Many first-time mums often ask themselves “When does craving start in pregnancy?”. There are so many things a woman goes through when she is expecting a child like changes in her appetite, body, and hormones. This is because she is not just eating for one person, she is eating for two people.
When Exactly Do Cravings Start During Pregnancy?
The exact time craving starts is different in each woman because some women have no craving at all, however, many experts say that it is around the first trimester. This is usually in the first 5 weeks of the pregnancy and these cravings are known to reach their peak around the second trimester and will start to slow down during the third.
Some women will lean toward sweets or carry food while others try out food they have never tried before. Things like ice, for example, are something that will be craved too, while it might come across as weird, it is perfectly fine to crave ice.
What Causes Cravings In Pregnant Women?
No one has been able to come up with a proper answer to this question but many believe it is down to hormones since appetite, taste, and smell are all affected. Some believe that the craving is down to the body adjusting to having an extra little human to nature. Below are some of the common cravings that women have during pregnancy
1. Sweets
This is undoubtedly one of the most common cravings women have during pregnancy. Craving sweets has women consuming plenty of sugary products with the most popular one being chocolate. Other products include biscuits, cakes, sugary drinks, and pastries.
2. Dairy
This is the second most popular and most women will crave foods that are high in sugar as well as calcium. This includes foods like ice cream, yogurt, cheese, milk, and custard.
3. Fast food
Fast food is considered unhealthy and a significant source of weight gain but pregnant women do crave fast food. Things like pizzas, burgers, and fries are on the menu when a woman craves fast food.
4. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are known to provide fuel to the body during pregnancy. This is where a woman will want to eat things like potatoes, pasta, and bread.
Does Gaining Too Much Weight Affect a Baby’s Health?
When a woman gains too much weight because of her pregnancy cravings, it can make the baby grow too big. If this is the case, it can cause complications when it comes to giving birth. Not only that, if a woman gains a lot of weight, there is a very high chance that her baby will be overweight which can bring about a whole host of health issues. These issues can include high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and strokes in the future.
It is not just the baby that will have problems, the woman herself will also have some health-related issues to deal with. For instance, getting back into shape can also be a challenge after gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy. This is why doctors always advise women to be sensible and watch what they eat to avoid ballooning because they will also have health problems like high blood pressure, heart attacks, and more.
How Can a Woman Deal With Cravings?
When the cravings kick in they can be hard to control however there are a few different ways they can be controlled. Below are a few recommended tips that women use to keep their cravings in check
1. Clear the mind
Since the majority of cravings are known to be psychological, not thinking about them is the best way to deal with them. When the urge to eat a certain type of food comes up, attention needs to be shifted elsewhere to keep the mind occupied. The goal is to not let the cravings win and they will go away when the mind is distracted with other things.
2. A balanced diet
Turning to junk food is something that many women do when pregnancy cravings kick in but these foods can be very addictive. To prevent any addiction, a woman needs to make sure she eats nutritious foods that both the baby and her need to prevent complications during the pregnancy. Healthy foods like fruits, grains, and vegetables are a good alternative to junk food because they help support the baby’s growth.
3. Reach out to people
A woman needs to get as much support as she needs during pregnancy. This support can come from social workers, partners, family members, and even friends. It can be a challenging time for any woman and with the right support, she can get through this period. Things like asking a partner for some cuddles as simple as this sound can go a long way in helping deal with cravings.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy cravings as part of the journey but they can sometimes mean that the body is lacking a certain type of nutrient. If this is the case, it is important to see a doctor and get the correct help. For the most part, these cravings come because it is an emotionally and physically draining time for any woman. Some of the cracking mentioned in this article can make a woman gain weight. Sticking to healthy food or finding out ways to ignore them can help in this period and ensure the baby is strong and healthy when it comes into the world.
