Pregnancy Cravings: Is the pickle and ice cream story true?

What if you suddenly wake up in the middle of the night and want to eat ice cream with some pickles during pregnancy? Or what if you feel like eating a sour orange that you have never had before? These are not just stories. Many mothers have had similar experiences. Sometimes you have to send your husband to the store at midnight to fulfill these food cravings. This is what we simply call "food cravings". This is very common during pregnancy. But there is nothing to worry about. The most important thing is to enjoy this new experience and eat a healthy diet throughout the next nine months.

What is the real reason for this suffering?

In fact, there hasn't been much scientific research on these food cravings and aversions during pregnancy. So no one knows exactly how widespread they are, whether there are any particular foods that are particularly appealing, or why they happen.

Sometimes this can be a psychological issue. Think about it, since childhood we have heard that we crave pickles during pregnancy. So, with that belief, a woman may develop a desire to eat those things.

But doctors and nutritionists say that during pregnancy, a woman's senses become more sensitive . This means that the smell and taste of some foods can be more pronounced than usual. At the same time, the smell and taste of some foods can be unbearable. This is one of the main reasons for " morning sickness".

It is believed that the main cause of these cravings is the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. For example, studies have shown that women who take the hormone progesterone for birth control or to relieve menopausal symptoms also experience these food cravings.

Is it good or bad to allow a dozen?

So, should you indulge in these food cravings? Experts say that pregnancy is a time to enjoy, so there's nothing wrong with having a little fun with these cravings, but don't overdo it . The most important thing is to make sure you're eating a healthy, balanced diet first. Only then should you add these extras.

During pregnancy, a woman only needs an extra 300 calories per day. This should include milk or dairy products for calcium and about 10 grams of extra protein. It is also important to keep fat to 30% or less of total calories.

Pica, a condition that causes a craving for strange things

Pica is a serious condition related to food cravings. It involves the desire to eat non-nutritious foods such as dirt, chalk, clay, toilet paper, and laundry detergent. This is nothing new; ancient civilizations have used these foods to control morning sickness since ancient times.

Usually, eating these things won't cause much harm, but only if you also eat nutritious food. The issue here is about nutrition. Many women are embarrassed to talk to their doctor about such strange desires. However, it is definitely important to talk to your doctor about this . Then you can find out if you have any nutritional deficiencies.

Is it true that this body asks for anything?

We've heard our mothers and grandmothers say, "Pain is the body asking for something it needs." But experts say that's a big myth.

A good example is when you have iron deficiency (anemia) and crave ice cubes. Eating ice cubes will not cure iron deficiency. You need to eat foods that contain iron.

But there is one exception to this. That is salty foods . During pregnancy, the body needs a small amount of sodium (salt) to balance the extra fluid that accumulates in the body. But we can usually meet that need through the food we eat.

Does what the mother eats affect the baby's food preferences?

Will your baby also like the same foods you eat during pregnancy? There is no scientific evidence for this either. Imagine that a mother ate a lot of chocolate during pregnancy. Since she loves chocolate, there is a possibility that there will be chocolate in the house even after the baby is born. So the baby may also get used to it.

It is true that the baby develops a sense of taste in the womb. It has also been found that when the amniotic fluid tastes sweet, the baby swallows more of it. However, the baby does not taste the same way through the umbilical cord as you eat . This is because the food is digested and metabolized in the mother's body before it reaches the baby.

Why do I suddenly get bored of certain foods?

Foods that you enjoyed before pregnancy may make you feel nauseous after you're pregnant. For example, some people can't stand the smell of sweet foods.

There is one theory for this. That is, the body's natural defense mechanism . Some plants produce natural toxins to protect themselves from enemies. So, during pregnancy, especially in the first three months when the baby's organs are forming, the body rejects foods with such strong odors and bitter tastes to protect the fetus from things that could be harmful.

For example, some women who smoke or drink alcohol start to feel uncomfortable about these things even before they know they are pregnant.

But this theory has not yet been fully proven. Doctors fear that such food aversions can lead to missing out on essential nutrients. For example, many vegetables contain folic acid and iron , which are essential during pregnancy. If you are averse to drinking milk, it could be due to lactose intolerance . In that case, it is very important to talk to your doctor about other ways to meet your calcium needs.

Pregnancy, pregnancy cravings, pregnancy nutrition, pica, pregnancy health, morning sickness