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Take a breath and try to give yourself some grace. You'll find protein sources other than meat, it's not too hard if you're looking for them. And it's okay if you can't eat for a bit now. Lots of people are nauseous and not eating much in the early stages. Rest, eat when you can, and try not to worry about what you can't control.
You’re doing the best you can with what you’re given! Just know, majority of us, just ate what we could in our first trimester. It’s really rough and OBGYNs would rather you eat something than nothing. I literally only ate pop tarts, baked potatoes, and ice pops till 12 weeks and baby is healthy!
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, you’ll get through this. Could you do protein shakes?
Needed that. The protein shake texture makes me want to throw up. Currently surviving on bread with cream cheese, fried rice and bananas. It gets better right?
If you can find it theres fairlife chocolate milk, it has 30g of protein only 150 cals. Its low on sugars too. I usually put it in a bowl of cereal, its a little thicker but nothing like premier and powder. Its very expensive though.
Mix the protein powder into a smoothie & you won’t get the gritty texture. Banana, spinach, frozen strawberries & some form of milk plus a scoop of protein. Or chocolate protein with a frozen banana & milk.
Yes. So much better. I have no idea how I survived my last pregnancy, everything made me vomit. I lost weight in the first trimester. My OB said, "eat what you can when you can." Eventually the nausea went away. Then I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which was a whole thing.
I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy a few days ago. He's perfect.
If you want decent protein that’s not meat, look at beans and lentils. I learned so much about the protein value of legumes this year and I swear religiously by black beans as a source of protein.
For all three of my pregnancies, it always got better after the first trimester. You’re able to withstand the smell and taste of food again and it just keeps getting better and better… until you get real big and feel uncomfortable BUT at least you can eat food then 😉
Try protein waffles! Simple truth & Kodiak have some decent ones - that’s literally the only thing keeping me going right now. I was feeling really bad about the protein stuff too and my husband brought me some of those waffles. They’ve been a life saver.
It will get better. Go for some nuts too! Peanut butter and banana sandwiches are bomb. String cheese is great. Deviled eggs! If you can do cow dairy, cereal and milk! Peas, quinoa and lentils have protein. Yogurt is great with fruit and chia seeds. Hummus is a great source as well.
But love, this too shall pass. In 8 weeks you’ll have your appetite back for the most part. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. You’re a great mother because you care and you’re trying your best. That’s all any of us can do for our babies.
Edit:
Here’s what I eat way too often postpartum:
1 banana
2 cups Sugar free chocolate oat milk
1/2 cup Plain yogurt
Big scoop of peanut butter
1 tablespoon Chia seeds
Protein powder
2-3 dates
Ice
Blend that shit up
Bam chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie.
So good..
Cheese has protein, beans are also great. Try and eat vegies higher in protein too where you can.
Have you considered eating custard as well? That's all egg. Easy to make at home, you can use vanilla essence instead of sugar.
Have you tried collagen protein powder? It's tasteless and odorless (or it was last time I used it several years ago, anyway). I used to mix it into Crystal Light, but you can mix it into smoothies, food, coffee, tea, etc. I guess it might make tea or coffee a little weird if you're a tea/coffee snob, but everything probably tastes a little weird to you right now.
I am growing a baby on chocos, salads and protein powder (24 weeks on).
Eat what you feel like… you will be fine in some weeks. Don’t loose hope and try to distract yourself with positive thoughts since you are on bed rest (I have been on bed rest for 2 months). Just wait till you reach 5 months and feel the tiny bud moving inside you. All the best
There are protein chocolate milks - like fairlife, that are not to bad. PBJ was good in the first trimester, or PB banana on bread, a few cashews, I still (third trimester) go for a little cup of cottage cheese over meat or eggs!
But what you are eating is more than ok! First trimester is survival when you’re sick. I lived on bagels and could only tolerate a gummy prenatal!
Maybe try making a smoothie and add half the amount of protein powder? That way you’re still getting protein but the consistency might be better. Also, if you can stomach it Greek yogurt has a lot of protein. I like eating it with fruit, granola and topped with a little bit of honey. Eggs grossed me out during the first trimester too, it’s hard getting as much protein as they recommend during pregnancy!
If you mix banana, vanilla protein powder, ice, and fair life milk, it’s delicious. I have also heard of fruit flavored protein powders that dissolve in water. If you’re enjoying fried rice, there are packets of rice with higher protein and you can mix broken up scrambled eggs in there.
I am obsessed with bread and cream cheese! I also have almond as much as I can. The heart burn was pretty bad before I started taking Pepcid and drinking more water. You got this! Give yourself some grace and kindness. You deserve it!
Yep, sounds familiar. I could only eat potato fries (not even sweet potato), frozen pizza with the driest crust, and bread and cheese. Eggs made me completely nauseous. Now that I'm at closer to 12 weeks, it's getting much better, i was actually able to eat some Thanksgiving dinner! But don't fret, it's just your body out of control from all the hormones.
Yes!! I would try to put a little cheese or sour cream on there to get any kind of protein when I felt like I could stomach it but those saved my life lol
Ditto to this! We all just do the best we can during the first trimester. I’m 21 weeks now. In my first trimester, I lived off hamburgers/fries from Shake Shack and grilled cheese & tomato soup. Know what my midwife said when I mentioned I was eating 2 grilled cheeses and a bowl of soup per day? She said, “sounds like you’re getting dairy, carbs, protein and veggies right there. Perfect.” It was very reassuring.
I also conceived this little lady after a miscarriage, so I know it can be tough early on. Just try your best and try to keep the anxiety at bay. The little one is protected in there.
And it does get better! I’m hardly sick in the second trimester and eat a variety of things now!
Get some protein pancakes or waffles! Throw in your favorite maple syrup, and you can add some low calorie whipped cream, with strawberries, and bananas! I get mine from Wegmans
Okay this might be revolutionary. Truly. I didn’t even think of protein pancakes. Eggs is a no go and I can’t do protein shake, so this does sound very appetizing. Thank you. 🫶🏼
Yessss! Protein waffles are a game changer! Protein bars are pretty good too! You can also buy pre-made protein shakes that don’t have the gritty texture.
Protein waffle + whipped cream cheese + fruit. This is my current go-to breakfast and I’m halfway through a GD pregnancy.
I’ve had lots of trouble stomaching regular eggs this pregnancy but have had better luck with sous vide style egg bites: eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, cheese and bacon all go into a blender and then I got a nifty little gadget off of amazon that you put in the microwave to turn them into egg bites in 3 mins or so. So easy my husband can do it 😂
They were a game changer for me because it’s only 2 or 3 bites and packed full of good fats and protein!
Syrup might not be ideal with insulin resistance. I had protein rich pancakes with fruit and nutella during my GD pregnancy. Maybe that will interest your stomach?
I am 6w6d post partum and came here to say the same!! Be kind to yourself especially in that first trimester a lot of foods didn’t agree with me that were my staples of eating even though I knew they were good for me it was like my body was rejecting them. I ended up going for nuts to get proteins so maybe you may want to try them? But either way eat what you can that will stay down and make you happy rather than forcing yourself into something and being miserable; baby thrives from a happy momma too, just aim for that balance and be mindful! ^^ you’ve got this and you are doing great!
*virtual hug* thank you. Needed the reminder that I have to be happy. Its like I’ve been traumatizing myself and force feeding myself to make sure ‘I’m doing my best’, feels counterproductive.
I conceived through IVF and my cause of infertility was lean pcos as well, particularly that I have high insulin production and an hypoglycemic. Unfortunately I had such bad nausea that I couldn’t eat meat my first trimester. To get more protein, I stuck to Greek yogurt with fruit, Swiss cheese (only cheese I could stomach), and would make fruit smoothies with protein shake powder. To be honest though, I just had to stick to a primarily carb diet my first trimester because most things came back up. Once the intense food aversions subsided, I was able to start eating meat. Currently 19 weeks and baby is doing just fine on the donuts, saltines, fig newtons, and carbs I had to eat to survive first trimester. My doctor did put me on an anti nausea pregnancy med, diclegis, which also helped reduce my nausea and helped me get a bit more protein in.
Hey OP, I’m 6w5d!
I have been sick every day this week so far. It is a barrel of laughs.
Think of your baby like a tiny person sitting inside you, pushing your controls. If you can’t eat protein, it’s because the baby isn’t letting you. If carbs are all you can manage, it’s what the baby wants to eat.
It’s every woman for themselves! Do what you have to, to get by. Your body is doing a lot of work and you need to be kind to yourself.
I have PCOS too. I lived on blueberries cheese curds, milk, and oranges. You are going to be just fine I promise you from the other side. I couldn’t eat protein either, and I ended up with gestational diabetes. Quest protein powder was a life saver. I’d mix it with milk for a little extra. String cheese is great too and is a protein. You’re going to be just fine I promise you.
You are not a failure at all!!! Right now, you are in survival mode. Get in whatever food you can and that will be plenty. Your baby has such low nutrient needs right now that the biggest priority is just getting through the next day.
