Cravings During Pregnancy
Cravings during pregnancy are experienced by almost three quarters of all pregnant women. Some pregnant women like having black olives with cheesecake or fruits dipped in salsa. Pregnant woman tend to develop a liking for pickles, ice cream, red peppers and even peanut butter. Sweets, salty food and dairy products are the most common, but some women may even develop strange food cravings. Cravings can be peculiar but despite the fact that pregnancy and nutrition are closely connected, most of the time these cravings are very safe. Don’t use cravings as an excuse to over eat on junk food.
According to some old wives tales, you can get to know the sex of the child by the cravings you have. It indicates that if you like sweets you will have a girl and if your craving is for cheese and meat you will have a boy. Cravings happen during pregnancy and women look forward to it. if it goes as far as craving for dirt, chalk and clay you better consult with your doctor immediately. These kinds of cravings are obviously hazardous for you and the baby. It also indicates that you may be deficient in iron or have anemia. Pregnancy and nutrition go hand in hand and it is essential to avoid dangerous food, particularly at this time.
It is thought by most experts that pregnancy food cravings are based on nutrition. In simple words it means that the body sends a message through the cravings that you need to eat that kind of food. It suggests that when craving for salty food, the need for more sodium is required in the body as the volume of blood goes up during pregnancy. You require extra vitamin C if you crave for fruits. There are times when the message is not able to reach the brain. It happens that when you crave for sweets you start eating loads of chocolate rather than fruits and berries. In fact craving can become a big reason for weight gain especially if you do not understand the cravings. Pregnancy and nutrition are connected and it is important to have the right kind of food. There are methods you can use to help control your cravings.
Begin the day with a good healthy breakfast. This will help to keep your nutrition at an optimum level for pregnancy. In fact, this can help you to cut down on cravings later in the day. It makes good sense to eat more healthy food when pregnant. Try soy chips, if you are craving potato chips. A good way to curb craving for ice cream is by having frozen yogurt. Try eating frozen grapes, if your craving candy. Eat rice cakes or salted pretzels when craving salty food. Combine fruit juice with sparkling water as a substitute for soda.
Hans K Anderson



