Do food aversions continue throughout the entire pregnancy?

Most food aversions ease by the second trimester, though some may continue for a prolonged time. If they interfere with your nutrition, discuss them with your doctor.

Are supplements enough to prevent slow baby growth?

Supplements are helpful, but they’re not as good as eating healthy food. Eating healthy meals and taking supplements works best for growth.

Are food cravings related to food aversions?

Both are influenced by pregnancy hormones, but they do not always happen together. You may have strong aversions without cravings, or vice versa

How Food Aversions in Early Pregnancy Can Cause Slow Baby Growth Later

Pregnancy often begins with excitement and unpredictable surprises. One of the biggest surprises many individuals encounter is strong food aversions. Suddenly, the smell of spices, tea, eggs, or even your favourite meal may make you feel uncomfortable or nauseous. While food aversions are absolutely fine, you may worry whether avoiding certain foods early on could impact your baby's development later.
Let's get to the point slowly and clearly.

Why Does Food Make You Sick During Early Pregnancy?

Food aversions usually start in the initial stage of pregnancy, around week 6 to 9. But what's the reason behind this?

When your hormonal level changes, rising levels of hCG and oestrogen can make you more sensitive to taste and smell
Due to nausea and morning sickness, when certain foods start to make you uncomfortable, your body naturally starts rejecting them
Some researchers believe food aversion is the body's way of rejecting foods which might be difficult to digest during early pregnancy

Most individuals experience at least one major aversion, and about 50 to 90% report changes in appetite during the first trimester.

How Can Food Aversions Impact Your Baby’s Development Later?

Food aversions themselves aren't harmful. The main concern is when they lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in the first 12 weeks when your baby's organs are under development.
1. Are You Taking in Fewer Calories Than Your Requirement?
You don't need too many calories in the first trimester. But if food aversions are extremely strong, making you eat too little, your baby may receive fewer nutrients necessary for growth.
Prolonged intake of low-calorie foods can contribute to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) later on.
2. Are You Missing Out on Significant Nutrients?
Some food aversions target nutrient-packed foods like:

Dairy
Eggs
Meat
Lentils

These foods are packed with all the necessary nutrients like calcium, protein, iron, and vitamins to help your baby grow healthy.
For instance:

The growth of your tissues and muscles could be affected due to low protein consumption
Low iron boosts the possibility of anaemia, leading to less oxygen supply to the baby

3. Is Prolonged Vomiting and Nausea Bothering You?
If your food aversions come with severe vomiting, it might cause:

Nutrition deficiency
Dehydration
Weight loss during early pregnancy

Not gaining enough weight or losing too much in the second and third trimesters is linked with low birth weight.

What Are the Alarming Signs?

You should be aware of the signs, like:

Feeling extremely weak and dizzy
Persistent vomiting
Rapid weight loss
Eating less than 2 to 3 small meals regularly
Difficulty keeping liquids down

Your doctor expresses concern about the baby's development in later scans.

How to Handle Food Aversion without Compromising Nutrition?

Here are the practical steps to use regularly:
1. Can You Eat the Same Nutrients in Different Forms?
If you're milk intolerant, try:

Paneer
Curd
Fortified plant milk

If you're allergic to eggs, try:

Beans
Lentils
Tofu

Replacing nutrients is more important than sticking to one particular food.
2. Are Small, Frequent Meals Good for You?
You may find that eating every 2 to 3 hours helps you maintain energy without triggering nausea.
3. Can You Choose Low-smell Foods?
Foods with intense smells can feel overwhelming. Try foods that are digestible and easy, such as:

Idli
Khichdi
Toast with peanut butter
Boiled veggies
Plain parathas

4. Are You Staying Hydrated?
Try staying hydrated with:

Clear soups
Coconut water
Lemon water
ORS, if recommended

Good hydration keeps your body and your baby's growth protected.
5. Are Prenatal Supplements Helping?
Your doctor may prescribe:

Iron
Folic acid
Calcium
DHA
Multivitamins

How is Food Aversion and Your Emotional Health Related?

Food aversions make you feel:

Guilty for not eating an adequate amount
Frustrated
Anxious about your baby's health

You may also feel pressure from friends or family members.

Ask your family to lend a hand with making meals
Talk openly with your partner about what you’re going through
Remind yourself that these food issues won’t last forever; you can get through this

When Do You Need Medical Help?

Immediately consult your doctor if you:

Lose weight in the first trimester
Feel dehydrated
Can barely eat for more than 24 to 48 hours
Vomit more than 3 to 4 times a day.
Receive feedback about slow baby growth during scans
Notice your baby isn’t moving as much in the last few months

How to Proceed Further?

Monitor how much water you drink and what you eat daily
Talk to your doctor about foods you can’t stand
Grab small bites of nutrient-packed snacks
Take supplements the way they’re prescribed
Avoid strong-smelling foods that trigger nausea
Keep an eye on your weight every couple of weeks
Talk to your partner about how you’re feeling

It’s normal to have food aversions when you conceive for the first time. Just keep in mind that if they stop you from eating well for too long, it could affect your baby as they grow. The trick is to find a good balance. Eat well, get the right nutrients, and if you’re struggling a lot, consult your doctor. If you have good support and guidance, it’s absolutely possible to deal with food aversions and keep your baby healthy.

FAQs on How Food Aversions in Early Pregnancy Can Cause Slow Baby Growth Later

Do food aversions continue throughout the entire pregnancy?
Most food aversions ease by the second trimester, though some may continue for a prolonged time. If they interfere with your nutrition, discuss them with your doctor.
Are supplements enough to prevent slow baby growth?
Supplements are helpful, but they’re not as good as eating healthy food. Eating healthy meals and taking supplements works best for growth.
Are food cravings related to food aversions?
Both are influenced by pregnancy hormones, but they do not always happen together. You may have strong aversions without cravings, or vice versa