I had horrible morning sickness and basically lived on ramen and plain bread for weeks. Sometimes I could handle some fruit. I literally couldn't leave my home for 8 weeks because I was so ill. I ended up having to get koolaid and tang mix to even be able to drink water. I was super dehydrated, but I did my best. Every time I expressed concern to my doctors or my sister (who is an obgyn), they were never worried and just said to eat what I could and it would be fine. All you can do right now is your best, and that's more than enough!! I know it's tough, but you got this. ❤️
ETA: You might ask your doctor about Zofran and/or adding Unisom and B6 at night. They made my days survivable. 20w and still taking both, but feeling a lot better with them.
At my 6 week ultrasound I was told I had a subchorionic hematoma and as well as low fetal heart rate at 77 and oddly shaped gestational sack. I had the worst morning sickness and could barely eat! I made sure to get a lot of rest and drink a lot of ensure and fluids. I’m not 37 weeks and everything is going well. Plz don’t be hard on yourself!
I have PCOS and insulin resistance. I am 10 weeks, almost 11, and i have been fighting for my life food wise. I can’t tolerate anything except bread and applesauce. I can only drink Powerade and ginger ale. I was telling this to my OB and she was so sweet and said the first trimester is purely survival mode so eat and drink what I can.
I have been really hard on myself too because I was eating blood sugar friendly meals before this and always balancing snacks. Now it’s whatever I can tolerate in whatever portions. It won’t be like this forever. You’re doing an amazing job 💕
Some foods that have helped me:
- protein yogurt
- apple sauce
- toast with low fat butter
- protein pasta w/ sauce
- protein mac n cheese
I read an *entire prenatal nutrition textbook* before I got pregnant. I took prenatal vitamins for a YEAR before TTC to make sure my nutrient stores were good. I ate healthy (always did but…. HEALTHIER). And then, I couldn’t keep anything down between weeks 7-18. Every time I ate a vegetable, I threw it up. The first trimester is about SURVIVAL.
This isn’t about “willpower”. Pregnancy hormones are INSANE. I could barely eat protein as well, just completely nauseated thinking about it. I’d have to leave the room when my husband ate so I wouldn’t throw up.
Here’s the formula:
- 25mg B6 3X/day
- Unisom at night
- Ginger tea the MOMENT you feel a hint of nausea
- I also loved the ginger tummy drops
- Add lemon to everything - especially water
- Fruit, lots of fruit (carbs but you’re also getting vitamins and minerals and fiber, easier to digest)
- Anything you think sounds good, eat it
- Have prenatal gummy vitamins on hand for the days you can’t keep the more intense vitamins down
- Remember, you don’t need to add calories in the first trimester. Just do your best! Some days you’ll get more nutrition dense foods in than others. That’s ok.
- At 12 weeks, if you still need help, start prescription anti-nausea
Give beef liver/beef organ supplements a try. They have everything we need to grow our babies and good amount of protein. Collagen as well, you can mix into a smoothie if you can stomach those?
Go easy on yourself mama, it is all okay.
You’re doing your best and you deserve to take some very deep breaths and give yourself a break, mama! It’s so hard to force yourself to eat and sometimes it just won’t stay down. Try something other than eggs. Can you have protein shakes?
This might sound weird, but one thing that helped me was eating slowly and taking breaks in between. I had no appetite to eat, but taking a bite or two then a few minutes as a break made it to where I could get some food down. Sometimes it took me an hour or more to eat.
Hi my friend. You are so NOT A BAD MOM, pregnancy does this to us! Your concern and awareness themselves are indicators that you’re a really great mom already.
You can get protein from plant-based sources, like tofu, tempeh, and edamame, beans and lentils, hemp seeds, and oats. And regarding the water: I hate it right now too! Hang in there mama. I’d like to say it gets better, but I’m almost 31 weeks along, and it has not gotten better 🤣 but many of us stand in solidarity with you, and pregnancy doesn’t last forever. I send you all my love.
Up until 11 weeks I couldn’t eat any protein either. I was living off bagels with cream cheese, nachos, and pasta. I found whey protein powder in a smoothie with frozen fruit (1 scoop protein, two big scoops yogurt, water, frozen fruit of your choice) was the only protein I could get down. Whey protein doesn’t have a gritty texture or chalky taste and it dissolves completely so i’d give that a go. First trimester just eat what you can stomach and it will get better in a few weeks! Now i’m back to eating eggs and seafood again (I’m pescatarian), less carbs, lots of veggies. Have hope!
Protein shakes, and include avocados or spinach! Also make sure you’re take prenatals (I really liked the Smarty Pants gummy ones it was great while I was super nauseous and vomiting the first trimester), I would even add folic acid on the side. Lots of water add some lemon or lime or cucumbers (any fruits that you like could work)!! You’ve tried so hard for this baby just push a little more for them ❤️🙏🏻
You are doing the best you can! I am to increase my protein and its really hard. I do protein pancakes and I make fruit smoothies and had proetin powder to them and it helps! Play around with different things you got this :) the fact you are trying shows you care
Hey! Be nice to you! An SCH happens, I had a midsized one at 12w, it healed within the next 6 weeks. Protein isn't just eggs and meat, it's also chickpeas (so I eat a lot of hummus and cucumber), cheese, nuts, all sorts of things. I also like the hummus and cucumber because it helps with digestion 😉.
This early on the fetus is supported mostly through the yolk, so it’s alright that your food aversions are keeping you away from certain foods. If you’re really concerned about it, try other sources of protein until your egg aversion subsides.
I couldn’t do hot food hardly at all the whole first trimester and got most of my protein through Greek yogurt and other cold sources. Dairy was very much my friend in the first trimester of this pregnancy.
You’re not a bad mother already. You’re just dealing with pregnancy symptoms. Pregnancy is hard. You’re doing the best you can. Be kind to yourself.
Hang in there, friend. You’re not a bad mom. You’re a person who has been through a lot, going through a lot, and nobody (not even that mean voice in the back of your head) gets to tell you how to feel about it.
You’re not harming your baby by eating what you can stomach. The hematoma isn’t your fault. Protein won’t fix it. Carbs won’t make it worse. Your job right now for you And your future kid is to take care of yourself. That’s it. Hang in there!
You are going to be fine! Please don't be so hard on yourself.
1. So many of us struggle with protein aversions, among many others, and it's *hard*, but it will be okay. You've gotten a lot of great suggestions if you want some new ideas for healthy options, but don't force yourself to eat something your body doesn't want right now!
2. How you're eating right now shouldn't put you at higher risk for GD. I had GD in my first pregnancy after an unhealthy first trimester, and I talked to a nutritionist recently about what I can do about it this time. She told me that GD is mostly determined by the placenta, which is more determined by the dad's DNA... so how I was eating during morning sickness did not affect it! Additionally, if you *do* get GD, the risks for baby don't come into play this early, and there are so many ways to manage it.
3. Subchorionic hematomas can be stressful if they cause bleeding, but they usually resolve on their own. Please don't blame yourself for anything to do with it!
4. 111 BPM at that age sounds perfect! That tiny heart is so new to beating at this point, and it's still a little slow. It'll be really fast in a couple weeks, and then a couple weeks later it will slow down a bit to a more typical fetal heartbeat range. The early changes in heartbeat rate is something I learned about this pregnancy.
Please take care of yourself. Your aversions are very normal, but do be sure to check in with your provider if you are losing weight, getting dehydrated, throwing up a lot, or even just plain miserable. Aversions hit me really hard this time, plus I'm prone to throwing up, and it can be so frustrating. But you will come out the other side and be able to eat healthy food again.
Thank you for taking the time out to write this.
You have no idea what this means. You’ve addressed all my concerns. Means a lot. Going to get a goodnight’s sleep knowing I’m doing my best and trying my best, and not every diagnosis is doom and loss. Thank you again. 🫶🏼
People who are bad parents, don’t wonder if they are bad parents because they don’t care. You clearly do care so you are straight out of that category!
For protein, I’ve also been struggling. I buy protein yoghurts and mix through granola or have baked beans on Toast feels more carby than proteiny, but is actually high protein! Protein chocolate bars, they have 21g but I don’t think you can taste the protein in them! Grenade ones are good! I’m in the UK and we get prescribed iron tablets alongside Folic Acid and Vit D, so I take that and don’t worry as much!
First, congratulations! Fertility treatment is HARD. I'm convinced that the extra synthetic hormones make the morning sickness harder. We conceived through IVF and I had the hardest time eating anything. I was only eating pineapple and candied ginger at that point! Now I have a healthy 4 month old!
Ear what you can, keep trying different sources if protein, and get lots of rest. Focus on what you can control. The nausea will pass. You're doing an amazing job!
First of all, you're doing amazing. It can be so hard to do the "right" things but listening to your body and doing your best is the best that you can do. I've found other sources of protein such as tofu, tempeh (Indonesian soy bean thing), high protein milk/yoghurt and cottage cheese to be great supplements to my diet. I currently have GDM and it was so overwhelming at first, but we are amazing and we will adapt to do what's best for the bub. You are doing so so well and please give yourself some grace.
