Pregnancy

Cravings in pregnancy: when do they start and how to deal with them?

Cravings during pregnancy are a sudden and irresistible desire to take certain foods , sometimes with rather unusual combinations, which can also turn to foods that are not particularly welcome before becoming pregnant.

Among the foods most desired by expectant mothers we find above all those rich in fat, sugar or salt. In particular, cravings often concern sweets and carbohydrates in general (chocolate, ice cream, bread, pizza and chips), foods with a very strong flavor (such as classic pickles), but also fresh fruit , juices or juices .

When do pregnancy cravings start?

Although they can occur at any time, pregnancy cravings very often begin already in the first trimester (starting from the fifth week ), and then increase in the second and then gradually disappear in the more advanced stages of pregnancy.

What do they depend on?

Although cravings are a very common symptom among pregnant women, the causes are still unknown .

In part, the hormonal changes typical of sweet expectation could be involved , which increase the demand for some nutrients , such as carbohydrates. This would explain why cravings for sweets are so common in pregnancy.

We also remember that hormones influence the sense of taste and smell and can therefore change food preferences.

On the other hand, cravings could also be triggered by psychological factors . In a delicate period such as pregnancy, characterized by strong emotional stress, expectant mothers may have a greater need to feel pampered and gratified .

Instead, it seems that this symptom has nothing to do with any deficiencies in essential nutrients for mother and child. Cravings, in fact, often concern highly caloric foods but with little nutritional value.

Birthmarks in pregnancy: boy or girl

According to a widespread popular belief, if you prefer salty food during pregnancy, you would be expecting a boy , while the desire for sweet would indicate that a girl is on the way .

Of course, this is just a false myth, without any scientific evidence.

How to manage cravings during pregnancy?

Birthmarks are not dangerous for mom and baby. The popular belief that an unsatisfied birthmark causes spots on the skin of the newborn has no scientific basis .

Nonetheless, it is important to avoid exaggerations and strive to maintain a diet that is as healthy and balanced as possible, to prevent excessive weight gain which could favor the onset of complications, such as gestational diabetes. To this end, the following simple measures can be useful.

  • Eat small, frequent meals

A good breakfast as soon as you get up, a light mid-morning snack and a snack in the afternoon will help you prevent the feeling of hunger caused by the decrease in sugar.

  • Find healthy alternatives

Replacing ice cream with a pot of yogurt and biscuits with a handful of dried fruit can be an excellent strategy for limiting calories without sacrificing taste .

  • Focus on one activity

Indulging in your favorite hobby, calling a friend or going for a walk in the fresh air will help you distract yourself and counteract stress. Furthermore, regular physical exercise will stimulate the release of endorphins , the so-called “well-being hormones”, which will help reduce the search for gratification through food.

  • Control the portions

If your cravings focus on foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients, you can try to accommodate them by limiting the amounts .

When to worry?

If the cravings concern inedible substances , such as earth, chalk or soap, we speak of ” picacism “, a rather rare disorder whose causes are not yet known.

In these cases, it is advisable to consult your doctor : pica, in fact, can be a symptom of a lack of mineral salts, such as iron or zinc.

Dr Kathryn Barlow

Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.

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