Food Cravings during Pregnancy

"-1" class="hP" id=":qx" style="text-align: center;">Food Cravings during Pregnancy

About two-thirds of women experience food cravings during pregnancy. It is usually fine to indulge in these cravings if it provides essential nutrients, but if one is craving for an unhealthy food or the craving persists to the point that it prevents her from getting the other essential nutrients the baby needs, she needs to take steps to create more balance in the daily diet and make sure to take the prenatal vitamins.

Some women feel strong urges to eat nonfood items like ice, laundry starch, dirt, clay, chalk, ashes, or paint chips when they are pregnant. This is known as pica, and it may be associated with anemia. These nonfood cravings can be harmful to both Mom and baby, so it is very important that she resists them and also lets her Doctor know about them immediately.

If the expectant Mom has any cravings that interfere with her ability to eat balanced meals and gain weight properly, she has to consult her obstetrician for advice. If she has an urge to eat more sweets, or spicy and deep fried foods, they have the ability to force her weight gain and cause imbalance in her Blood pressure or Blood sugar. Registered dietitians, nutrition experts are also able to help one maintain good nutrition throughout the pregnancy.