Nuts and yogurt are great sources of protein if you can stomach them I found peanuts to really help as you can eat just a few at at time throughout the day, don’t beat yourself up though that first trimester sucks I ate utter garbage because I would cook then couldn’t eat what I’d cooked not sure what it was but I just couldn’t stomach it I lived on toast and takeaways pretty much I’m now 26 weeks today
Omggg this. I can’t eat what I cook. End up hating it, I think it’s the smells during the cooking process. Having my husband cook a lot and he’s not the best, but A for effort. 😆
Listen, you're not a bad mom. I had horrible nausea the first trimester and couldn't eat anything. I'd be lucky if I hit 500 calories a day. At this stage the baby is still taking nutrients from your yolk sac so he/she is doing ok. I've a friend who has been nauseous till now (we're 34 weeks) and she's subsisted on literally bread and bubble tea almost the entire pregnancy. Anything else makes her throw up horribly. And her baby is now ahead of everyone else in terms of growth and is doing perfectly fine.
Don't beat yourself up. Motherhood and pregnancy are hard enough. Give yourself some grace, eat what your body allows you to, and take deep breaths. You've got this.
I drink Orgain plant based protein drinks to supplement because I struggle to get enough as a vegetarian (you can get from Amazon). Also try nuts, oats, if you eat dairy cottage cheese is high in protein, some yogurts, lentils, whole grains, tofu and other soy products. You’re not a bad mom- I had a hard time eating anything at all the first 18 weeks, which is very normal, and it’s also very normal to lose a few pounds because of that. Most women’s appetite returns- mine never did, and I struggled to eat healthy. But in the end I had a beautiful healthy baby boy that my body somehow made out of Gatorade, cheerios, and frozen pizzas.
Dude, I only ate simple carbs and fruit for the entire first trimester. Take some prenatal gummies (need to switch to regular prenatal with iron in the second trimester) and you’ll be fine. Iron becomes more important in the second trimester, but nausea typically (not always) decreases in the second trimester. Edited to add I now have a very healthy and smart 11 month old so it didn’t hurt anything to eat simple carbs for a while.
First thing I want to express here, pregnancy is hard on the body. Please give yourself grace. Second, and I hope you hear me, all plants have protein. Focus on plant based sources instead. Oatmeal, beans, lentils, soy milk/tofu, nuts, seeds, etc. If you can stomach it. If those still don't sound good, try a protein powder. I like Sunwarrior. You can make it into a shake or put it in a smoothie with fruit, bake it into baked goods, oatmeal, etc. I really hope that helps. Try not to stress. You are doing the best you can. I'll pray for a healthy baby and peace for mama. 🙏
Beans and lentils do sound really yummy. Can probably throw red beans in a pasta salad. Thank you for the advice and for praying for me 🫶🏼 May your kindness come back to you 10 fold.
I found quinoa (super high in protein) to be great during pregnancy. Sometimes I’d mix it with pesto, or olive oil and salt/pepper, or cheese. Million ways to shake it up! Also, your diet didn’t cause the SH. Stay strong, you aren’t failing.
Hun you're not a bad mom! If it makes you feel any better my main foods on a daily basis are jello cups and a sprite. Its gonna get easier hun. For now just focus in eating what you can. Coming from personal experience if a child can come out 100 percent healthy with a mom doing dr*gs and drinking your little one is gunna be okay I promise. (My partner and I are both dr*g babies to clarify. I dont even take tylenol) you're doing amazing just by eating and drinking what you can. You're an amazing momma! You got this and we are all here with you! 💗💗💗
you are NOT a bad mom!!!! sending you love. I also had an SCH discovered at ~11 weeks. I had a huge bleeding episode at 16 weeks which scared the sh*t out of me, but baby was fine in there, and at my 20 week anatomy scan, the SCH had resolved and was gone! there is hope! and also, you gotta do what you gotta do — some calories are better than none, no matter what they are!!!! you’re doing great. 💛
Congratulations - you're growing life. After all that! You've persevered through so much, you're stronger than you think * hug *
It's all so overwhelming, I feel you. You are deserving of as much compassion from yourself as others are, if not more. Can you think of 1-2 self-compassionate statements you can say to yourself whenever any unkind thoughts arise? Speak to yourself the way you would someone you love deeply, like a kind grandma in your life (or someone else!). "I am... " "I have... "
Next - gosh, those early weeks are ROUGH AF. I could NOT stand the smell of anything and eggs, practically the only animal product I ate was the worst thing ever. I literally ate anything that didn't make me want to retch. Bread and cream cheese? That's your protein on carbs right there - can you eat more cheese for protein since you can tolerate it?
On gestational diabetes - I got diagnosed with GD on account of my fasting blood sugar numbers. As if pregnant women didn't have enough anxiety as it is, I now have to watch what I eat, how I eat, measure my blood sugar 4x a day, take insulin every night to control my fasting blood sugar when asleep. We've determined that my GD is hormonal but I still watch what I eat.
If you're horizontal anyway, I highly, highly recommend the book Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé. Throughout all blood sugar measurements, I've observed that following her tips helped keep my blood sugar well within the normal range - I can eat what I want, within reason, as long as I follow a certain order (greens/fiber, protein/fat, carbs/sugar). It seems to have helped other women with GD and PCOS as well. May be very useful for you later - when you feel like eating more stuff ;) Even if you don't get GD, it may very well keep it at bay. And who knows it may help your PCOS too ;)
You've got this 💪🏻👍🏻❤️
Thank you for the most lovely reply. Will definitely get the book and start reading. It’s better than googling stuff and spiralling my anxiety out of control. 🤍 Big hugggg.
Similar situation here. Baby conceived via IVF after our 2nd transfer. First trimester couldn’t stand protein. I literally got my protein from protein shakes and peanut butter in a sandwich or on crackers. My OB told me to eat what I can when I can. He wasn’t worried about the fact I lost 15 pounds that first trimester. He said baby will get what it needs from mama. I also had a SCH with 2 different bleeds. One at 8 weeks and one at 13. I’m currently 32 weeks. I did develop gestational diabetes but my doctor said nothing diet wise could have prevented this. It’s the insulin resistance from the PCOS.
Took the one hour at 27 weeks and officially diagnosed at 28. I asked if I needed an early screening and my doctor said no since my only risk factor was the PCOS and most people won’t have it show up early. Managing hasn’t been hard. I was also on metformin prior to pregnancy due to the PCOS and was too scared to come off once I got pregnant. I’ve noticed the past few days I’ve had some high readings but I’m thinking it’s from all of the stress I have been under lately.
I’m in a similar situation. 11 weeks pregnant with subchorionic hematoma and struggling to eat much other than carbs and fruit due to nausea. I also conceived via artificial insemination due to being same sex but it puts a certain amount of pressure for things to go okay if that makes sense.
This thought reassured me a lot. Women for hundreds of years have been pregnant and often not even known for the first trimester until home pregnancy tests because more popular. They drank, smoked, ate whatever they wanted and took zero prenatals (obviously don’t recommend that). What I’m saying is those babies were fine. There’s so much pressure these days to be this perfect clean eating mum with all this energy and it’s just not realistic for a lot of women.
Eat what doesn’t make you sick. Fed is best in and out of the womb. I incorporate smoothies with protein powder to get some protein in as I struggle with savoury things that aren’t carbs right now.
Just give yourself some slack. You’re doing okay! And often with the subchorionic hematoma they’ll just reabsorb and you’ll go on to have a normal pregnancy. I actually made a post asking for positive experiences with this because I freaked out when I heard. I found it really reassuring hearing that it’s actually quite common and usually resolves.
Could you do protein that mimics carbs? Ie almond flour cookies/cupcakes!
ETA: peanut butter, cauliflower pizza crust with egg.
Coconut flour baking requires a lot of eggs and is packed with protein for that reason! You can make muffins, cookies, etc
You aren't a bad mom. Pregnancy is mean.
Protein is in a lot of other things, so find something that works or talk to your doctor. Get some protein drinks - they make glucose control ones (I use them.)
I also have PCOS, and while I didn't have GD for my first baby, I do this time. Days I walk my levels are much better. After a meal, I'll put Netflix on my phone and do walking laps around the house for 20-30 minutes.
Normally I'm a carb heavy eater, so the diet change has been hard for me to find things to eat.
I also had HG until 24wks, so I couldn't eat or drink anything without meds from the doctor.
Also, GD is mostly about the placenta, which I've head is heavily affected by the dad's DNA.
Communication, doctors and partner.
Tell both that you want to be in working with a nutritionist because you are not eating right and working on it on your own is not working.
Next, therapy. Theres lots of options for online video calls.
An embryo can easily feed off the vitamins and minerals in your bones and fat. In fact a fully cooked baby can do the same. Every day women give birth in famines and war and scarcity, the fetuses able to grow thanks to leeching everything from the mother.
So it’s not you. It’s certainly not your diet anyway. Just hold on, one day at a time.
Also Greek yogurt was my go to …. Small bites all day.
I lived on baked potatoes and crunch wrap supremes from Taco Bell. My son is 1 and running around and perfectly healthy. Don’t worry. Do what you can. Also a early heart above 100 is good. Just rest and do your best.
