The result? A bite of broccoli might seem downright disgusting because your mouth is hyper-attuned to its bitterness. There may also be some truth to the notion that you crave what your body needs and are repulsed by what's not good for you. This theory works with pre-pregnancy favorites like coffee and alcohol, which can suddenly turn off regular drinkers of both.
But it doesn't quite explain why you might turn your nose up at healthy foods you used to love, like salad or oatmeal. One theory is that humans have moved so far from the original food chain that the body can no longer reliably interpret its own internal signals. Yes, your body knows it needs vitamin C and calcium, but these days that may translate into a craving for ice cream with crushed Oreos instead of a slice of cantaloupe and a glass of milk. You may crave special foods and dishes that you associate with your culture and upbringing.
So go ahead and enjoy the mac and cheese you ate as a child from time to time. You can't always fight these symptoms, so just try to respond with reason. Remember that while food cravings and aversions tend to intensify in the second trimester, they usually start to wane by the third.
If yours don't, it may be an indication that something else is going on. Check in with your practitioner just to be sure everything is okay. Here are some other helpful tips:. At the same time, speak up if you know certain foods make you feel nauseous. So if the smell of grilled salmon or barbecued chicken makes you gag, tell your spouse to order a pizza instead.
Most pregnant women say their food cravings peak during the second trimester. However, there is no evidence of a link between cravings and nutrient deficiency. In addition to food cravings, many pregnant women also develop a sudden dislike or aversion for certain strong-tasting foods. Food cravings and sudden food aversions may have something to with the effects of pregnancy hormones, which can change the way some foods taste and smell.
It is OK to give in to the occasional food craving, as long as you continue to eat a good variety of healthy foods. If you are craving a lot of unhealthy foods, such as sweets or chocolate, try not to over-indulge. Too much sugar can cause excessive weight gain and dental problems. Your doctor, midwife or maternal and child health nurse can provide more information about healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
When you are pregnant, there are a number of foods that should avoid. Things like soft cheeses, sushi, raw eggs and undercooked meat can contain harmful bacteria, including salmonella and E. Read more about the foods to avoid during your pregnancy. There is no safe level of alcohol that you can have during your pregnancy.
Whether you are planning a pregnancy , already pregnant or breastfeeding , not drinking is the safest option as alcohol can harm your unborn baby. Non-food cravings Some pregnant women develop a craving to eat substances that are not food, such as chalk, clay, laundry starch or soap. This is a condition called pica, and it may indicate a mineral deficiency or severe anaemia. Pica is thought to be fairly rare in well-nourished women from developed countries such as Australia.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Eating well and taking care with food safety when pregnant, helps keep you and your baby healthy. Everyone knows that when you're pregnant, you're eating for two.
Iron is also a vital component for making haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells. Low iron levels can also lead to iron deficiency. Symptoms of anaemia include breathlessness, fatigue, feeling faint, heart palpitations and pale skin. Eating too much broccoli could indicate a folate deficiency. Also known as folic acid, folate can reduce the risk of having a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain and spinal cord, so the pregnant body needs lots of it — so much so pregnant women are advised to take a folic acid tablet every day.
Broccoli is also rich in vitamins A, C, K, B6 and calcium and fibre. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, calcium promotes strong bones, and fibre can help prevent constipation during pregnancy. Always wash veg before eating. Peppers are a great source of vitamins A, B12 folate and C and also contain potassium, fibre, folate, and iron, while tomatoes are a good source of vitamins B12 folate , C and K, as well as potassium and the antioxidant lycopene.
Too much of anything can be detrimental, though. For example, tomatoes are acidic and may cause heartburn in pregnancy if eaten to excess.
Carrots are great for eye health. Munch on one as a snack or dip carrot sticks into low-fat hummous. Loving yogurt?
You could be low in calcium. It comes in lots of great flavours and will meet some of your calcium needs without the added calorie count. Beetroot can boost your immunity, essential when pregnant. This is another vegetable that pregnant women may crave because of its high folate content. Beetroot is rich in B12 folate , which is essential to the development of a growing foetus. It also contains the minerals magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. Beetroot helps keep blood pressure in check, boosts immunity, and keeps you regular — welcome news to pregnant women!
Make sure you wash salad first. Salad is made from a variety of nutritious items including tomatoes and peppers see our craving vegetables section, above and avocado see below — all of which provide a range of vitamins and minerals. Some women may crave these types of foods, too. These foods may be those that you had a bad experience with or that are just too strongly-scented or flavored for you to handle well. Again, normal pregnancy cravings are common, and there are many ways to deal with them.
Have you ever had weird cravings during pregnancy? Share them in the comments section below! The Momma Be Team is dedicated to helping you with all aspects of motherhood. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
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