“Being pregnant was the healthiest I’ve ever been in my life. Except for the cupcakes.”
(Ashlee Simpson)
Pregnancy is one of the best experiences a woman has had in her lifetime. During those 9 months, a woman experiences the most rigorous body transformation. But before that, our appetite changes dramatically. Either we are craving that food we have never liked before or we absolutely dislike our regular food items.
Have you ever noticed that we also develop a strange taste for something weird in combination? Like sweet and sour things together.
Let’s converse about cravings during pregnancies. When it starts, how does it starts and what benefits does it hold for a pregnant woman?
Craving Starts
Normally, Pregnancy craving starts at the end of the first trimester. By the second trimester, the craving gets stronger. With the third trimester, the craving vanishes like never before.
Every woman experiences pregnancy differently. Some develop a craving for sweet food, some sour, and some tangy. Of course, pregnancy causes our taste buds or palates to change.
What are the reasons behind such abrupt changes? Down below is the most widespread theories.
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Hormonal changes
It goes without saying, pregnancy is all about hormonal changes. The changes are very unique that come with pregnancy. There is a sudden increase in estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone are pregnancy hormones. This hormonal combo dulls the taste buds and demands a sharp or bigger dose of flavors. Hormones affect the sense of smell. You will find it funny but it makes women bloodhounds who can smell things from far away even
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Sensual Changes
As mentioned earlier, hormonal changes impact your senses too. Our senses seem to overdrive during pregnancy. We can smell the things from miles away. Certain smells become your favorite. She may get touchy about being touched. This is all due to hormonal changes in her body.
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No Leptin
Let me say this! You are Leptin free during pregnancy. Leptin is a hormone that controls our appetite and stimulates our immune system. Leptin gives a sense of “Fullness” to our body after having meals. Thin people have a low level of leptin as compared to fat people. During pregnancy, our body does not get the signal of fullness. Therefore, uncontrolled hunger and craving for food are common phenomena.
Cravings Are Meaningful
Do you think food cravings are just fantasies? Experts say food craving indicates what a mother is lacking nutritiously or her body is demanding certain foods that it needs. Having a strong craving for French fries indicates a need for more potassium. A bowl of ice cream signals a need for more calcium. The body is asking for more sodium through a strong desire for pickles on your plate.
Craving Can Be Dangerous Too
Yes! You heard me right. Craving can be seriously dangerous to the infant’s health. During pregnancy, women develop a craving for non-nutritive substances or non-food items like lead, dirt, crayons, and laundry starch. This condition is called Pica which can be damaging to the mother and baby. It is said that such cravings indicate a nutritional deficiency, particularly iron. Experts say one must consult doctors with such cravings.
Most Common Food Cravings during Pregnancy
There is a wide range of craving which is difficult to list down. However few foods are craved commonly.
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Fruits:
it’s pretty healthy and ideal for having a fruit craving during pregnancy. Fresh fruit has more nutrients. Normally women crave one fruit at a time either sweet like mango or apple or sour like pomegranate or berries.
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Ice–Creams:
No matter which month it is, the craving for ice cream is always at its peak. The common perception behind this craving is the increased blood flow during pregnancy. Increased blood flow causes higher heat levels in the body and makes you eat ice creams.
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Chocolates:
Do you need reasons for eating chocolates? One of the sweetest cravings during pregnancy. Few women crave dark chocolate and few crave milk chocolate. Experts say chocolates are among those foods that help in the production of tryptophan in the brain. Tryptophan in the brain creates the feeling of happiness and well-being.
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Savory Foods like Pickles:
Pickles! It has already made my mouth watery. Women with such cravings develop the habit of extreme spices in their food. More salt, more spices, and more sauces! are common calls. Have you noticed after more salt or spice intake, we tend to drink lots of water or fluid? Experts say such a craving signals a decrease in the level of fluids in the body. Thus, this way your body encourages you to drink more.
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Dairy items like cheese and milk:
More dairy consumption, more calcium for your body. It is among the healthiest and safest cravings for pregnant women. It is equally important for a baby to grow inside. So, what are you waiting for? Get indulged in the world of yogurt smoothies, parfaits, and lassi.
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Fast food:
Do you want pizza with some extra cheese or a burger with extra mayo and large fries? Well, if you are pregnant and have such a craving, it shows that your body is demanding some extra calories. However, processed food is not a good choice for pregnancy.
Nutrient-Rich Diet Is a Matchless
Cravings are good as long as they are healthy. But our body needs a varied and nutrient-rich diet. It is time to focus on healthy choices which are equally beneficial for your baby and you. Do not forget! Healthy food options ensure your safe delivery and postpartum. A balanced diet is linked to good brain development and birth weight. It reduces the risk of birth defects. Above all, it improves the labor and delivery process which is certainly not a bad option.
Enjoy Your Pregnancy!!
No doubt, Pregnancy is one of the best times in a woman’s life. It is in your hand to avoid your pregnancy from being a nightmare or horror story. Remember! All your struggle and efforts will end with a cute baby in your hands. So pamper yourself with healthy food and lots of rest. And get ready for Gentle Parenting