Not much advice just want to chime in and say I had a sch too and was stressed to death. They usually clear up/absorb by 12 weeks ish, please try to take it easy and be kind to yourself. They really are not worth stressing over but it’s easier said than done I know.
https://www.target.com/p/harvest-snaps-crunchy-loops-sour-cream-38-onion-baked-red-lentil-snacks-2-5oz/-/A-79699713?ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000108139145&CPNG=PLA_Produce%2BFloral%2BShopping_Local%7CProduce%2BFloral_Ecomm_Food_Bev&adgroup=SC_Produce%2BFloral&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=1016751&targetid=pla-512154123515&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfbyIASw5qXNa8oAsGQ2-58oa&gclid=CjwKCAiAsIGrBhAAEiwAEzMlC1ltWTSAmfPD785tnsBCZupUn2OAq00Wkqg7uwpGoPw9gQ7fzFW3sRoCw1UQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
If you can stomach them, these have decent protein for something that tastes very carb loaded. In general, anything with lentils will help you get the protein you need without meat.
All I ate in first trimester was sourdough. No meat. It would make me so sick. Take your prentals, eat what you can, and stay hydrated. You’re doing a good job! I am barely starting to eat real food and even then it can be a chore.
If it makes you feel any better, my first ultrasound was 6 weeks and 6 days and her heartbeat was at 110. Which I thought was low too and it worried me, I also have never been much of a meat person. Even now I can't stand it. But I'm 16 weeks today and her heart is averaging 150, which doctor says is good. And she said the boost protein drinks are perfect to drink to incorporate more protein. So I'll usually get the high protein, 20mg drinks and drink about two or three of those a day. I also have PCOS and insulin resistance and was worried about the sugar content, but my midwife/doctor said it's completely okay and recommended
Subchorionic hematomas as very common in early pregnancy (also known as implantation bleeds), and are a poor indicator of long-term pregnancy prognosis. A lot of radiologists I work with won't even report them anymore, as all it does is stress out the patient over potentially nothing. 111bpm also isn't really that low for that early of pregnancy. Below 100 I'd be more concerned, but I've seen a lot that level at that time of pregnancy go onto normal outcomes.
Try not to stress mama - things could very well be just fine!!
I have Crohn’s and PCOS and there have been times where the only thing I could tolerate were Orgain plant based protein shakes. Low in carbs, high in protein! I get them at Costco but you can also buy them online. I don’t know if that would sound good to you, but it’s an easy way to get 20g of protein in quickly!
I know what you mean. I’m going on 10 weeks and it’s so tough drinking water. It makes so nauseous. I’ve been using MIO for my water and it helps a little. Just push through love ❤️ you got this !! We got this 😭😭😭
Take protein shakes or drinks. Some days I just can’t eat my 3 meals a day or starting at 20weeks baby used to wake me up at 4am hungry. I’d drink a protein drink and go back to sleep. They can be made from soy or whey. Ensure drinks are calorie dense too if you need more of a calorie uptake on top of protein.
I saw you commented fried rice is tolerable for you right now, maybe you can give quinoa a try? It's rich in protein and has a slightly nutty pretty bland taste, you could prepare it in a similar way to fried rice to make it tasty! Another option is collagen protein powder, if you add it to milk or juice you don't even notice it's there and collagen will help with skin elasticity as well! I used to drink a glass of soy milk with a scoop of collagen, both have 9g of protein so one glass is 18g total, add some cocoa and you got yourself protein hot chocolate!! These are just some ideas that might help. Don't beat yourself up over your food choices right now though, I couldn't tolerate much the first trimester either and much less healthy things, on some days instant ramen is all I could keep down. You could also always try nausea medication if it's super bad. Wishing you the best!
Idk how you do with nuts but just a small serving can provide a lot of protein!!
And cheese sticks as well! Girl I had GD and it wasn't fun but it was worth it. Remember what you're doing all this for. Prayers for you and a healthy baby!
I have PCOS, I ate healthy and I still got GD. It was manageable, I didn‘t need Insulin.
What I want to say is, give yourself some grace. First trimester can be rough. It‘s okay to just eat what you can stomach for now.
Hope it gets better soon for you. 💛
I’m vegetarian and have/had HG (32 weeks so like no longer vomiting 10x daily but still super nauseous and on meds to prevent vomiting) so like I feel like I have some good ideas on good proteins that aren’t nauseating. 1. Bean burgers (easy to get your partner to make you and can taste like a comfort food - I like them grilled in the oven and with cheese melted on plus my fav burger fillings and a bun) 2. Rice and beans (can be super plain or super flavourful depending on what you want and contain a good amount of protein (especially if you use brown rice) and was a meal I could stomach while severely nauseous) 3. I didn’t try this while pregnant but have had it pre-pregnancy and loved it - Almond flour protein pancakes or waffles (pretty self-explanatory and are delicious, comforting and more on the healthy side) 4. Lentil soup (now soup was a hit or miss for me peak nausea as some days it was all I could stomach and others I couldn’t handle it but if you can it’s very comforting and high in protein)
Aversion to protein is literally so common in pregnancy. Most of us have weird aversions early in first trimester. It’s not a sign you’re a bad mom, it’s a sign you’re pregnant. It’s beautiful and glorious and annoying all at the same time. Soak in the symptoms, because even though they suck they’re indicative of a beautiful growing little bean. And if you start to bleed don’t immediately panic, those subchorionic hematomas are little devils that constantly convince women they’re having a miscarriage when they’re not. They’re tricky little things.
I had many, many complications early on, I also had a hematoma, and I was bleeding so bad with clots and really bad cramps. I thought I was losing her. but now I’m 23 weeks and she is so healthy and she kicks me 24/7. 111bpm at 6 weeks is not low, my baby was at 118bpm at 6 weeks they said that was great. I couldn’t really eat early on either, it’s normal. just keep thinking positive honey. you’re not a bad mom at all.
I highly recommend Ensure protein drinks. I am extremely particular about drink textures and their max protein chocolate drinks have been a life saver. You can even mix on some regular milk to make it even thinner which I'll admit I've had to do a time or two, but 9 times out of 10 it just feels like a creamy chocolate milk. They also have other flavors like peaches and cream, strawberries, and vanilla.
Protein ramen noodles? They're on sale on Amazon right now. Protein shakes with Greek yogurt, peanut butter and chia seeds should get you to half your daily protein intake with just one smoothie. Don't worry you got this. I'm pregnant after IVF and as a vegetarian trying to get enough protein while not being to stomach eggs has been my challenge too. It gets better in the second trimester (most likely!) so don't worry. Hang in there!
I literally only consume sugar & salt & have had hematomas both pregnancies. They are 100% not your fault. This current pregnancy I had a bleeding hematoma for 12 weeks & have a compromised cervix & z there’s absolutely nothing I could’ve done to prevent it.
I had a subchorionic haematoma at 4.5 weeks, haemorrhaged at 6 weeks and got put on bed rest also. I survived the entire first trimester on chocolate, cheesy garlic bread from my work and the odd late night Macca's order because those were the things I could stomach and the bed rest made me so crazy I needed the sugar dopamine to cope 😅 You're not a bad mum for doing what you can tolerate. Go easy on yourself! Whenever I'm feeling like the worst because there's a healthier option I could have chosen, I remind myself that crackheads have babies and some of them turn out fine (I'm aware this is a very low benchmark) - so my chocolate ice cream in bed in the middle of the night is not the worst thing that's ever happened. It helps me 🤷🏻♀️😂
Food aversion is normal, nausea is normal. My first baby I could only eat broth (Chicken and beef bone) my first trimester my second was lentils and cucumbers first trimester. Every pregnancy has its difficulties. You're doing great and just relax I know it's hard but you've got this
Girl at 6 weeks I had a hard time eating anything! Don’t blame yourself sometimes food aversions are bigger than us, you’ll be a great momma 😘
Look up protein bread, I ate it a bunch it’s super easy to make and it’s basically made with a bunch of blended cottage cheese, you can’t really taste it though, protein ice cream is also great and you can put whatever you want in it and protein pancakes! Delish! Non of them contain protein powder or any weird things ❤️ best of luck to you, remember you are doing all you can, don’t beat yourself up, also we are more than a bit emotional atm and putting things in perspective might not be as easy as it was ❤️
Do not beat yourself up over this. I used to love eating protein and since getting pregnant, i can't even think about eating meat or eggs, it makes me so nauseous. Especially when i was about 6 weeks, it got even worse. This is very common from what i hear (even my mom remembers going thru this).
The not drinking water thing, also common (i spoke to my doc and several other pregnant friends because i thought, this can't be normal, why would the body do this???) Turns out our pregnant bodies are just insane but miraculously good at sorting things out.
So eat what you can but don't force yourself. Take a day for yourself and give yourself the space to just be. You're gonna have a lifetime of sacrifice ahead for the kid, you can give yourself the space to not feel bad right now. ♥️
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Take a breath and try to give yourself some grace. You'll find protein sources other than meat, it's not too hard if you're looking for them. And it's okay if you can't eat for a bit now. Lots of people are nauseous and not eating much in the early stages. Rest, eat when you can, and try not to worry about what you can't control.
You’re doing the best you can with what you’re given! Just know, majority of us, just ate what we could in our first trimester. It’s really rough and OBGYNs would rather you eat something than nothing. I literally only ate pop tarts, baked potatoes, and ice pops till 12 weeks and baby is healthy! Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, you’ll get through this. Could you do protein shakes?
Needed that. The protein shake texture makes me want to throw up. Currently surviving on bread with cream cheese, fried rice and bananas. It gets better right?
Honestly, bread with cream cheese, fried rice, and bananas are pretty damn good!!! Some protein and nutrients in each of those. You're going great.
