Understanding And Managing Pregnancy Cravings
Pregnancy is a wild time when your cravings can go from zero to a hundred! Many pregnant people experience an intense desire for specific foods, combinations of flavors, or even non-food items (yes, some get a craving for dirt or clay!) during pregnancy. Suddenly, the mere thought of pickles and ice cream together doesn't seem so strange anymore, and you may find yourself reaching for foods you never would’ve considered before.
Sometimes these cravings can be confusing and overwhelming for many, especially first-time moms or pregnant people. So, grab a little snack and continue reading to learn more about what exactly pregnancy cravings mean and how to best manage them!
What are pregnancy cravings?
Changes in taste and smell are some of the most talked about pregnancy symptoms. While you may find yourself turned off by even the thought of foods you used to love, you’ll probably also get a taste for new (and sometimes strange) food combinations. Over 50% of pregnant people experience some sort of food cravings by the end of their first trimester.
Pregnancy cravings are more intense than normal hunger pangs, and they’re often pretty specific. Some of the most common pregnancy cravings include pickles, chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, high-calorie carbs, and dairy. But every pregnancy is different. So, don’t worry if you find yourself obsessing over certain foods during your pregnancy—no matter how weird they may seem!
What do pregnancy cravings mean?
Pregnancy cravings can mean a few things! But typically, these cravings often are a result of hormonal changes, or they could even be indicators of some nutritional deficiency.
Peaking typically in your first or second trimester, cravings can be influenced by all the changes you’re body is experiencing, which would include hormonal ones. Many expectant parents have heightened sensitivity to certain smells and tastes due to changes in hormone levels.
Some nutritionists and healthcare experts also contend that these pregnancy cravings could also be your body’s way of letting you know something important! For example, some believe that a craving for chocolate can indicate that you might have low magnesium levels, steak can mean you’re iron-deficient, or that late-night ice cream might indicate you’re lacking in magnesium. The cravings for inedible things or objects, like dirt, chalk, or clay, is actually called pica. Pica is a condition where you crave something of little to no nutritional value. And while there’s no definite answer for why some pregnant people develop a pica craving, some experts have found that pica in pregnancy can be a sign of anemia. Remember, like with all pregnancy cravings, pica is not abnormal. Always remember to talk with your provider if you’re at all concerned about your cravings, especially in the case of pica.
Can pregnancy cravings predict your baby’s gender?
While trying to predict whether you’re having a boy or girl based on a pizza or cookie craving can be a fun pastime, there’s unfortunately not any scientific evidence to support this old wives’ tale. Though we can’t promise the Birch™ test will satisfy your cravings, we can guarantee that you can predict your baby’s sex in a much more reliable way! Save what you’re munching on for a cake or even burrito baby gender reveal and leave the predictions to an at-home early gender test.
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How to manage your pregnancy cravings
Your pregnancy cravings may differ from your regular diet, but that doesn’t mean you should drive yourself crazy trying to avoid them. (Unless, of course, you’re craving alcohol or anything else that could potentially harm you or your pregnancy.) Moderation is key, and humoring your cravings now and then may help keep you from overindulging in the future. You can also cut down the urge to chow down on less nutritious foods with these strategies:
Eat a balanced diet. Your diet should have a wide variety of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Look for foods high in protein, omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, calcium, iron, and folic acid. High-fiber foods can also help you eat less and stay fuller longer.
Eat regular meals and snacks. Eating small meals and snacks throughout the day can help keep you from getting too hungry, so you feel less of an urge to overeat.
Meal prep. Unhealthy snacks usually require a lot less effort than healthy meals. By prepping nutritious meals and snacks ahead of time, you make it super easy to choose healthy foods when you start feeling hungry.
Stay occupied. Get your mind off your cravings by distracting yourself with activities you enjoy, like journaling, going for a walk, hanging out with friends, or pampering yourself with an at-home spa day.
Cravings are a perfectly natural part of pregnancy, despite how odd they might seem at times! As long as you’re eating a balanced, nutritious diet, you shouldn’t feel bad or guilty about satisfying your unhealthy cravings every now and then. Just remember—it’s all about moderation.
To learn more about how Birch™ can help you plan for your gender reveal without having to wait for the next cupcake craving click here: Learn More
Please note: JunoDx.com and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
