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Pregnancy Cravings
Pregnancy Cravings
Food cravings are strong urges to eat certain foods that you may not have previously desired. The most commonly reported cravings are for sweets and dairy products, sour fruits and spicy foods.
However, there might be some nutritional explanations for some of the cravings you are experiencing. A desire for salty foods (ie the pickle) may mean you need more sodium as blood volume and body tissues are increasing.
On the other hand, there is pica which is a craving for non-food items, like dirt or laundry detergent. This type of craving can be dangerous and even fatal. Some theories explain this type of craving as a deficiency of iron or calcium. Although there are no medical reasons given for these kinds of cravings. Do not indulge in this craving if you are suddenly hit with the urge.
As long as your cravings of one certain type of food do not interfere with your normal diet, then you should not have any real problems. Make sure that you eat a good breakfast. Skipping breakfast could only cause your cravings to increase throughout the day. Try to work your cravings into a balanced diet. For example, instead of drinking an empty calorie lemonade, try to squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto some fish. To help you meet your calcium needs, try eating some frozen yogurt when you have a sudden desire for ice cream.
As your pregnancy progresses, you may find that your cravings will lessen. If not, as long as you work your cravings into a healthy diet, there is nothing harmful in your craving a few different foods.
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