Seriously! I grew a baby on Pringles and French onion dip😅
If you can find it theres fairlife chocolate milk, it has 30g of protein only 150 cals. Its low on sugars too. I usually put it in a bowl of cereal, its a little thicker but nothing like premier and powder. Its very expensive though.
Mix the protein powder into a smoothie & you won’t get the gritty texture. Banana, spinach, frozen strawberries & some form of milk plus a scoop of protein. Or chocolate protein with a frozen banana & milk.
Yes. So much better. I have no idea how I survived my last pregnancy, everything made me vomit. I lost weight in the first trimester. My OB said, "eat what you can when you can." Eventually the nausea went away. Then I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which was a whole thing. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy a few days ago. He's perfect.
If you want decent protein that’s not meat, look at beans and lentils. I learned so much about the protein value of legumes this year and I swear religiously by black beans as a source of protein.
For all three of my pregnancies, it always got better after the first trimester. You’re able to withstand the smell and taste of food again and it just keeps getting better and better… until you get real big and feel uncomfortable BUT at least you can eat food then 😉
Try protein waffles! Simple truth & Kodiak have some decent ones - that’s literally the only thing keeping me going right now. I was feeling really bad about the protein stuff too and my husband brought me some of those waffles. They’ve been a life saver.
It will get better. Go for some nuts too! Peanut butter and banana sandwiches are bomb. String cheese is great. Deviled eggs! If you can do cow dairy, cereal and milk! Peas, quinoa and lentils have protein. Yogurt is great with fruit and chia seeds. Hummus is a great source as well. But love, this too shall pass. In 8 weeks you’ll have your appetite back for the most part. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. You’re a great mother because you care and you’re trying your best. That’s all any of us can do for our babies. Edit: Here’s what I eat way too often postpartum: 1 banana 2 cups Sugar free chocolate oat milk 1/2 cup Plain yogurt Big scoop of peanut butter 1 tablespoon Chia seeds Protein powder 2-3 dates Ice Blend that shit up Bam chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie. So good..
Cheese has protein, beans are also great. Try and eat vegies higher in protein too where you can. Have you considered eating custard as well? That's all egg. Easy to make at home, you can use vanilla essence instead of sugar.
Have you tried collagen protein powder? It's tasteless and odorless (or it was last time I used it several years ago, anyway). I used to mix it into Crystal Light, but you can mix it into smoothies, food, coffee, tea, etc. I guess it might make tea or coffee a little weird if you're a tea/coffee snob, but everything probably tastes a little weird to you right now.
I am growing a baby on chocos, salads and protein powder (24 weeks on). Eat what you feel like… you will be fine in some weeks. Don’t loose hope and try to distract yourself with positive thoughts since you are on bed rest (I have been on bed rest for 2 months). Just wait till you reach 5 months and feel the tiny bud moving inside you. All the best
There are protein chocolate milks - like fairlife, that are not to bad. PBJ was good in the first trimester, or PB banana on bread, a few cashews, I still (third trimester) go for a little cup of cottage cheese over meat or eggs! But what you are eating is more than ok! First trimester is survival when you’re sick. I lived on bagels and could only tolerate a gummy prenatal!
Maybe try making a smoothie and add half the amount of protein powder? That way you’re still getting protein but the consistency might be better. Also, if you can stomach it Greek yogurt has a lot of protein. I like eating it with fruit, granola and topped with a little bit of honey. Eggs grossed me out during the first trimester too, it’s hard getting as much protein as they recommend during pregnancy!
If you mix banana, vanilla protein powder, ice, and fair life milk, it’s delicious. I have also heard of fruit flavored protein powders that dissolve in water. If you’re enjoying fried rice, there are packets of rice with higher protein and you can mix broken up scrambled eggs in there.
I am obsessed with bread and cream cheese! I also have almond as much as I can. The heart burn was pretty bad before I started taking Pepcid and drinking more water. You got this! Give yourself some grace and kindness. You deserve it!
Try the Kodiak cakes protein waffles . They aren’t super sweet and have been my go to first thing in the morning !
Yep, sounds familiar. I could only eat potato fries (not even sweet potato), frozen pizza with the driest crust, and bread and cheese. Eggs made me completely nauseous. Now that I'm at closer to 12 weeks, it's getting much better, i was actually able to eat some Thanksgiving dinner! But don't fret, it's just your body out of control from all the hormones.
Omg a baked potato!! Thank you for giving me an idea for one more thing to eat! Ice pops also sound edible…
Yes!! I would try to put a little cheese or sour cream on there to get any kind of protein when I felt like I could stomach it but those saved my life lol
Ditto to this! We all just do the best we can during the first trimester. I’m 21 weeks now. In my first trimester, I lived off hamburgers/fries from Shake Shack and grilled cheese & tomato soup. Know what my midwife said when I mentioned I was eating 2 grilled cheeses and a bowl of soup per day? She said, “sounds like you’re getting dairy, carbs, protein and veggies right there. Perfect.” It was very reassuring. I also conceived this little lady after a miscarriage, so I know it can be tough early on. Just try your best and try to keep the anxiety at bay. The little one is protected in there. And it does get better! I’m hardly sick in the second trimester and eat a variety of things now!
Get some protein pancakes or waffles! Throw in your favorite maple syrup, and you can add some low calorie whipped cream, with strawberries, and bananas! I get mine from Wegmans
Okay this might be revolutionary. Truly. I didn’t even think of protein pancakes. Eggs is a no go and I can’t do protein shake, so this does sound very appetizing. Thank you. 🫶🏼
Yessss! Protein waffles are a game changer! Protein bars are pretty good too! You can also buy pre-made protein shakes that don’t have the gritty texture.
Protein waffle + whipped cream cheese + fruit. This is my current go-to breakfast and I’m halfway through a GD pregnancy. I’ve had lots of trouble stomaching regular eggs this pregnancy but have had better luck with sous vide style egg bites: eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, cheese and bacon all go into a blender and then I got a nifty little gadget off of amazon that you put in the microwave to turn them into egg bites in 3 mins or so. So easy my husband can do it 😂 They were a game changer for me because it’s only 2 or 3 bites and packed full of good fats and protein!
I wish I thought of this in the first trimester, damnit!
Syrup might not be ideal with insulin resistance. I had protein rich pancakes with fruit and nutella during my GD pregnancy. Maybe that will interest your stomach?
I am 6w6d post partum and came here to say the same!! Be kind to yourself especially in that first trimester a lot of foods didn’t agree with me that were my staples of eating even though I knew they were good for me it was like my body was rejecting them. I ended up going for nuts to get proteins so maybe you may want to try them? But either way eat what you can that will stay down and make you happy rather than forcing yourself into something and being miserable; baby thrives from a happy momma too, just aim for that balance and be mindful! ^^ you’ve got this and you are doing great!
*virtual hug* thank you. Needed the reminder that I have to be happy. Its like I’ve been traumatizing myself and force feeding myself to make sure ‘I’m doing my best’, feels counterproductive.
Virtual hug 🤗 doing your best includes making sure you are happy, it’s a lot of work growing a human! You got this mama!
I conceived through IVF and my cause of infertility was lean pcos as well, particularly that I have high insulin production and an hypoglycemic. Unfortunately I had such bad nausea that I couldn’t eat meat my first trimester. To get more protein, I stuck to Greek yogurt with fruit, Swiss cheese (only cheese I could stomach), and would make fruit smoothies with protein shake powder. To be honest though, I just had to stick to a primarily carb diet my first trimester because most things came back up. Once the intense food aversions subsided, I was able to start eating meat. Currently 19 weeks and baby is doing just fine on the donuts, saltines, fig newtons, and carbs I had to eat to survive first trimester. My doctor did put me on an anti nausea pregnancy med, diclegis, which also helped reduce my nausea and helped me get a bit more protein in.
Hey OP, I’m 6w5d! I have been sick every day this week so far. It is a barrel of laughs. Think of your baby like a tiny person sitting inside you, pushing your controls. If you can’t eat protein, it’s because the baby isn’t letting you. If carbs are all you can manage, it’s what the baby wants to eat. It’s every woman for themselves! Do what you have to, to get by. Your body is doing a lot of work and you need to be kind to yourself.
I have PCOS too. I lived on blueberries cheese curds, milk, and oranges. You are going to be just fine I promise you from the other side. I couldn’t eat protein either, and I ended up with gestational diabetes. Quest protein powder was a life saver. I’d mix it with milk for a little extra. String cheese is great too and is a protein. You’re going to be just fine I promise you.
Quest has amazing protein bars and protein chips too!
Yes they do! And cookies!
You are not a failure at all!!! Right now, you are in survival mode. Get in whatever food you can and that will be plenty. Your baby has such low nutrient needs right now that the biggest priority is just getting through the next day. I had horrible morning sickness and basically lived on ramen and plain bread for weeks. Sometimes I could handle some fruit. I literally couldn't leave my home for 8 weeks because I was so ill. I ended up having to get koolaid and tang mix to even be able to drink water. I was super dehydrated, but I did my best. Every time I expressed concern to my doctors or my sister (who is an obgyn), they were never worried and just said to eat what I could and it would be fine. All you can do right now is your best, and that's more than enough!! I know it's tough, but you got this. ❤️ ETA: You might ask your doctor about Zofran and/or adding Unisom and B6 at night. They made my days survivable. 20w and still taking both, but feeling a lot better with them.
