Common Food Cravings During Pregnancy

• Written by Anjali Sharma

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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First things first, a big shout-out to all to-be moms. Congratulations on successfully and strongly handling your pregnancy. Being pregnant and carrying that baby inside is an all-new and joyful experience. But with it come several new challenges. And handling all those pregnancy cravings is one of them.

Are you also experiencing intense and weird food cravings during pregnancy?

Well, don't worry; you are not alone. In fact, in a study conducted by the National Institute of Health on 635 women, 39% of them experienced some kind of food craving related to sweet foods, fruits, and dairy.

Understanding your food cravings can help you understand your body's needs. It empowers you to make informed choices for your health and your baby's development. This blog delves deep into common food cravings during pregnancy and how to navigate them successfully.

Pregnancy Cravings & Their Meaning

Pregnancy cravings are strong food urges that extend beyond simple hunger. This generally starts during the first trimester or might be later. These pregnancy cravings

indicate psychological and hormonal changes. They reflect the nutritional deficiencies in your body that may be linked to the food you're craving. According to healthcare experts, common cravings in early pregnancy can generally be caused by changes in your body's nutritional requirements.

Also, the changes in hormonal balance can lead to sudden food cravings and aversions. Pregnancy hormones can change the way some foods smell and taste.

Common Pregnancy Cravings

The most common cravings during pregnancy are food items that can satisfy your taste buds. However, it is essential to notice and observe your cravings. They can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency that needs to be fulfilled for your baby and you.

Here is a list of common pregnancy food cravings:

Meat or Egg Cravings

A lot of women crave meat or eggs while being pregnant. This may signal a deficiency of protein or iron in the body. They play a huge role in red blood cell formation. Because your blood volume significantly increases during pregnancy, your body's need for iron and protein also increases. Thus leading to cravings for meat or eggs.

You can also compensate for your diet's protein deficiency by adding beans, soybeans, nuts, shellfish, salmon, and other foods.

Dairy Cravings

One of the most popular cravings during pregnancy is for dairy products. The best part is that these bring much more than just deliciousness. Dairy items like milk, yoghurt, cheese, and many more are healthy. Additionally, they can help you fill and enhance the calcium content in your diet, thus strengthening your bones and muscles. Make sure you consume dairy products made of pasteurised milk to avoid any kind of infection.

Fruit Cravings

Adding fruits and vegetables to your diet is the perfect way to add several nutrients to your dietary regime.

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are enriched with vitamin C. Vegetables like broccoli, avocado, and more can help add potassium. The best part is that these also reduce general leg cramps and discomfort during pregnancy.

You may eat them simply or give them your personal touch while making a delicious smoothie, to soothe your pregnancy craving.

Carbohydrate Cravings

Many pregnant women experience carbohydrate cravings, such as urges to have bread or cereal. Craving cereal while pregnant can signify a fibre or carbohydrate deficiency in the body, which can be satisfied in moderation.

It's better to choose whole-grain or multigrain cereals and bread, such as wheat, barley, oats, and more. These are richer in nutrients, including fibre and vitamins, and they also have a lesser sugar and fat content.

Spicy Food Cravings

Eating the spiciest thing you can tolerate is one of the most popular pregnancy cravings . Having these spicy cravings is a sign of your hormonal fluctuations. You can have them in moderation. However, overeating spicy foods can cause heartburn or indigestion.

How to Handle Pregnancy Cravings?

Your eating practices have a significant impact on your weight. So, to ensure your pregnancy cravings are satisfied while maintaining a healthy weight, here are some tips for managing your weight during pregnancy:

Healthy Eating and Exercises

Have a healthy eating chart and exercise as well. Ensure you have a good nutritional intake, giving your body all the essential nutrients it needs. Additionally, a few exercises, short walks, and yoga can help you feel healthy and relaxed. However, remember not to push your body beyond its limits.

Do Not Skip Your Meals

Never skip your breakfast. A healthy breakfast can help you stay full for a longer time. Thus, avoid unnecessary snacking and munching that may affect your weight. If you have concerns about morning sickness, consider having bread or toast.

Eat Mindfully

Having small and regular meals is the key. When you eat at frequent intervals, you're full, which reduces your cravings. You're not as tempted by all those spices and sweets. For healthy eating, have multi-grains, muesli, cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help

Ask for your family or your partner's support whenever needed. You can also consult your doctor and tell them about the healthy weight range you want; they might help you prepare a diet chart or suggest exercises as well.

When to Be Concerned About Cravings?

Pregnancy cravings are common and not usually a matter of concern. However, there are some conditions where cravings could indicate some medical issues that require medical consultations.

• Craving of non-food items: If you are craving non-food items like chalk or clay, it could be a sign of deficiency of important nutrients in the body.
• Craving an excessive amount of a specific food: If you are craving unhealthy amounts of sugary, salty, or fatty foods, it could lead to complications such as gestational diabetes.
• Extreme cravings and loss of control: If the cravings are so strong that they are interfering with your ability to maintain a balanced diet, it is important to consult a doctor.

Pregnancy Myths and Facts You Should Be Aware of

Knowing the difference between myths and facts helps ensure a healthier, stress-free pregnancy. Let us learn in detail about them that every expecting parent should know:

Myth 1: A pregnant woman must eat for two

We often hear this from our elders. Although a pregnant woman should take a healthy pregnancy diet, eating in excess can also cause problems. Eating for two can be misleading, and it is one of the common food myths suggested for a pregnant woman. A woman must increase her calorie intake and other supplements during pregnancy.

Myth 2: A pregnant woman should avoid exercise

Yes, a pregnant woman should avoid exercise if the doctor says. It may be true if a woman has a specific medical condition. However, all pregnant women should avoid exercise as it can harm the baby, which is a complete myth. Doing exercises during pregnancy is beneficial as it will increase a woman’s stamina and help her cope and prepare for childbirth. There are some safe pregnancy exercises women can do.

Myth 3: Obesity and diabetes are linked to lifestyle only and do not impact the baby in the womb

Conditions in the womb can have a significant impact on the baby. Also, a mother's lifestyle can influence the baby’s health. For instance, low birth weight can impact the functions of blood vessels later. Similarly, there are risks of obesity. In pregnant women gaining excess weight than what is recommended, the chances of having an overweight child also increase.

Myth 4: Even a slight touch on the tummy can harm the baby

A pregnant woman does feel when the baby moves or kicks, and it is natural for her to touch or massage her belly and bond with the baby. One of the myths about pregnancy is that a pregnant woman, even gently touching her belly, can harm the baby. In reality, the baby begins to sense touch and respond to familiar touch by the third trimester.

Myth 5: Air travel may increase the risk of pregnancy complications

For some women with a medical condition, such as a cardiac problem, flying at altitudes may not be suitable. However, regular and healthy pregnant women can take a safe flight. Many people are also concerned about the radiation effect of security X-ray machines and body scanners at the airport. However, some experts say that the amount of radiation in such cases is extremely low and does not harm the foetus.

Don’t Stress! Pregnancy Craving is Normal

Pregnancy cravings are a normal phenomenon. There is no definite science to tell what causes these cravings or the obvious urges. However, the most common food cravings in early pregnancy include dairy, meat, sweets, spicy foods, and carb cravings. These usually start in your first trimester and go up for even the second trimester. However, by the end of the third trimester, these symptoms may go down a bit.

Additionally, remember to get adequate coverage for your maternity expenses through comprehensive maternity health insurance well before you plan for the child.

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.