Expert Q&A

	By iParenting Staff iParenting Staff Experts

I am about seven weeks pregnant and am having extreme hunger! I am slightly underweight for my height and have had trouble putting on weight in the past. I am eating three meals a day and try to nibble on fruit, vegetables, biscuits, nuts (whatever I can find) to keep the hunger pains away, but nothing seems to satisfy. Could I be harming the baby if he is not getting enough food? Have you any suggestions for tummy fillers?

Since I do not know how much under your ideal body weight you are, it is hard to determine how many more calories you need. To figure out your ideal body weight (remember this is only an estimate) you do the following: Assuming you are five feet tall, give yourself 100 pounds and 5 pounds for every inch after (For under 5 feet, take off 2.5 pounds for every inch under). So, if you are 5'5", your ideal body weight is 125, give or take 10 percent. This means you can go 12.5 pounds higher or lower and still be within normal limits.

I think this weight guideline is a little on the light side, but it is only an estimate. It does not take into account your muscle mass, etc. It sounds like you are choosing foods rich in nutrients, but not high in calories. The nutrients are by far one of the most important things to provide to your baby -- which is why women only need 300 extra calories in the second and third trimesters. In your case though, the foods you are choosing are also lower in calories and may not be satisfying you for a long enough time. To satisfy your hunger, you might want to try having six small meals a day. Also, try to incorporate some breads, grains or pastas in with your fruits and vegetables. For example, have a half a bagel with peanut butter, and a yogurt for a snack. I also think cereal is the ultimate snack -- try adding fresh strawberries or blueberries to your cereal for a very nutritious snack. Milkshakes are okay, too! You are still getting protein and calcium from shakes, and a good amount of extra calories. Drink juices and milk instead of pop, coffee or tea.

A woman who is not eating nutrient dense foods will put her baby at risk of being born underweight. A baby under 6 ? pounds is considered to be at low birth weight. Although, I think if a mother is eating a healthy diet and taking care to have a healthy lifestyle as well, then the baby, even if born light, has a much better chance of thriving.

Here are the recommended servings for the first trimester:
2 servings from the dairy-calcium rich group;
5 servings from vegetables;
3 servings from fruits;
6 servings from grains;
2 servings from meats and legumes.

You might also want to check if you are meeting these recommended servings. Keep a food diary for three days up to a week to see how you average. You might be falling short and not even realize it. If you are exercising your caloric needs are even higher. Try out my suggestions, and make sure you ask for your doctor's advice, too! Good luck!

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