Pickles-and-ice-cream has become a pregnancy cliché, for good reason. Cravings for particular foods, or unusual combinations of foods, are not uncommon during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. On the other hand, you may find yourself repelled by the smell or just the thought of other foods you've typically enjoyed. Neither cravings nor aversions need to be a problem as long as you continue to strive toward a balanced diet.
Food cravings
About four out of five women have at least one food craving during pregnancy. Women may crave any number of foods: salty, spicy, sweet, or sour. Although the specific cause of cravings is unknown, it's believed they are related to the hormonal changes women experience during pregnancy, which can strongly affect taste and smell and are not an indication of nutritional deficiencies.
When dealing with food cravings, moderation is the key. Let yourself indulge every now and then. But a woman who constantly gives in to these cravings may compromise nutrition for her growing baby and herself. Likewise, eating an excess amount of even a healthy food, on an ongoing basis, is not a good idea because it fills you up and limits the breadth of nutrients you take in.
To help curb food cravings consider the following:
During pregnancy it's common for favorite foods to suddenly make your stomach turn. That's not particularly bad if you develop an aversion to soda or coffee. However, if you are unable to eat highly nutritional foods like dairy products, you will have to make up for those lost nutrients by eating other foods high in calcium or by taking supplements.
Non-food cravings
Strange as it may sound, some pregnant women have an urge to eat non-food substances like dirt, starch, hair or clay. This condition, known as pica, is often seen in women who live in rural areas and have a childhood or family history of pica. Giving in to this kind of craving for non-food items can be dangerous and even fatal.
Nobody knows what causes pica, though some believe it may be a sign of iron deficiency. Talk with your doctor if you have any desire to eat non-food items.
Date last reviewed: October 2002.
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Food cravings
About four out of five women have at least one food craving during pregnancy. Women may crave any number of foods: salty, spicy, sweet, or sour. Although the specific cause of cravings is unknown, it's believed they are related to the hormonal changes women experience during pregnancy, which can strongly affect taste and smell and are not an indication of nutritional deficiencies.
When dealing with food cravings, moderation is the key. Let yourself indulge every now and then. But a woman who constantly gives in to these cravings may compromise nutrition for her growing baby and herself. Likewise, eating an excess amount of even a healthy food, on an ongoing basis, is not a good idea because it fills you up and limits the breadth of nutrients you take in.
To help curb food cravings consider the following:
- Eat breakfast daily. Starting your day with a satisfying meal will help ward off hunger and keep your cravings at bay.
- Exercise regularly. This will help you keep your mind off of food for awhile and burn off extra calories.
- Choose healthy alternatives. Fill cravings for junk foods with healthy substitutes. Instead of a donut, eat a bran muffin, or try eating air-popped popcorn instead of potato chips.
- Have a strong support system. When you need encouragement, turn to friends and family instead of comfort foods for relief.
During pregnancy it's common for favorite foods to suddenly make your stomach turn. That's not particularly bad if you develop an aversion to soda or coffee. However, if you are unable to eat highly nutritional foods like dairy products, you will have to make up for those lost nutrients by eating other foods high in calcium or by taking supplements.
Non-food cravings
Strange as it may sound, some pregnant women have an urge to eat non-food substances like dirt, starch, hair or clay. This condition, known as pica, is often seen in women who live in rural areas and have a childhood or family history of pica. Giving in to this kind of craving for non-food items can be dangerous and even fatal.
Nobody knows what causes pica, though some believe it may be a sign of iron deficiency. Talk with your doctor if you have any desire to eat non-food items.
Date last reviewed: October 2002.
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