Are You Having Unusual Cravings (During Pregnancy)?
Do you want ice cream and pickles? Maybe not that exactly, but do you find yourself having cravings for certain foods? Cravings can be for foods you normally eat and even sometimes things you typically don’t. Cravings are a common experience during pregnancy. Many women report strong urges to eat certain foods or combinations of foods in which they previously have not been interested.
Why you crave more chips, ice cream, or whatever your craving is believed to be related to hormone levels and changes in the body’s nutritional needs during pregnancy. As you may have already figured out, cravings can range from mild to intense. Craving may be for foods you have always liked or even foods you never knew you liked before.
Some factors that may contribute to these cravings:
1. Hormonal Changes:
Pregnancy involves a significant increase in hormones, including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations can influence taste and smell perception, potentially leading to unusual cravings.
2. Nutritional Needs:
A common thought on cravings, pregnancy related or otherwise, comes down to a simple nutritional deficient. It is often the body’s way of signaling nutritional needs. For example, a craving for ice cream might indicate a desire for more calcium, while a craving for red meat could be linked to a need for additional protein or iron.
3. Sensory Changes:
Do certain foods smell amazing, or make you nauseas? Pregnancy can alter the sensitivity of taste buds and the sense of smell. Certain smells and tastes that were once unappealing may become desirable during pregnancy.
4. Emotional and Psychological Factors:
Are you a stress eater? Pregnancy often brings about similar eating patterns like others experience during stress. It is thought that cravings might be linked to emotional comfort, stress relief, or nostalgia, leading pregnant individuals to seek out specific foods that provide a sense of satisfaction or familiarity.
Some of these familiar foods can include peanut butter, fast food, dairy products, or foods with saturated fat and added sugars
5. Hypothalamus and Brain Changes:
The part of the brain that regulates hunger and satiety is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus undergoes significant changes throughout the pregnancy. This can impact appetite and food preferences.
It’s important to note that while cravings are common, they can vary widely among individuals, and not everyone experiences them. Additionally, indulging in cravings should be done in moderation, as maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for both the health of the pregnant person and the developing fetus.
Always remember to get good sources of fruit and vegetables along with necessary vitamins and minerals.
While cravings can be strong, try to only indulge in small amounts of the foods commonly associated with the emotional and psychological factors listed above. Your general health care should now also consider the life growing inside of you.
If cravings become extreme or are associated with unhealthy food choices, talk to do your doctor to ensure you are meeting nutritional needs during pregnancy.
At the Community Women’s Centers, we can provide you with the information and resources you need to be better informed. Schedule a free appointment today at one of our 3 centers. Community Women’s Centers are conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia, and in Bristol and Warminster in Bucks County.