Do you experience a sudden urge or craving during pregnancy for unusual things, especially late at night? Some experts suggest that cravings indicate that some nutrients are missing from your diet. It is how your body alerts you to take up essential nutrients or calories because proper nutrition is necessary during early pregnancy. So, without wasting a moment, let’s learn more about pregnancy cravings.
Types of food cravings during Pregnancy
Most times, pregnancy cravings are harmless. However, sometimes, you may feel an urge to eat non-edible things. While it is essential to listen to your body, you should always opt for healthy nutritious foods and avoid consuming non-food items.
Here is a list of cravings during pregnancy and what it means-
Pickles and spices:
When pregnant, most women crave pickles, spices, and sauces. It is only due to a hormonal imbalance and not due to a deficiency of nutrition.
Meat, eggs, or other proteins:
Meat, eggs, or other proteins during cravings during pregnancy due to a deficiency in iron and protein. A lack of the same can lead to decreased blood circulation, which harms the baby. So, you should increase your protein intake but in a healthier way. Try eating foods like nuts, soy products, eggs, or fish, but everything is limited. You can consume meat occasionally.
Dairy products:
Dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, etc., are immensely craved by pregnant women. It is a sign of calcium deficiency. It is recommended to supplement this with calcium supplement or consult your doctor. It is suggested to include calcium-rich foods, like spinach, broccoli, tangerine, orange, kiwis, strawberries, almonds, sesame seeds, and dates, in your diet to fulfill your body’s calcium needs.
Ice, chalk, dust, paper, and other non-edible substances:
If you crave non-edible substances during your pregnancy, it indicates an iron deficiency in the blood. However, satisfying your cravings by eating ice, chalk, dust, paper, and other non-edible things can harm your and your baby’s health. Iron deficiency can also lead to anemia and weak bones. You can increase food intake with high iron content by following healthy pregnancy tips. You can include apples, whole grains, green vegetables, raisins, kidney beans, peas, dried seeds, and nuts to maintain your iron levels.
Citrus fruits:
Fruits during pregnancy are not bad, but everything in excess is wrong. Craving citrus food during pregnancy signals a lack of Vitamin C. It can weaken the bones, teeth, and eyesight of the baby. Eat pineapples, lemons, and oranges to stay healthy.
Bananas or avocados:
Bananas, avocados, spinach, and broccoli cravings signal a potassium deficiency. It is healthy to consume vegetables during pregnancy, but you should also keep a note of what goes inside.
Wrapping up,
Cravings during pregnancy are normal; most times, it is your body alerting about the nutrient deficiency in your body. So, listen to your body; however, avoid non-edible food cravings during pregnancy. The best way to fight late-night cravings is by eating well-balanced meals with all the essential nutrients and having a light snack with a glass of milk.
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