Hi Bethany---I think it's probably a normal occurance...although it's really hard to know what is normal as we are all so different and unique. I would recommend making sure that whatever you eat has as much fiber as possible. Be sure you are not eating too many simple carbs...anything white: bread, rice or potatoes, as well as boxed/processed foods. Eating complex carbs: WHOLE grains, fruits, veggies, beans (legumes), nuts and seeds, will all stick with you much longer.
Proteins and fats do slow digestion, but you don't want to eat too much of either one of them. Have your whole grain toast with nut butters. Eat a bowl of old-fashioned rolled oats with dried fruit, nuts and ground flax before you go to bed. Have a salad with whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, etc) and/or beans and roasted veggies before bed. NEVER eat fat free salad dressings. Fat gives foods a desirable mouth feel. Manufacturers add lots of sugar to make up for that. And, you need healthy fats to help absorb the fat soluble vitamins. I use olive oil and basalmic vinegar or lemon juice on salads more than any prepared dressing. Cheaper too.
Get foods with lots and lots of fiber. Fiber makes you feel fuller longer. Plus, fiber rich foods contain the nutrients needed to make a healthy baby and healthy pregnancy. Your body creates tons more free radicals while pregnant. You need a good balanced diet to neutralize those.
I am taking a series of classes taught by a Naturopath who has her PhD in Nutrition. I have LOTS of great info I can share to help. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. It is my mission to help others learn how to lead a healthier life with prevention of disease the end goal.
Good luck and be sure to feed that hunger with fresh, whole foods. In health, D.
