Listening to Your Body and Its Pregnancy Cravings

One guilty pleasure that a lot of pregnant women admit to is indulging in their cravings. Many women find that being pregnant can give them a great excuse to eat whatever they crave whenever they want.

Some people believe that cravings have a connection with the gender of the baby. It is often said that craving sweets and fruits may indicate you are having a girl. If you crave cheeses, meats, or even spicy foods it could be a boy.

While it may be fun to scrutinize old wives tales, research has found that cravings usually indicate what your body is actually requesting. As your blood level increases, your body will need more sodium. This could explain why you are craving salty potato chips. If you have a sudden desire to eat an orange, you may be lacking Vitamin A.

By following your body’s cravings, you can usually tell what your body is lacking. However, some women mistake cravings for an opportunity to eat a lot of junk food which can result in an increased weight gain. If you are craving salty foods, eat pretzels rather than potato chips. If you are craving sweets, eat a kiwifruit rather than a king size Milky Way.

Sudden cravings may hit you and you suddenly have to eat rocky road ice cream. Make healthy choices when dealing with cravings. If you are craving something sweet, choose a healthier alternative to the ice cream such as frozen yogurt.

By choosing healthy versions of your cravings, you will maintain a healthy weight which is important for your baby’s development. However, you do not need to always resist your cravings. If you must have a donut, choose to eat one rather than a dozen. A smaller portion will satisfy the craving without providing too many calories that lack nutrition.

Some women begin to experience cravings that indicate a serious iron deficiency. Some people have a desire to consume non-food items that include:

• Toothpaste
• Dirt
• Paint
• Wood
• Coffee grounds
• Ashes/Cigarette Butts
• Baking Soda/Laundry Starch
• Clay
• Soap
• Hair

Although the craving is not necessarily dangerous, acting upon it can cause harm to yourself and your baby. If you begin to crave any of these things, reach your doctor immediately. They can recommend supplements that provide these necessary nutrients.

Many women never forget that they craved Sheetz hot dogs every day for 9 months. Though they may be bizarre or sudden, cravings are usually a safe and normal part of any pregnancy. When dealing with cravings, consider portion sizes and healthier alternatives.