Guess what, you are growing a human! Being tired, especially in the first trimester, is a common side effect of pregnancy. The good news is, it usually subsides by your second trimester, but we need to get you through this first hurdle.

When tired, it is more likely that you opt for high sugar, carbohydrate-rich foods or convenient takeaway meals because you do not feel like cooking.

The downside is that these foods have a high glycaemic index, which will spike your sugar and make it drop soon after consumption. Furthermore, the sodium and saturated fat content in combination with the high (poor quality) energy and low fibre index will not be helpful in growing a healthy baby, supporting a healthy pregnancy, and managing healthy weight gain.

Your Dietician can calculate your requirements, help you spread your carbs evenly throughout the day, give you support with the right supplementation regime, screen for deficiencies that may worsen symptoms of fatigue and supplement accordingly under supervision.

Hang in there. You will get through this, I promise!

Book your ‘fight pregnancy fatigue’ 20-minute online consultation here

Up to 80% of women experience nausea with or without vomiting during their first trimester.

In 15% of women, these symptoms may continue after the 16-week mark, up until delivery.

1% of women experience hyperemesis Gravidarum, which is a severe form of pregnancy nausea and vomiting. If left untreated, it may have significant side effects for both mom and her baby. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is associated with weight loss, dehydration, and an imbalance in important electrolytes. Hospitalisation is usually needed to correct these fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

A dietician can play a key role in morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum. Seek advice from a Dietician trained in this field.

Book your ‘morning sickness’ 20-minute online mini-consult here

We will review your diet history and give you guidance with simple steps to alleviate symptoms, book your 20-minute mini online consultation here

IBS can be diagnosed if individuals experience one or more of the following unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms more than one time per week for more than three months with changes in stool or abnormal stools in terms of consistency and frequency.

Common gastrointestinal symptoms experienced include bloating, diarrhoea, flatulence, reflux/ heartburn, constipation and incomplete evacuation of stools.

In an ideal world, we want to diagnose and treat IBS before pregnancy, as your microbiota is very important for the microbiota establishment of your baby. However, It is not uncommon that pregnancy may cause a flare-up of symptoms again because of hormonal changes. The good news is that it can be treated with diet to alleviate symptoms with the help of your trained dietician whilst ensuring that you are NOT missing out on important nutrients you and your baby need during your pregnancy.

Simple dietary changes with your Dietician can help relieve symptoms. Submit your diet history to our dietician and get advice accordingly by booking your 20-minute online mini-consult here

The reason for craving certain foods during your pregnancy is still unknown. It is hypothesised that physical and hormonal changes or potential nutrient deficiencies may have an influence on cravings.

Craving foods rich in micronutrients supports the hypothesis that it may have been caused by nutrients lacking prior to or during the pregnancy.

According to research, most women crave unhealthy foods such as sweets, food with a fat, high content and convenience foods. These foods have an impact on pregnancy weight gain.

Regular eating patterns with low GI foods and carbohydrates spread throughout the day may suppress these cravings. If the cause is deficiencies, it is important that your dietician evaluate your diet to screen for and correct deficiencies.