The stereotype of the husband running to the store in the middle of the night to get ice cream and pickles for his food craving pregnant wife is more of a cliché than reality. Most pregnant women’s cravings don’t require their partner to go that far.
Are your hormones to blame for food cravings?
Though cravings and aversions may vary, most expectant mothers find that their taste in food changes somewhat during pregnancy. The majority of women experience a craving for at least one food item (ice cream is a popular choice), and more than half will have at least one food aversion.
These sudden changes in eating habits can be blamed on hormonal changes, which are most common in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, hormones may not be the only factor.
Cravings and aversions make a lot of sense as signals from our bodies. If we’re disgusted by something, it’s usually because it’s bad for us. And if we’re really craving something, it’s probably because we need it. When all of the sudden you can’t face the morning coffee you once couldn’t face to start your day without, it’s hard to credit your body with sending the smartest signals.
Pregnancy cravings can be hard to interpret. In the past, a sweet tooth might have meant foraging for watermelon. Now it’s more likely to send you on a candy bar run.
Should you ignore the signs?
If you’re experiencing cravings or aversions to certain foods during pregnancy, don’t feel like you have to ignore them. You can still pay attention to your baby’s nutritional needs while satisfying your cravings. If you’re craving something healthy, go for it! Even if your diet is a little unbalanced for a while, you’ll make up for it later on in pregnancy when the cravings calm down.
If you feel like you’re about to give in to a craving for something unhealthy, try to find a substitution that will still satisfy you but won’t be as bad for you.
If substitutes don’t work for you, sublimation might help. Try tricking the mind by doing something else like going for a walk or chatting with friends or family.
It’s okay to give in to your cravings every once in a while, as long as they’re not for something unhealthy or risky. Indulging every once in a while won’t hurt you, as long as you’re still eating plenty of nutritious foods most of the time.
Should you be worried?
If you find yourself craving non-food items like clay, ashes, or paper, you may be experiencing pica. Pica can be dangerous, and may be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, especially iron. Be sure to mention it to your midwife or OBGYN. If you find yourself compulsively chewing on ice, this may also be a sign of iron deficiency.
Would you like to know more about your pregnancy? Visit our Mumgazine YouTube channel!