Cravings during pregnancy
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Nutella with sour pickles, sausage with jam or mustard straight from the jar: There are endless clichés about pregnancy cravings. And indeed, many expectant mothers discover a love for rather strange food combinations during pregnancy. Or they suddenly like things they couldn't eat before pregnancy and can no longer stomach former favorite foods. But why is that? Do these cravings make sense, perhaps even help the body to ? And when do cravings typically appear during pregnancy?
Why do pregnant women have cravings?
According to a US Study between 50 and 90% of all pregnant women develop cravings for unusual dishes or food combinations during pregnancy. The origin of this phenomenon is still little researched.
and even experts can only make guesses so far. A
Reason could be the Increased nutrient requirements during pregnancy his –
the body "craves" through desires for things it needs.
That is not unlikely, because many of the cravings (craving for sweet, salty or particularly fatty foods) indicate a deficiency of nutrients such as vitamins, iron, magnesium, or fatty acids.
According to this theory, it also works the other way around: Many women suddenly dislike foods during pregnancy that they previously enjoyed very much or experience a strong aversion to certain tastes and smells. The body is probably signaling that certain foods could be harmful.
Another theory suggests that hormones are to blame for the cravings. Fluctuations in hormone levels , especially the hormones Beta-hCG, estrogen, and progesterone are completely normal during pregnancy. They can affect the sense of smell and taste.
Also Blood sugar fluctuations may possibly contribute to cravings and changes in appetite: Due to the increased
Insulin production in the body of a pregnant woman sometimes causes blood sugar levels to drop quickly. This can lead to intense cravings for sweets.
Not least, many pregnant women also have emotional cravings . The craving for "comfort food," for meals from childhood such as grandma's potato soup or dad's favorite pasta. This special need for food that provides a sense of security is also completely normal, especially during pregnancy.
Did you know that pregnant women in different countries also have different cravings? In Africa, women often crave fruit, yogurt, and meat, while in the USA, cravings for pickles, pizza, and sweets predominate.
When do pregnancy cravings occur?
Unusual cravings can occur throughout pregnancy, but for most women, they are in the first two trimesters the strongest. This suggests that they are with the Hormone levels correlations – towards the end of pregnancy, it usually stabilizes.
Some studies also suggest that women, who at the beginning of pregnancy often , later develop particularly strong and unusual cravings.
Did you know: Although it is a common myth, you cannot determine the baby's gender based on pregnancy cravings.
The Pica syndrome
Hunger or cravings are usually quite normal and you can indulge them within a healthy framework. If you discuss this with , you are on the safe side. However, a few pregnant women suddenly develop cravings for things that are not food: chalk, coal, laundry detergent, toilet paper, or hair are just a few examples. These cravings cannot be definitively explained either, but it is believed that they are also related to nutritional deficiencies in the body. Medical professionals refer to this as Pica syndrome. It can be dangerous for mother and baby, if the pregnant woman gives in to these cravings and eats something harmful or even toxic. If you experience such cravings, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Together, you can clarify which nutrients you are missing. Additionally, you will find some tips and a checklist on the topic in our article “ ”.
Cravings and intense hunger are therefore most likely signals from your body that help you navigate pregnancy and childbirth optimally – how convenient! Of course, it's still good to eat a balanced and reasonably healthy diet and to be able to curb your cravings sometimes. For example, you can prepare fruit and vegetable snacks so that the temptation to reach for chocolate isn't always so strong. Of course, you are also allowed to indulge yourself once in a while! Your doctor will be happy to advise you on a varied and colorful menu that also caters to your pregnancy cravings. We wish you a wonderful pregnancy!