Pregnancy

Cravings during Pregnancy

Eating well during your pregnancy is probably one of the most important things that you can do. It helps with your baby's growth and development and helps to keep your little one healthy. You not only have to eat more you have you have to eat better. An extra 300 calories a day is required to keep mom and baby in the best health that they can be in. Whatever you put into your body becomes nourishment for your unborn child. We all know that most pregnant women get cravings during pregnancy that range from simple pieces of fresh watermelon to dipping French fries into chocolate sauce. These are normal cravings and should all be eaten in moderation to make sure that the diet stays balanced and nutritious.

The reasons for cravings during pregnancy have been linked to the answer that the craving is for something that a pregnant woman is not getting in her diet. The nutrients from that specific food are essentially not being eaten and therefore she craves a certain food. This has not been determined, but it still makes good sense. Some women crave the sweetest of the sweets while pregnant. Cakes and chocolate are quite common. Others crave more of the comfort foods like bread and mashed potatoes. Spicy foods are on the list although doctors warn woman to eat these items in moderation so that heartburn is kept to a minimum. Fresh fruit is a craving that is great for health reasons and the taste can not be beat.

Craving foods known as pica can be harmful to you and your unborn child. These are non food items such as clay, dirt, laundry starch, or cornstarch. Although women crave these items, they should not be ingested. Talk to your doctor immediately if you have any of these cravings. Some women crave caffeinated beverages like sodas, tea, or coffee. All caffeinated products should be drank in moderation or switched to decaffeinate. Drinking too many can actually cause a miscarriage. Some women crave salt during their pregnancy which may explain why pickles are a popular food to eat while pregnant. Some cravings can cause serious weight gain or an imbalance in your diet. If you are craving ice cream, substitute it with low fat frozen yogurt. Make sure your diet is full of nutritious items and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is okay to treat yourself with those cravings and remember most of the cravings stop after the first three months of pregnancy anyway.