Pregnancy Cravings: Why Expecting Women Experience Them & When Do They Start

Most pregnant women experience a sudden urge to eat something specific, sometimes at odd hours of the day. It is one of the most common things during pregnancy.

However, do you know when they start or if an expecting woman must satiate every craving she experiences? To find the answers to all these queries, we spoke to Dr Bhavna S Mehta, Senior Consultant OB-GYN at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chennai.

Why Do Pregnant Women Experience Cravings?

For most women, pregnancy is a joyful time. It signals the brain, and the dopamine hormone is released in the body. It is one of the key neurotransmitters in motivation and desire behaviour.

Dr Mehta pointed out a recent study that explained the role of neuronal mechanisms along with hormonal changes, which lead to cravings for food or other things. Hence, she said, “Pregnancy cravings are cravings of the pregnancy brain.”

What Are Cravings?

Craving is defined as the sudden and uncontrollable urge to eat a certain dish during pregnancy. For some expecting mothers, it can start as early as the first trimester. It usually peaks in the second trimester and decreases in the third trimester.

Depending on the preference of food, cravings can be for a salty, sweet or spicy dish. Thus, it varies from individual to individual. Dr Mehta added, “Not many know that it is the body’s way of compensating for deficiencies.”

For example, if an expecting woman has a craving for ice cream, her body needs calcium. Even if you are craving a certain type of food, you neither have to ignore it nor have to eat that particular dish to feel satiated. The doctor suggested opting for healthier options.

For example, yoghurt, a small portion of dark chocolate or sherbet are better alternatives to ice cream. When craving a salty dish, expecting women can try out salt-free seasonings like lime, garlic, etc.

Don't Miss: Busting 6 C-Section Myths

Importance For Satiating Cravings

Since cravings are the body’s way to indicate a deficiency, one must not try to ignore them. Pregnant women must also ensure to not give away to every urge they have. Dr Mehta said, “Excessive weight gain and improper nutrition can impact the life of the mother as well as the baby.”

Therefore, one must search for healthy alternatives to keep up with sudden urges. Many women also experience cravings for non-food items, including chalk, clay, dirt, ice, soap, etc. The condition is called PICA, and these urges are triggered by a severe deficiency of iron. It can be corrected to abate PICA.

Dr Mehta also shared that occasionally pregnant women feel distressed along with profuse salivation. This condition is called PTYALISM. It is usually caused by the stimulation of salivary glands by starch.

Don't Miss: New Mothers, Look For These Warning Signs After Birth

Measures To Overcome Cravings

Dr Mehta shared a few tips for expecting mothers to overcome cravings. They are:

Recommended Video

• Eat a variety of food
• Hydrate enough throughout the day
• Plan smaller meals or eat in small portions every two to three hours
• Remain active by indulging in moderate to light exercises
• Consume nutritious food like nuts, fruits, lean meats and whole grain loaves of bread
• Limit the consumption of caffeine
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle