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You are here : home > Pregnancy > Weight Gain, Diet & Exercise > Managing Cravings and Aversions

Managing Cravings and Aversions

Managing Cravings and Aversions

Read on to know about some more concerns about food. This article deals with the concerns about cravings and aversions which is common in pregnancy.

Food cravings and aversions are common during pregnancy. Some women may experience strange cravings for foods and some may not. Similarly, some women may experience food aversions and some may not experience at all. On the other hand, some women may experience both.

Have a quick look at the common concerns of women related to food aversions and cravings.

“I have no cravings, only aversions”

According to studies, 76% - 90% women experience a craving for at least one type of food and 50% - 85% suffer aversion to only one food. This usually happens in the first trimester when hormonal changes are at their height. Fortunately, most cravings and aversions disappear and weaken after the 4th month. If it persists after this, you may just need some emotional mollycoddling.

“I find myself craving for foods that are less nutritious”

Even though you cannot totally ignore cravings and aversions, you can at least ensure that your baby is getting properly nourished. Of course, you cannot force yourself to eat foods you have developed an aversion to, but you can eat other healthy foods. If you have a craving for something unhealthy, first try to distract yourself or find a healthy alternative. If it still persists, you may give in just a little bit but whatever you do, do not put your baby's nutritional needs in jeopardy.

“I seem to have bizarre cravings”

If you find yourself craving peculiar substances like ash, laundry, starch and clay, consult your doctor immediately, as it is a sure sign of nutritional deficiency.

“I can't stand milk. Help!”

Don't worry. What your baby needs is calcium. And milk is just the most convenient source. Try having some dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Or you could try some non-dairy calcium rich foods. A third option is dry skimmed milk concealed in oatmeal, frozen desserts, puddings, soups, sauces, muffins and milkshakes.

Some Common Food Aversions

Aversion to food is very common and protein often becomes the main trigger. Women naturally tend to stay away from milk, rice, red meat, chicken and eggs. There are reports when women only survived on green leafy vegetables. Smelling coffee beans in the morning also helped.

Strategies to Deal with Food Aversions

You need to have a wide choice of healthy food now after consulting your obstetrician. It is important to branch out from foods that are causing troubles for you.
You can prepare a list of different kinds of healthy foods that you would want to stack in your cupboard and fridge. Before adding anything new to your diet, you must consult your obstetrician. You can also bring along your partner or friends to help you with shopping.
The key is to become more flexible while choosing food. Every meal that you take need not contain the same amount of protein. Morning sickness and nausea can in fact make things very difficult for you. So, do not worry if you are munching on nothing other than carrots now. Mix of different fruits like lemon juice, avocados and sweet potatoes can also be other healthy options.
Eventhough you are supposed to take a balanced meal in pregnancy, take it easy if you cannot master the perfection yet. Even if you are feeling like snacking, make sure you are taking something healthy.

Causes behind Food Aversions and Cravings

Blame it on your pregnancy hormones if you are surprised to see your aversion or craving for food. It may not always be possible for you to fight against cravings or food aversions. However, you need to remember that most of the symptoms shall be gone by the 4th month. If you still seem to deal with them, you need to address the emotional side of it may be. May be you need some extra hugs and kisses from your husband. Just let him know!

Dealing with Cravings

Here is how you can deal with cravings during pregnancy.

Have Little

Try to deal with cravings that actually do no nutritional good for you. You can replace the king sized chocolate bars with the mini ones and look for mini brownies instead of chocolates altogether. It is okay to give into your cravings once in a while and try to stick to the healthy options rest of the time.

Divert Your Mind

If you feel your cravings are getting intense, divert your mind by reading a book or calling a friend. Your cravings shall get worse when your mind is idle.

Stay Away From Harmful Things

Cravings for weird things like laundry ashes, cigar smoke or ashes, mud, soil etc. should be absolutely avoided keeping in mind wellbeing of the little one growing inside you. Such cravings can cause serious risk to the baby growing inside you.
If you have cravings for such weird things, you need to call your doctor. These are the signs of nutritional deficiencies and consuming such things can seriously affect the growth and development of your baby.
Conditions like gaining too much of weight or inability to gain the desired weight should be addressed on time. You may be suffering due to morning sickness or nausea, or it might be that you are relying mostly on the wrong foods with almost no nutritional value. In both the cases your diet shall be re-evaluated and your doctor shall offer right solutions considering your case.
Relying on a healthy and balanced diet shall help you enjoy an overall healthy pregnancy. You shall also be able to lose your extra fat after pregnancy. If you feel you need a diet chart, you can get in touch with your doctor or a nutritionist. In the meanwhile relax and enjoy your different phases in pregnancy.

What are the cause of food aversions and cravings during pregnancy? How to deal with food aversions during pregnancy? What are the ways to deal with weird cravings during pregnancy? Discuss here.


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Vandana
Vandana.10 years ago
I am only 6 weeks pregnant working woman. Feeling everytime hungry. what to do?
 
 
 
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Nayanthara
Nayanthara.11 years ago
I do i deal with the aversion? just help. I just can't bear the smell of garlic and my neigbour just cooks everything with garlic. i can't bear it . i feel like puking.....
 
 
 
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Darriel
Darriel.11 years ago
I have severe aversion to spices especially strong spices. Now i am just having simple boiled or lightly fried veggies. i know these are healthy and nutritious.
 
 
 
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LINDA.J
LINDA.J.13 years ago
iorn counts
 
 
 
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