A lot is going on inside your body during pregnancy and your body is constantly sending new signals and sensations. Some signals like a growing belly are easy to explain but others are not such as cravings! For instance, you suddenly want hot sauce on chips when you have never even liked hot sauce. Let’s explore as to why this happens to women. (And maybe your partner too, ha!)
Pregnancy changes your body’s nutritional needs. For example, if you are craving pickles you may need to add a bit more salt to your diet. Also, surges of hormones can spark different cravings as well as your mood. As long as you are eating a well-balanced diet, it’s ok to indulge in something salty or sweet. Typically a pregnant woman only needs an additional 300 calories to their diet. Consult your doctor though as they will monitor your weight throughout your pregnancy and keep you on track. Now – let’s dive into a couple of the most craved foods!
Craving meat, eggs, and other proteins is a popular one. Your body is saying it’s lacking in iron which can cause this new sensation of being a carnivore real! When pregnant, your blood volume increases by almost 50%, so it’s important to support this big change with additional protein.
Another popular craving is cold treats. I am talking about ice cream, popsicles, and smoothies. Most women experience a rise in their body temperature as they gain weight so a cold treat can be extremely refreshing!
Pregnancy cravings can occur at any point during pregnancy. As long as you do not overindulge in the sweet department, try to stick to a balanced diet, and listen to your doctor’s advice – the sky is the limit! Enjoy your pregnancy and your cravings- who knows a food you didn’t like prior to being pregnant may be a new favorite food during and after pregnancy!