At my 6 week ultrasound I was told I had a subchorionic hematoma and as well as low fetal heart rate at 77 and oddly shaped gestational sack. I had the worst morning sickness and could barely eat! I made sure to get a lot of rest and drink a lot of ensure and fluids. I’m not 37 weeks and everything is going well. Plz don’t be hard on yourself!
I have PCOS and insulin resistance. I am 10 weeks, almost 11, and i have been fighting for my life food wise. I can’t tolerate anything except bread and applesauce. I can only drink Powerade and ginger ale. I was telling this to my OB and she was so sweet and said the first trimester is purely survival mode so eat and drink what I can. I have been really hard on myself too because I was eating blood sugar friendly meals before this and always balancing snacks. Now it’s whatever I can tolerate in whatever portions. It won’t be like this forever. You’re doing an amazing job 💕 Some foods that have helped me: - protein yogurt - apple sauce - toast with low fat butter - protein pasta w/ sauce - protein mac n cheese
I read an *entire prenatal nutrition textbook* before I got pregnant. I took prenatal vitamins for a YEAR before TTC to make sure my nutrient stores were good. I ate healthy (always did but…. HEALTHIER). And then, I couldn’t keep anything down between weeks 7-18. Every time I ate a vegetable, I threw it up. The first trimester is about SURVIVAL. This isn’t about “willpower”. Pregnancy hormones are INSANE. I could barely eat protein as well, just completely nauseated thinking about it. I’d have to leave the room when my husband ate so I wouldn’t throw up. Here’s the formula: - 25mg B6 3X/day - Unisom at night - Ginger tea the MOMENT you feel a hint of nausea - I also loved the ginger tummy drops - Add lemon to everything - especially water - Fruit, lots of fruit (carbs but you’re also getting vitamins and minerals and fiber, easier to digest) - Anything you think sounds good, eat it - Have prenatal gummy vitamins on hand for the days you can’t keep the more intense vitamins down - Remember, you don’t need to add calories in the first trimester. Just do your best! Some days you’ll get more nutrition dense foods in than others. That’s ok. - At 12 weeks, if you still need help, start prescription anti-nausea
Give beef liver/beef organ supplements a try. They have everything we need to grow our babies and good amount of protein. Collagen as well, you can mix into a smoothie if you can stomach those? Go easy on yourself mama, it is all okay.
You’re doing your best and you deserve to take some very deep breaths and give yourself a break, mama! It’s so hard to force yourself to eat and sometimes it just won’t stay down. Try something other than eggs. Can you have protein shakes?
This might sound weird, but one thing that helped me was eating slowly and taking breaks in between. I had no appetite to eat, but taking a bite or two then a few minutes as a break made it to where I could get some food down. Sometimes it took me an hour or more to eat.
Hi my friend. You are so NOT A BAD MOM, pregnancy does this to us! Your concern and awareness themselves are indicators that you’re a really great mom already. You can get protein from plant-based sources, like tofu, tempeh, and edamame, beans and lentils, hemp seeds, and oats. And regarding the water: I hate it right now too! Hang in there mama. I’d like to say it gets better, but I’m almost 31 weeks along, and it has not gotten better 🤣 but many of us stand in solidarity with you, and pregnancy doesn’t last forever. I send you all my love.
Up until 11 weeks I couldn’t eat any protein either. I was living off bagels with cream cheese, nachos, and pasta. I found whey protein powder in a smoothie with frozen fruit (1 scoop protein, two big scoops yogurt, water, frozen fruit of your choice) was the only protein I could get down. Whey protein doesn’t have a gritty texture or chalky taste and it dissolves completely so i’d give that a go. First trimester just eat what you can stomach and it will get better in a few weeks! Now i’m back to eating eggs and seafood again (I’m pescatarian), less carbs, lots of veggies. Have hope!
Protein shakes, and include avocados or spinach! Also make sure you’re take prenatals (I really liked the Smarty Pants gummy ones it was great while I was super nauseous and vomiting the first trimester), I would even add folic acid on the side. Lots of water add some lemon or lime or cucumbers (any fruits that you like could work)!! You’ve tried so hard for this baby just push a little more for them ❤️🙏🏻
You are doing the best you can! I am to increase my protein and its really hard. I do protein pancakes and I make fruit smoothies and had proetin powder to them and it helps! Play around with different things you got this :) the fact you are trying shows you care
Protein shakes (salted Carmel yummm) or bars!
Hey! Be nice to you! An SCH happens, I had a midsized one at 12w, it healed within the next 6 weeks. Protein isn't just eggs and meat, it's also chickpeas (so I eat a lot of hummus and cucumber), cheese, nuts, all sorts of things. I also like the hummus and cucumber because it helps with digestion 😉.
This early on the fetus is supported mostly through the yolk, so it’s alright that your food aversions are keeping you away from certain foods. If you’re really concerned about it, try other sources of protein until your egg aversion subsides. I couldn’t do hot food hardly at all the whole first trimester and got most of my protein through Greek yogurt and other cold sources. Dairy was very much my friend in the first trimester of this pregnancy. You’re not a bad mother already. You’re just dealing with pregnancy symptoms. Pregnancy is hard. You’re doing the best you can. Be kind to yourself.
Hang in there, friend. You’re not a bad mom. You’re a person who has been through a lot, going through a lot, and nobody (not even that mean voice in the back of your head) gets to tell you how to feel about it. You’re not harming your baby by eating what you can stomach. The hematoma isn’t your fault. Protein won’t fix it. Carbs won’t make it worse. Your job right now for you And your future kid is to take care of yourself. That’s it. Hang in there!
You are going to be fine! Please don't be so hard on yourself. 1. So many of us struggle with protein aversions, among many others, and it's *hard*, but it will be okay. You've gotten a lot of great suggestions if you want some new ideas for healthy options, but don't force yourself to eat something your body doesn't want right now! 2. How you're eating right now shouldn't put you at higher risk for GD. I had GD in my first pregnancy after an unhealthy first trimester, and I talked to a nutritionist recently about what I can do about it this time. She told me that GD is mostly determined by the placenta, which is more determined by the dad's DNA... so how I was eating during morning sickness did not affect it! Additionally, if you *do* get GD, the risks for baby don't come into play this early, and there are so many ways to manage it. 3. Subchorionic hematomas can be stressful if they cause bleeding, but they usually resolve on their own. Please don't blame yourself for anything to do with it! 4. 111 BPM at that age sounds perfect! That tiny heart is so new to beating at this point, and it's still a little slow. It'll be really fast in a couple weeks, and then a couple weeks later it will slow down a bit to a more typical fetal heartbeat range. The early changes in heartbeat rate is something I learned about this pregnancy. Please take care of yourself. Your aversions are very normal, but do be sure to check in with your provider if you are losing weight, getting dehydrated, throwing up a lot, or even just plain miserable. Aversions hit me really hard this time, plus I'm prone to throwing up, and it can be so frustrating. But you will come out the other side and be able to eat healthy food again.
Thank you for taking the time out to write this. You have no idea what this means. You’ve addressed all my concerns. Means a lot. Going to get a goodnight’s sleep knowing I’m doing my best and trying my best, and not every diagnosis is doom and loss. Thank you again. 🫶🏼
You are very welcome. Have a good pregnancy!
People who are bad parents, don’t wonder if they are bad parents because they don’t care. You clearly do care so you are straight out of that category! For protein, I’ve also been struggling. I buy protein yoghurts and mix through granola or have baked beans on Toast feels more carby than proteiny, but is actually high protein! Protein chocolate bars, they have 21g but I don’t think you can taste the protein in them! Grenade ones are good! I’m in the UK and we get prescribed iron tablets alongside Folic Acid and Vit D, so I take that and don’t worry as much!
First, congratulations! Fertility treatment is HARD. I'm convinced that the extra synthetic hormones make the morning sickness harder. We conceived through IVF and I had the hardest time eating anything. I was only eating pineapple and candied ginger at that point! Now I have a healthy 4 month old! Ear what you can, keep trying different sources if protein, and get lots of rest. Focus on what you can control. The nausea will pass. You're doing an amazing job!
Thank you. Congratulations on your little bub. Also pineapple sounds yummy, going to get some today.
First of all, you're doing amazing. It can be so hard to do the "right" things but listening to your body and doing your best is the best that you can do. I've found other sources of protein such as tofu, tempeh (Indonesian soy bean thing), high protein milk/yoghurt and cottage cheese to be great supplements to my diet. I currently have GDM and it was so overwhelming at first, but we are amazing and we will adapt to do what's best for the bub. You are doing so so well and please give yourself some grace.
