Pregnant With Cancer: Nutritional Problems That Women May Face

If you are a pregnant woman without cancer, you should be increasing your caloric intake by about an average of 100 calories per day for the first trimester and 300 calories per day for the second and third trimesters. This allows you to gain the weight needed to properly support your growing baby. However, when you have cancer and are pregnant, there are a variety of things that may lead to not getting proper nutrition and your caloric needs, as well as other nutritional needs, may differ. Some women will do fine and have a safe delivery, but others will need to be closely monitored throughout their pregnancy to make sure that their cancer is not causing any major nutritional issues.

Dangers of Poor Nutrition During Pregnancy

If you are not consistently hitting your calorie goals everyday throughout your pregnancy, it may not cause severe issues. However, if you are failing to gain weight or consistently losing weight during your pregnancy, there is a risk of decreased fetal growth. To put it simply, not getting proper nutrition could possibly have negative effects on your baby's growth.

Assessing and Managing Pregnant Women with Cancer

If you have cancer and get pregnant or are pregnant and find out you have cancer, you should see a dietician right away. A dietician will be able to assess you to help determine fetal growth and to help determine if you are getting the nutrition you need to keep you and your growing baby healthy.

General Dietary Recommendations for Pregnant Women with Cancer

This advice will vary from patient to patient and your doctor and dietician will be able to give you the best advice, but there are some general tips that you can use to help ensure you are getting proper nutrition. Food supplements, such as meal replacement shakes, can be beneficial during times when you have no appetite, but need to eat something. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to ensure you are staying properly hydrated. Eat frequent, smaller meals throughout the day, especially if you do not have the appetite for larger meals. Some women also find that cold foods are more appetizing than hot foods because they do not smell as strongly.

If you have not been able to meet your calorie and nutritional goals for seven days, call your doctor. Measures may need to be taken to ensure that you are getting everything you need to nourish you and your baby.

Resources

CNN Health: Pregnant with Cancer