The question that I have been asked most throughout my pregnancy is "have you had any weird cravings?" Fortunately for me (and Justin) I really haven't. We both agree that I had more cravings BEFORE I was pregnant, which I attribute to my workouts. After a really long run or a hard track or hill workout I would have really strong cravings. Since I haven't done a workout like that in months, we have been fortunate with cravings:)
After hitting the Internet to do a little research about pregnancy cravings I found that food aversions are much more common than cravings. Some doctors think this is a protective mechanism, even though there is no scientific data to back up this theory. Many doctors agree that pregnancy cravings are just a product of pregnancy hormones. There are many hormonal shifts during pregnancy that intensify the sense of smell (which heavily influences taste) and are powerful enough to affect food choices.
There was a lot of information on cravings for nonfood items such as dirt, clay, paper, and even paint chips, a condition known as pica (something I have not experienced). There is quite a bit of research that suggests that Pica may signal iron deficiency. I have gotten better about taking my prenatal vitamin since it no longer makes me sick, so my iron levels have been good. In addition to nonfood items, almost all pregnant women have been told that no matter how strong their desire, they should steer clear of foods considered health risks for pregnant women and developing babies These foods include:
- Seafood high in mercury (swordfish, shark)
- Raw and undercooked seafood, meat, and eggs (no cookie dough during Holiday baking has been tough!)
- Unpasteurized milk and any foods made from it (Brie, feta, Camembert, Roquefort, and Mexican-style cheeses)
- Unpasteurized juice
- Raw vegetable sprouts, including alfalfa, clover, and radish
- Large quantities of liver (knowing the function of the liver as an organ is enough for me to never touch the stuff!)
- Deli meat
- Excess caffeine
- Herbal teas
- Alcohol
I am a super picky eater and don't like/regularly eat any of the foods listed above with the exception of deli meat (I love Subway) and raw eggs in cookie dough/cake batter. I feel for those of my pregnant friends who are religious drinkers of coffee or tea - hang in there girls!
2 comments:
At Chipotle, I didn't want the same salsa (green medium)! and I didn't like Italian dressing anymore. I don't think it was defense mechanism in my case- just weirdness! once I got into the later stage of pregnancy I started having small amts of coffee again just b/c every dr I talked to said a small amt is fine. Oh the joys!
I am surprised that you have not had cravings! Oh how I miss your food cravings (Marie Calendar strawberry pie...anyone?). As I was reading through the list of foods pregnant women should avoid, I kept thinking, "This will be no problem for Sara! She doesn't like any of these anyway!" :) I'm definitely not prepared to give up my morning (and sometimes mid-afternoon) coffee habit yet...but I'm sure when the time comes I can do it! (Or rely heavily on decaf!) Miss you friend!
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