Top Reasons for Pregnancy Cravings Admin, January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 Pregnancy Cravings – During pregnancy, cravings can have several causes, such as hormones, changes in taste and smell, or a deficiency in nutrients. The intense desire to eat usually begins in the first trimester and peaks in the second trimester. However, it’s essential to be cautious about your eating habits during pregnancy because it can lead to gestational diabetes, which affects about 10% of pregnancies. Dr. Manju Gupta, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Noida, explains that gestational diabetes is typically defined as an increase in blood sugar levels during pregnancy. To provide more energy to the developing fetus during pregnancy, there is a change in glucose metabolism in a woman’s body. Some women’s bodies produce more insulin to regulate this demand, while others cannot meet the demand adequately. You may feel like you have more significant hunger than usual. Even if you expect twins or triplets, you don’t need to eat for two or three. Instead of eliminating all your favorite foods, try eating healthy in small, frequent meals and satisfy your pregnancy cravings with different items. This can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and help manage the condition if you have it. Table of Contents Toggle What are the risks associated with gestational diabetes?What can help reduce frequent pregnancy cravings?What to include in your diet to avoid pregnancy cravings?FiberIronFolateProteinCalciumSupplements What are the risks associated with gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes can have negative effects during and after pregnancy. People with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, increasing the risk of a severe condition called preeclampsia. See also Health Benefits of Almond TeaWhat can help reduce frequent pregnancy cravings? Consume a healthy, balanced diet that includes lean protein sources, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Avoiding excessive unhealthy items in your diet won’t hinder your baby’s nutritional needs if your diet is balanced. Regular exercise, with guidance from your doctor, can help control blood sugar levels. If you’re constantly craving sugary or sweet foods, try to space them out more and avoid consuming any healthy snacks or meals within the last two hours. Try to engage in brisk walking, go out, and participate in activities like reading or watching a movie to divert your attention from food that will help you reduce pregnancy cravings. What to include in your diet to avoid pregnancy cravings? Living a healthy lifestyle is essential for everyone at any time, but it becomes even more critical if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Here are some things you can incorporate into your diet if you’re pregnant: Fiber Constipation can be a problem during pregnancy due to various hormonal changes. Consuming fiber-rich foods can help control constipation. High-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, and legumes can help stabilize your blood pressure levels. Consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, and legumes can help meet your daily fiber requirements. Iron Iron is essential for making hemoglobin in the body. When you’re pregnant, you need approximately double the amount of iron. Your body needs more iron to produce more blood to provide enough oxygen to your unborn child. If your body has insufficient iron levels or doesn’t receive enough iron during pregnancy, you may experience headaches or fatigue. Low iron levels can also lead to preterm birth and low birth weight. Some good sources of iron include poultry, fish, and lean red meat. See also 6 Cinnamon Water Benefits You Must KnowFolate Legumes provide one of the best plant-based sources of several important nutrients, including calcium, iron, folate, fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. One of the most critical B vitamins is folate or folic acid, and you need at least 600 micrograms of folate daily, which can be challenging to obtain from diet alone. Your doctor may recommend folate supplementation to ensure you meet your requirements. Folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in the baby. Protein Pregnant women should consume lean protein sources. Your protein options should be prepared by considering less fat and sugar consumption. Choose options with less fat, such as semi-skimmed, 1% fat, or skimmed milk, low-fat and low-sugar yogurt, and low-fat, firm cheese. If you’re vegetarian, consider options like chicken breast, white fish, eggs, or small portions of lean turkey for your daily two or three protein servings. Calcium Pregnant women should consume dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese because they are rich in calcium and other essential nutrients. You should choose low-fat options, such as semi-skimmed, 1% fat, or skimmed milk, low-fat and low-sugar yogurt, and low-fat hard cheese. If you opt for non-dairy alternatives, choose calcium-fortified soy drinks and yogurt without added sugar. Avoid unpasteurized cheeses, which can be harmful during pregnancy. Supplements Even if you maintain a balanced diet, you may still experience a deficiency in essential nutrients. Taking a daily prenatal vitamin supplement, preferably three months before conception, can help fill any nutritional gaps. If you follow a strictly vegetarian diet or have any chronic health conditions, your doctor may recommend specific supplements, so consult with your healthcare provider before taking any. Be cautious with herbal supplements, as some can be harmful during pregnancy. See also 6 Tips to Avoid Erectile DysfunctionPlease note that it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations during pregnancy, as individual needs can vary. Food Health pregnancy