When a woman is pregnant, some things become mind-boggling. That includes the strange cravings that pregnant women experience with certain foods. What's stranger is that some of these foods that they desire all of sudden are not normally part of their regular diet. What's worst though is that some of these cravings are not even food or at least somewhat edible.
A 2008 study revealed that 75 percent of surveyed pregnant women had food cravings in varying degrees and with different types of foods. Ice cream, curry, gherkins, pickles, fish, salted crisps and chocolates are only some of the foods pregnant women reported in the survey. But in a similar survey conducted five decades back, it was only at 30 percent. While there is no clear evidence as to why there is a significant increase of the figures, researchers offer that the variety and availability of different types of food nowadays could be one factor. Having so many types of food to choose from and their accessibility tend to support this significant rise of the number of pregnant women who are into food cravings.
Pregnant women, however, are cautioned not to go overboard with these cravings. Consenting to these craving is still fine, but moderation should still be practiced. Food cravings, after all, are just that, cravings. After a while, pregnant women are expected to get back to their normal diet. Secondly, pregnant women should not sacrifice their more nutritious diet with these cravings. A good nutrition and a healthy diet are very important for both mother and child. Cravings, on the other hand, will only satisfy temporary whims.
You should always try to come up with some meal plans when food cravings occur as a way to remind yourself of the need to practice moderation for cravings and avoid distraction with a balanced diet and proper nutrition. Another good strategy for staying healthy even with the cravings is to try substitution. This means that for a certain type of food that is being craved, a healthier alternative may be chosen as a substitute. The substitute may be of a different type, but the taste or flavour may be similar. More importantly, the substitute food should be more nutritious or at least has lesser of the "junkie" content of the craved food. Example substitutes are yogurt instead of ice cream or salted popcorn for salted crisps.
One important thing to remember about food cravings is that they can be reduced by at least half when you eat a healthy breakfast. This should be a good detriment for craving unhealthy foods during pregnancy. Some may have problems with eating a good breakfast due to morning sickness.
Another interesting finding is that of another kind of craving which is toward non-edible items. Also known as pica, this kind of craving extends to such non-edible items such as soap, chalk, toothpaste, ice, coal and even rubber. There is a perception though that the odd desire is only limited to the smell or texture of the non-food item rather than the need to taste or worst, eat it. If this is the case, caution should be made. If the craving intensifies to a need to really chew, bite, or eat the item, then it may be necessary to visit your doctor.
While pregnancy can bring some unusual habits for some women, it is still of primary importance that one's health as well as that of the baby's is considered. If this important aspect is going to be compromised, there will be a need for some medical intervention.
