in a month since my last visit.  I am still queasy and not really hungry or turned on by many foods.  I try to eat, but sometimes I am still throwing up the food.  I am nervous because I had a history of eating disorders in the past, both anorexia and bulimia, but I am eating normally now since I found out I was pregnant.  I am NOT trying to lose weight....is this normal?

Answer
Dear Sarah,

Sometimes early on when there is excessive nausea and/or vomiting there can be a bit of weight loss. However, it is extremely important to minimize this, especially in your case. If weight loss gets severe enough, it may require a hospital stay to treat what we call hyperemesis gravidarum.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. Mild cases are treated with dietary changes, rest and antacids. More severe cases often require a stay in the hospital so that the mother can receive fluid and nutrition through an intravenous line (IV).

The majority of pregnant women experience some type of morning sickness (70 - 80%), and about 1% of all pregnancies will experience extreme morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. It is believed that nausea is caused by a rise in hormone levels; however, the absolute cause is still unknown. Hyperemesis gravidarum cannot be prevented, but there are ways to manage it.

When nausea and vomiting during pregnancy become severe enough to cause this condition, it is characterized by the following:
-Severe nausea and vomiting
-Food aversions
-Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
-Decrease in urination
-Dehydration
-Headaches
-Confusion
-Fainting
-Jaundice

Treatment with IV fluids, tube feedings, and medications may be necessary if this becomes too severe.

It's important to try to find SOMETHING that you are hungry for or that you can tolerate and keep down. Take in all that you possibly can of whatever foods you can tolerate. It's also very important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of juices and water. Try different ones to find which ones you like/can tolerate. Even a product like Gatorade may be beneficial for you to keep your electrolytes in balance while you are experiencing excessive vomiting.

Even though you may not be hungry, you may have to schedule meals. Even if you have to MAKE yourself eat something - anything - every hour. If you can take in at least 100 calories every hour - that would make a HUGE difference for you AND your baby.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. Please be well.

Brenda