Many mothers experience a strange craving for certain foods during pregnancy, or as we all know it, a 'craving'. You must have heard stories of sending your husband to the store in the middle of the night to get you a brand of ice cream , or of suddenly wanting to eat pickles and running out and finishing an entire bottle of pickles. Perhaps you have already had similar experiences.
Why does this kind of suffering really happen?
To be honest, it's not exactly known why we develop these cravings for certain foods during pregnancy. Some experts say it's a protective mechanism for the body, but there's no scientific evidence to prove it yet. It's also possible to develop food aversions during this time.
For example, you may not feel like drinking alcohol during pregnancy. That's actually a good thing, because abstaining from alcohol is very important for your baby's mental and physical development.
Others think that cravings for salty foods like potato chips are a signal from the body to get its daily sodium intake. However, it is very unlikely that a nutrient deficiency manifests itself as a craving for a particular food.
Simply put, the main reason for this could be the hormonal shifts that are happening in your body. Your sense of smell becomes very sharp due to the hormonal changes that occur during this time. We know how much smell affects the taste of food. So the influence of these hormones can directly affect your food choices.
Is this related to a mental condition?
Yes, to some extent. Some experts say that women may be tempted to eat comfort foods due to the hormonal effects of pregnancy, such as nausea, bloating, fatigue, and irritability.
Imagine, someone who controlled their diet before pregnancy and limited some of their favorite foods (e.g. chocolate, ice cream, cake) may think that pregnancy is a "free time where you can eat whatever you want." That's why they may crave things they used to like to eat more during this time.
Is this sadness always a bad thing?
No, not at all. In fact, sometimes the foods that women crave are very beneficial. For example, eat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. These are full of nutrients like protein and calcium that are essential for the baby's growth.
Also, these food preferences can change from one pregnancy to the next. The food that you think you can eat today may be unpleasant the next day. Sometimes, pregnancy can even change your food preferences forever.
Do you crave non-food items? - Let's be aware of Pica
This is something to be very careful about . Some pregnant mothers may experience cravings for non-food items. For example:
- Ice cubes
- Soil, clay
- Paper
- Peeling paint on the walls
- Bread flour, cornstarch, raw food
This condition is medically known as Pica . It can be a sign of iron deficiency . Although things like breadcrumbs are a food, eating them raw in large quantities can cause intestinal blockages and make the baby feel full, preventing him from eating other nutritious foods.
If you have a craving for something that is not a food, do not eat it for any reason . Also, inform your doctor immediately . This is nothing to be ashamed of, this is a situation that requires medical advice .
No matter how much you like it, you should definitely avoid this food!
No matter how much you love or crave it, there are some foods that are harmful to your health and that of your baby. These should be completely eliminated during this time.
| Types of food that should not be eaten | Why is it dangerous? |
|---|---|
| Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs. | The bacteria they may contain (e.g. Salmonella, Listeria) can harm the baby. |
| Unpasteurized milk and cheeses made from it (such as Brie, Feta, Camembert). | These can also contain harmful bacteria like Listeria. Check the label and only buy those that say "Pasteurized." |
| Unpasteurized fruit drinks. | There is a risk of containing harmful bacteria. |
| Raw vegetable sprouts (e.g. Alfalfa, Clover, Radish). | These may contain bacteria like E. coli. |
| Some herbal teas and decoctions. | Some herbs are not suitable for use during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedy. |
| Alcohol . | It can cause serious damage to the baby's brain and body development. Stop completely. |
How can these food cravings be controlled healthily?
It's not a challenge to provide your baby with the right nutrition during pregnancy. However, constantly allowing yourself to eat high-calorie, unhealthy foods can lead to unnecessary weight gain. This can lead to risks such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Try these things:
- Eat a balanced diet: Eat a balanced diet that includes lean meats, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. That way, even if you eat a little something unhealthy, your baby won't be deprived of the nutrients he needs.
- Eat small meals frequently: A sudden drop in blood sugar levels can increase cravings. So instead of three main meals, eat six small meals throughout the day.
- Be physically active: If your doctor allows it, exercise regularly. Even just going for a walk is good.
- Change your focus when the craving hits: If you suddenly feel like eating a chocolate cake, try holding back a bit (only if you've had a balanced meal two hours before). Go outside for a walk, step away from the kitchen, call a friend, or read a book.
- Control portion sizes: If you must have a chocolate bar, settle for a small fun-size bar instead of a large one. If you must have chips, choose a small packet instead of a large one.
- Choose healthier options: Instead of high-calorie ice cream, try low-fat yogurt or frozen yogurt. If you're craving a milkshake, blend some low-fat vanilla yogurt and orange juice in a blender.
Take-Home Message
- It's common to experience food cravings during pregnancy. This is mainly due to hormonal changes.
- It's okay to eat a little of whatever you like, but controlling the amount is very important.
- If you develop a craving for non-food items (pica) such as ice, dirt, or clay, see your doctor immediately as it could be a sign of iron deficiency.
- Completely eliminate risky foods like raw meat, fish, eggs, unpasteurized milk, and alcohol.
- This condition can be managed well with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy choices. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
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