Cravings during pregnancy are actually normal. However, if pregnant women tend to want to constantly eat unhealthy foods, cravings can turn into bad things, you know. There are also more specific ones, such as meatballs with spicy chili sauce or fried duck with mango sauce. Let's look at whether cravings can really be explained medically and how to properly respond to them.
Causes of Cravings During Pregnancy
In the early stages of pregnancy, pregnant women may experience morning sickness which is characterized by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and refusal to eat. After that, although it doesn't always happen, pregnant women may also start to feel cravings.
The exact cause of cravings is not known for certain, but there are several allegations that some experts are trying to explain, including:
1. Culture
Cravings during pregnancy can occur because this is something that already exists and is believed by local culture. This then becomes a suggestion within pregnant women. Cultural factors also affect the type of food that pregnant women usually want.
2. Lack of a nutrient
If pregnant women are lacking a nutrient, this can make the body want more portions of certain foods. For example, chocolate cravings can be caused by a lack of magnesium in the pregnant woman's body. Then, red meat cravings can be a sign of a protein deficiency.
Read Too : Nutritious Food Options for Pregnant Women
3. Changes in hormone levels
Changes in hormone levels in the body are also said to be the cause of cravings during pregnancy. The reason is, hormonal changes can change the smell and taste of food. Therefore, during pregnancy, pregnant women may like foods that were previously disliked, or vice versa.
4. Changes in the brain
Changes in the uterus that occur gradually can also affect the part of the brain that regulates the sense of taste or tongue. However, this assumption still needs to be investigated further.
5. Diversion
Cravings are also believed to be a diversion when pregnant women want something that should be avoided during pregnancy, such as coffee or soda.
Tips for Dealing With Cravings During Pregnancy
Generally, cravings are harmless if pregnant women can manage them well. Cravings can be a problem if what is consumed is high-calorie foods but does not contain the nutrients needed during pregnancy. These foods can make pregnant women experience too much weight gain and obesity. This of course can cause many health problems during pregnancy.
The following are some ways pregnant women can do so that cravings do not cause health problems:
1. Get used to breakfast
Pregnant women are more at risk of having an irregular and unhealthy diet because of drastic body changes. These changes can affect pregnant women's emotions and self-confidence. Well, having breakfast every day can reduce the possibility of excessive cravings.
Read Too : Healthy Breakfast Options for Pregnant Women
2. Exercise regularly
Apart from adjusting the diet, pregnant women as much as possible also exercise regularly. This can have a good impact on the mood and emotions of pregnant women. Well, stable emotions will reduce the desire to eat good food impulsively.
3. Limit sugary foods and drinks
During pregnancy, as much as possible limit the consumption of sweet foods and drinks, especially if you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes. Pregnant women can divert unhealthy food cravings into healthier foods. For example, when craving strawberry ice cream is high in fat, pregnant women can think of healthier alternatives that resemble those foods, such as strawberry yogurt or fresh strawberries.
4. Avoid harmful types of food
Although it is very rare, under certain conditions, pregnant women can crave food that endangers the health of themselves and the fetus. This eating disorder is called pica or eat everything. People with pica can crave a variety of things that aren't common to eat, such as crayons, detergent, dirt, or chunks of ice from the refrigerator. This of course can harm the fetus and should be avoided. The effects that can occur due to pica include impaired motor development of children, low IQ scores, and hearing loss.
5. Watch your weight
Cravings during pregnancy is not something that is forbidden, but should be limited. To ensure that pregnant women's cravings are still within safe limits, pay attention to pregnant women's weight gain. Research shows that being overweight during pregnancy can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia.
Read Too : Preeclampsia : Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Complications, Prevention, and Treatment of Preeclampsia
If the pregnant woman's weight before pregnancy is ideal, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy is 11-15 kg. However, if pregnant women are overweight before becoming pregnant, try not to gain more than 11 kg.
By managing cravings during pregnancy, pregnant women can still eat delicious food that they want without causing the risk of health problems. However, if cravings during pregnancy are bothersome or cause drastic weight gain, it is advisable to consult further with your obstetrician.
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