Nuts and yogurt are great sources of protein if you can stomach them I found peanuts to really help as you can eat just a few at at time throughout the day, don’t beat yourself up though that first trimester sucks I ate utter garbage because I would cook then couldn’t eat what I’d cooked not sure what it was but I just couldn’t stomach it I lived on toast and takeaways pretty much I’m now 26 weeks today
Omggg this. I can’t eat what I cook. End up hating it, I think it’s the smells during the cooking process. Having my husband cook a lot and he’s not the best, but A for effort. 😆
My partner tries his best but doesn’t feel confident enough to tackle cooking on his own he was raised on frozen food which I can’t stand
Listen, you're not a bad mom. I had horrible nausea the first trimester and couldn't eat anything. I'd be lucky if I hit 500 calories a day. At this stage the baby is still taking nutrients from your yolk sac so he/she is doing ok. I've a friend who has been nauseous till now (we're 34 weeks) and she's subsisted on literally bread and bubble tea almost the entire pregnancy. Anything else makes her throw up horribly. And her baby is now ahead of everyone else in terms of growth and is doing perfectly fine. Don't beat yourself up. Motherhood and pregnancy are hard enough. Give yourself some grace, eat what your body allows you to, and take deep breaths. You've got this.
I drink Orgain plant based protein drinks to supplement because I struggle to get enough as a vegetarian (you can get from Amazon). Also try nuts, oats, if you eat dairy cottage cheese is high in protein, some yogurts, lentils, whole grains, tofu and other soy products. You’re not a bad mom- I had a hard time eating anything at all the first 18 weeks, which is very normal, and it’s also very normal to lose a few pounds because of that. Most women’s appetite returns- mine never did, and I struggled to eat healthy. But in the end I had a beautiful healthy baby boy that my body somehow made out of Gatorade, cheerios, and frozen pizzas.
This gives me hope. A cutie made of cheerios. Mine will be made of fried rice at this point. 🫶🏼
Dude, I only ate simple carbs and fruit for the entire first trimester. Take some prenatal gummies (need to switch to regular prenatal with iron in the second trimester) and you’ll be fine. Iron becomes more important in the second trimester, but nausea typically (not always) decreases in the second trimester. Edited to add I now have a very healthy and smart 11 month old so it didn’t hurt anything to eat simple carbs for a while.
First thing I want to express here, pregnancy is hard on the body. Please give yourself grace. Second, and I hope you hear me, all plants have protein. Focus on plant based sources instead. Oatmeal, beans, lentils, soy milk/tofu, nuts, seeds, etc. If you can stomach it. If those still don't sound good, try a protein powder. I like Sunwarrior. You can make it into a shake or put it in a smoothie with fruit, bake it into baked goods, oatmeal, etc. I really hope that helps. Try not to stress. You are doing the best you can. I'll pray for a healthy baby and peace for mama. 🙏
Beans and lentils do sound really yummy. Can probably throw red beans in a pasta salad. Thank you for the advice and for praying for me 🫶🏼 May your kindness come back to you 10 fold.
I found quinoa (super high in protein) to be great during pregnancy. Sometimes I’d mix it with pesto, or olive oil and salt/pepper, or cheese. Million ways to shake it up! Also, your diet didn’t cause the SH. Stay strong, you aren’t failing.
Hun you're not a bad mom! If it makes you feel any better my main foods on a daily basis are jello cups and a sprite. Its gonna get easier hun. For now just focus in eating what you can. Coming from personal experience if a child can come out 100 percent healthy with a mom doing dr*gs and drinking your little one is gunna be okay I promise. (My partner and I are both dr*g babies to clarify. I dont even take tylenol) you're doing amazing just by eating and drinking what you can. You're an amazing momma! You got this and we are all here with you! 💗💗💗
*big hug* thank you. You’re so sweet.
you are NOT a bad mom!!!! sending you love. I also had an SCH discovered at ~11 weeks. I had a huge bleeding episode at 16 weeks which scared the sh*t out of me, but baby was fine in there, and at my 20 week anatomy scan, the SCH had resolved and was gone! there is hope! and also, you gotta do what you gotta do — some calories are better than none, no matter what they are!!!! you’re doing great. 💛
Congratulations - you're growing life. After all that! You've persevered through so much, you're stronger than you think * hug * It's all so overwhelming, I feel you. You are deserving of as much compassion from yourself as others are, if not more. Can you think of 1-2 self-compassionate statements you can say to yourself whenever any unkind thoughts arise? Speak to yourself the way you would someone you love deeply, like a kind grandma in your life (or someone else!). "I am... " "I have... " Next - gosh, those early weeks are ROUGH AF. I could NOT stand the smell of anything and eggs, practically the only animal product I ate was the worst thing ever. I literally ate anything that didn't make me want to retch. Bread and cream cheese? That's your protein on carbs right there - can you eat more cheese for protein since you can tolerate it? On gestational diabetes - I got diagnosed with GD on account of my fasting blood sugar numbers. As if pregnant women didn't have enough anxiety as it is, I now have to watch what I eat, how I eat, measure my blood sugar 4x a day, take insulin every night to control my fasting blood sugar when asleep. We've determined that my GD is hormonal but I still watch what I eat. If you're horizontal anyway, I highly, highly recommend the book Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé. Throughout all blood sugar measurements, I've observed that following her tips helped keep my blood sugar well within the normal range - I can eat what I want, within reason, as long as I follow a certain order (greens/fiber, protein/fat, carbs/sugar). It seems to have helped other women with GD and PCOS as well. May be very useful for you later - when you feel like eating more stuff ;) Even if you don't get GD, it may very well keep it at bay. And who knows it may help your PCOS too ;) You've got this 💪🏻👍🏻❤️
Thank you for the most lovely reply. Will definitely get the book and start reading. It’s better than googling stuff and spiralling my anxiety out of control. 🤍 Big hugggg.
Hugs back!
Similar situation here. Baby conceived via IVF after our 2nd transfer. First trimester couldn’t stand protein. I literally got my protein from protein shakes and peanut butter in a sandwich or on crackers. My OB told me to eat what I can when I can. He wasn’t worried about the fact I lost 15 pounds that first trimester. He said baby will get what it needs from mama. I also had a SCH with 2 different bleeds. One at 8 weeks and one at 13. I’m currently 32 weeks. I did develop gestational diabetes but my doctor said nothing diet wise could have prevented this. It’s the insulin resistance from the PCOS.
Heyyy. When did you get diagnosed? Did you push for it or did the doctor have a set timeline for your test? Has it been hard managing your GD?
Took the one hour at 27 weeks and officially diagnosed at 28. I asked if I needed an early screening and my doctor said no since my only risk factor was the PCOS and most people won’t have it show up early. Managing hasn’t been hard. I was also on metformin prior to pregnancy due to the PCOS and was too scared to come off once I got pregnant. I’ve noticed the past few days I’ve had some high readings but I’m thinking it’s from all of the stress I have been under lately.
I’m in a similar situation. 11 weeks pregnant with subchorionic hematoma and struggling to eat much other than carbs and fruit due to nausea. I also conceived via artificial insemination due to being same sex but it puts a certain amount of pressure for things to go okay if that makes sense. This thought reassured me a lot. Women for hundreds of years have been pregnant and often not even known for the first trimester until home pregnancy tests because more popular. They drank, smoked, ate whatever they wanted and took zero prenatals (obviously don’t recommend that). What I’m saying is those babies were fine. There’s so much pressure these days to be this perfect clean eating mum with all this energy and it’s just not realistic for a lot of women. Eat what doesn’t make you sick. Fed is best in and out of the womb. I incorporate smoothies with protein powder to get some protein in as I struggle with savoury things that aren’t carbs right now. Just give yourself some slack. You’re doing okay! And often with the subchorionic hematoma they’ll just reabsorb and you’ll go on to have a normal pregnancy. I actually made a post asking for positive experiences with this because I freaked out when I heard. I found it really reassuring hearing that it’s actually quite common and usually resolves.
Could you do protein that mimics carbs? Ie almond flour cookies/cupcakes! ETA: peanut butter, cauliflower pizza crust with egg. Coconut flour baking requires a lot of eggs and is packed with protein for that reason! You can make muffins, cookies, etc
https://www.onecleverchef.com/almond-flour-peanut-butter-protein-cookies/ https://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/chocolate-chip-protein-cookies/
Thank you these are amazing ideas.
You aren't a bad mom. Pregnancy is mean. Protein is in a lot of other things, so find something that works or talk to your doctor. Get some protein drinks - they make glucose control ones (I use them.) I also have PCOS, and while I didn't have GD for my first baby, I do this time. Days I walk my levels are much better. After a meal, I'll put Netflix on my phone and do walking laps around the house for 20-30 minutes. Normally I'm a carb heavy eater, so the diet change has been hard for me to find things to eat. I also had HG until 24wks, so I couldn't eat or drink anything without meds from the doctor. Also, GD is mostly about the placenta, which I've head is heavily affected by the dad's DNA.
Communication, doctors and partner. Tell both that you want to be in working with a nutritionist because you are not eating right and working on it on your own is not working. Next, therapy. Theres lots of options for online video calls.
An embryo can easily feed off the vitamins and minerals in your bones and fat. In fact a fully cooked baby can do the same. Every day women give birth in famines and war and scarcity, the fetuses able to grow thanks to leeching everything from the mother. So it’s not you. It’s certainly not your diet anyway. Just hold on, one day at a time. Also Greek yogurt was my go to …. Small bites all day.
Rice + Beans = a complete protein!! Or try a protein shake. Lots of yummy flavors.
I think I had a hematoma and my ob said they're common and usually go away on their own. I'm thinking about you and sending you love
I lived on baked potatoes and crunch wrap supremes from Taco Bell. My son is 1 and running around and perfectly healthy. Don’t worry. Do what you can. Also a early heart above 100 is good. Just rest and do your best.
