Worried I’m not eating enough, third trimester 😞

[Sunshine1996]

I suffered with horrendous morning sickness between 6-20 weeks and didn’t gain much. I’m 31w4d now and although I do have a bump people always think I’m not as far gone as I am. I unfortunately now am suffering with bad heartburn which isn’t helping with my appetite. I really struggle and sometimes can’t even manage dinner 😞 baby was measuring just above the 10th centile at my last appt. Im so scared my baby isn’t getting the nutrition she needs and something bad may happen 😞

Have you asked your midwives for their input/support?
Eat what you can, when you can. Small meals more often, given your heartburn. Are you taking heartburn tablets?

Get a prescription for omeprazole for the heartburn.

Babies usually grow to whatever size they're going to be despite how much or little the mum is eating (unless there are health conditions such as GD etc) so I wouldn't worry unduly.

I'd only gained 1 or 2lbs at 20 weeks. I've now gained 21lbs at 36 weeks I think and my bump is measuring fine. Private scan estimated baby would be around 7.5lbs full term.

I'm assuming you got a growth scan as you've been given a centile for the baby. Has the midwife expressed concern? Afaik 10th centile and above isn't any cause for concern.

My understanding is that the baby will take what it needs, but that your body will suffer.

Try and get a prescription for appropriate medication and advice on what you can eat.

How about soups enriched with cream and cheese?

Hi, try not to panic too much if you can (easier said than done!). Is your baby roughly on the same centile at each appointment? Are you taking vitamin supplements? As long as you're not starving yourself or super dehydrated then I'm sure you and baby will be fine.

If it's any consolation, when I was pregnant my DD last year, she went from the 17th to 4th centile over a series of weeks. I'd been referred to the Centre for Fetal Care (extra monitoring, etc) and although there were stresses and me being induced a few weeks early, she was born totally healthy and just small. She's now 10 months old and really fat and happy, crawling around and clapping like babies do.

I hope everything goes well :) I'm happy to talk about it more if you like. I feel like I could have written your post exactly a year ago 🙂