When you think of pregnancy cravings, you probably imagine pickles and ice cream or other more traditional food combinations. However, pregnancy can bring about some unexpected and unusual cravings that can catch you off guard. In this blog post, we will explore 12 surprising pregnancy cravings and how to handle them.
1. Dirt or Clay Cravings
One of the most unusual pregnancy cravings is the desire to eat dirt or clay. This is known as pica and can indicate a deficiency in iron or other minerals. It is important to speak with your doctor if you experience this craving, as consuming dirt or clay can be harmful to both you and your baby. Your doctor may recommend supplements or dietary changes to address the underlying deficiency.
2. Non-Food Cravings
Some pregnant women may experience cravings for non-food items such as chalk, soap, or laundry detergent. This is also a form of pica and can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. It is important to resist these cravings and speak with your doctor about any dietary changes that may be necessary.
3. Spicy Foods
While some pregnant women may crave sweet or salty foods, others may find themselves craving spicy foods. This is due to the increased blood flow during pregnancy, which can cause a decrease in taste sensitivity. If you experience this craving, make sure to choose healthy and nutrient-rich spicy foods to satisfy your craving.
4. Sour Foods
Similar to the craving for spicy foods, some pregnant women may crave sour foods. This is also due to changes in taste sensitivity and can be satisfied with healthy and nutritious options such as citrus fruits or pickled vegetables.
5. Red Meat
Many pregnant women experience a craving for red meat, which is often attributed to the body’s need for protein and iron. However, it is important to eat red meat in moderation and opt for lean cuts to avoid excess saturated fat and cholesterol.
6. Ice
Craving ice during pregnancy may seem strange, but it can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. This condition is common during pregnancy and can be managed with supplements or dietary changes. If you experience this craving, speak with your doctor to address the underlying cause.
7. Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwiches
While pickles are a common pregnancy craving, combining them with peanut butter may seem unusual. However, this combination can provide a balance of protein and electrolytes, making it a satisfying and nutritious option.
8. Sour Cream and Onion Chips
Pregnant women may also crave sour cream and onion flavored snacks, which can be due to the body’s need for salt. It is important to choose healthier options such as baked chips or air-popped popcorn to satisfy this craving.
9. French Fries and Ice Cream
The combination of salty and sweet is a common pregnancy craving, and french fries and ice cream provide the perfect balance. However, it is important to limit consumption of fried foods and opt for a healthier version of this craving, such as sweet potato fries and frozen yogurt.
Craving the Unexpected: 12 Surprising Pregnancy Cravings and How to Handle Them
10. Fruit
While fruit may seem like a healthy and expected craving, some pregnant women may crave specific fruits such as watermelon or pineapple. This can be due to the body’s need for hydration or vitamins and minerals found in these fruits.
11. Milkshakes
Pregnant women may also crave milkshakes, which can provide a satisfying combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. However, it is important to choose healthier options such as homemade milkshakes using low-fat milk and natural sweeteners.
12. Unusual Food Combinations
Pregnancy can bring about some unexpected food combinations, such as mashed potatoes and mustard or spaghetti with chocolate syrup. While these cravings may seem unusual, they can be a result of the body’s need for specific nutrients. It is important to choose healthier versions of these combinations to satisfy the craving without compromising nutrition.
Handling Pregnancy Cravings
While it may be tempting to give in to every craving during pregnancy, it is important to make healthy and nutritious choices to support the development of your baby. Here are some tips for handling pregnancy cravings:
1. Make healthy swaps – Instead of indulging in unhealthy or processed versions of your cravings, try to find healthier alternatives that can satisfy your cravings without compromising nutrition.
2. Stay hydrated – Sometimes, cravings can be a sign of dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help manage cravings.
3. Get enough rest – Lack of sleep can trigger cravings, so make sure to get enough rest during pregnancy.
4. Distract yourself – When a craving strikes, try to find a distraction such as going for a walk or talking to a friend to take your mind off the craving.
5. Seek support – It can be helpful to talk to other pregnant women or join a support group to share experiences and learn how others are handling their cravings.
In conclusion, pregnancy cravings can be both surprising and unexpected, but they are a common part of pregnancy. It is important to make healthy choices and address any underlying nutritional deficiencies to ensure a healthy pregnancy. By following these tips, you can manage your cravings and have a happy and healthy pregnancy.