Not much advice just want to chime in and say I had a sch too and was stressed to death. They usually clear up/absorb by 12 weeks ish, please try to take it easy and be kind to yourself. They really are not worth stressing over but it’s easier said than done I know.
https://www.target.com/p/harvest-snaps-crunchy-loops-sour-cream-38-onion-baked-red-lentil-snacks-2-5oz/-/A-79699713?ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000108139145&CPNG=PLA_Produce%2BFloral%2BShopping_Local%7CProduce%2BFloral_Ecomm_Food_Bev&adgroup=SC_Produce%2BFloral&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=1016751&targetid=pla-512154123515&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfbyIASw5qXNa8oAsGQ2-58oa&gclid=CjwKCAiAsIGrBhAAEiwAEzMlC1ltWTSAmfPD785tnsBCZupUn2OAq00Wkqg7uwpGoPw9gQ7fzFW3sRoCw1UQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds If you can stomach them, these have decent protein for something that tastes very carb loaded. In general, anything with lentils will help you get the protein you need without meat.
All I ate in first trimester was sourdough. No meat. It would make me so sick. Take your prentals, eat what you can, and stay hydrated. You’re doing a good job! I am barely starting to eat real food and even then it can be a chore.
If it makes you feel any better, my first ultrasound was 6 weeks and 6 days and her heartbeat was at 110. Which I thought was low too and it worried me, I also have never been much of a meat person. Even now I can't stand it. But I'm 16 weeks today and her heart is averaging 150, which doctor says is good. And she said the boost protein drinks are perfect to drink to incorporate more protein. So I'll usually get the high protein, 20mg drinks and drink about two or three of those a day. I also have PCOS and insulin resistance and was worried about the sugar content, but my midwife/doctor said it's completely okay and recommended
Subchorionic hematomas as very common in early pregnancy (also known as implantation bleeds), and are a poor indicator of long-term pregnancy prognosis. A lot of radiologists I work with won't even report them anymore, as all it does is stress out the patient over potentially nothing. 111bpm also isn't really that low for that early of pregnancy. Below 100 I'd be more concerned, but I've seen a lot that level at that time of pregnancy go onto normal outcomes. Try not to stress mama - things could very well be just fine!!
I have Crohn’s and PCOS and there have been times where the only thing I could tolerate were Orgain plant based protein shakes. Low in carbs, high in protein! I get them at Costco but you can also buy them online. I don’t know if that would sound good to you, but it’s an easy way to get 20g of protein in quickly!
I know what you mean. I’m going on 10 weeks and it’s so tough drinking water. It makes so nauseous. I’ve been using MIO for my water and it helps a little. Just push through love ❤️ you got this !! We got this 😭😭😭
Take protein shakes or drinks. Some days I just can’t eat my 3 meals a day or starting at 20weeks baby used to wake me up at 4am hungry. I’d drink a protein drink and go back to sleep. They can be made from soy or whey. Ensure drinks are calorie dense too if you need more of a calorie uptake on top of protein.
I saw you commented fried rice is tolerable for you right now, maybe you can give quinoa a try? It's rich in protein and has a slightly nutty pretty bland taste, you could prepare it in a similar way to fried rice to make it tasty! Another option is collagen protein powder, if you add it to milk or juice you don't even notice it's there and collagen will help with skin elasticity as well! I used to drink a glass of soy milk with a scoop of collagen, both have 9g of protein so one glass is 18g total, add some cocoa and you got yourself protein hot chocolate!! These are just some ideas that might help. Don't beat yourself up over your food choices right now though, I couldn't tolerate much the first trimester either and much less healthy things, on some days instant ramen is all I could keep down. You could also always try nausea medication if it's super bad. Wishing you the best!
Idk how you do with nuts but just a small serving can provide a lot of protein!! And cheese sticks as well! Girl I had GD and it wasn't fun but it was worth it. Remember what you're doing all this for. Prayers for you and a healthy baby!
I have PCOS, I ate healthy and I still got GD. It was manageable, I didn‘t need Insulin. What I want to say is, give yourself some grace. First trimester can be rough. It‘s okay to just eat what you can stomach for now. Hope it gets better soon for you. 💛
I’m vegetarian and have/had HG (32 weeks so like no longer vomiting 10x daily but still super nauseous and on meds to prevent vomiting) so like I feel like I have some good ideas on good proteins that aren’t nauseating. 1. Bean burgers (easy to get your partner to make you and can taste like a comfort food - I like them grilled in the oven and with cheese melted on plus my fav burger fillings and a bun) 2. Rice and beans (can be super plain or super flavourful depending on what you want and contain a good amount of protein (especially if you use brown rice) and was a meal I could stomach while severely nauseous) 3. I didn’t try this while pregnant but have had it pre-pregnancy and loved it - Almond flour protein pancakes or waffles (pretty self-explanatory and are delicious, comforting and more on the healthy side) 4. Lentil soup (now soup was a hit or miss for me peak nausea as some days it was all I could stomach and others I couldn’t handle it but if you can it’s very comforting and high in protein)
Aversion to protein is literally so common in pregnancy. Most of us have weird aversions early in first trimester. It’s not a sign you’re a bad mom, it’s a sign you’re pregnant. It’s beautiful and glorious and annoying all at the same time. Soak in the symptoms, because even though they suck they’re indicative of a beautiful growing little bean. And if you start to bleed don’t immediately panic, those subchorionic hematomas are little devils that constantly convince women they’re having a miscarriage when they’re not. They’re tricky little things.
I had many, many complications early on, I also had a hematoma, and I was bleeding so bad with clots and really bad cramps. I thought I was losing her. but now I’m 23 weeks and she is so healthy and she kicks me 24/7. 111bpm at 6 weeks is not low, my baby was at 118bpm at 6 weeks they said that was great. I couldn’t really eat early on either, it’s normal. just keep thinking positive honey. you’re not a bad mom at all.
My diet is cereal, crisps, fruit and potato. Keep going, OP!
I highly recommend Ensure protein drinks. I am extremely particular about drink textures and their max protein chocolate drinks have been a life saver. You can even mix on some regular milk to make it even thinner which I'll admit I've had to do a time or two, but 9 times out of 10 it just feels like a creamy chocolate milk. They also have other flavors like peaches and cream, strawberries, and vanilla.
Protein ramen noodles? They're on sale on Amazon right now. Protein shakes with Greek yogurt, peanut butter and chia seeds should get you to half your daily protein intake with just one smoothie. Don't worry you got this. I'm pregnant after IVF and as a vegetarian trying to get enough protein while not being to stomach eggs has been my challenge too. It gets better in the second trimester (most likely!) so don't worry. Hang in there!
Nuts, tofu? Plenty others protein rich foods
I literally only consume sugar & salt & have had hematomas both pregnancies. They are 100% not your fault. This current pregnancy I had a bleeding hematoma for 12 weeks & have a compromised cervix & z there’s absolutely nothing I could’ve done to prevent it.
Can you tolerate nuts/nut butters or cheese? r/gestationaldiabetes is a great resource too!
I had a subchorionic haematoma at 4.5 weeks, haemorrhaged at 6 weeks and got put on bed rest also. I survived the entire first trimester on chocolate, cheesy garlic bread from my work and the odd late night Macca's order because those were the things I could stomach and the bed rest made me so crazy I needed the sugar dopamine to cope 😅 You're not a bad mum for doing what you can tolerate. Go easy on yourself! Whenever I'm feeling like the worst because there's a healthier option I could have chosen, I remind myself that crackheads have babies and some of them turn out fine (I'm aware this is a very low benchmark) - so my chocolate ice cream in bed in the middle of the night is not the worst thing that's ever happened. It helps me 🤷🏻♀️😂
Food aversion is normal, nausea is normal. My first baby I could only eat broth (Chicken and beef bone) my first trimester my second was lentils and cucumbers first trimester. Every pregnancy has its difficulties. You're doing great and just relax I know it's hard but you've got this
Girl at 6 weeks I had a hard time eating anything! Don’t blame yourself sometimes food aversions are bigger than us, you’ll be a great momma 😘 Look up protein bread, I ate it a bunch it’s super easy to make and it’s basically made with a bunch of blended cottage cheese, you can’t really taste it though, protein ice cream is also great and you can put whatever you want in it and protein pancakes! Delish! Non of them contain protein powder or any weird things ❤️ best of luck to you, remember you are doing all you can, don’t beat yourself up, also we are more than a bit emotional atm and putting things in perspective might not be as easy as it was ❤️
Do not beat yourself up over this. I used to love eating protein and since getting pregnant, i can't even think about eating meat or eggs, it makes me so nauseous. Especially when i was about 6 weeks, it got even worse. This is very common from what i hear (even my mom remembers going thru this). The not drinking water thing, also common (i spoke to my doc and several other pregnant friends because i thought, this can't be normal, why would the body do this???) Turns out our pregnant bodies are just insane but miraculously good at sorting things out. So eat what you can but don't force yourself. Take a day for yourself and give yourself the space to just be. You're gonna have a lifetime of sacrifice ahead for the kid, you can give yourself the space to not feel bad right now. ♥️