29
you avoid
constipation.
Food Cravings During
Pregnancy
Food cravings during
pregnancy are normal.
Although there is no
widely accepted
explanation for food
cravings, almost twothirds of all pregnant
women have them. If you
develop a sudden urge for
a certain food, go ahead
and indulge your craving
if it provides energy or an
essential nutrient. But, if
your craving persists and
prevents you from getting
other essential nutrients in
your diet, try to create
more of a balance in your
daily diet during
pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your
taste for certain foods may
Joy feelings magazine
change. You may
suddenly dislike foods you
were fond of before you
became pregnant. In
addition, during
pregnancy, some women
feel strong urges to eat
non-food items such as
ice, laundry starch, dirt,
clay, chalk, ashes, or paint
chips. This is called pica,
and it may be associated
with an iron deficiency
such as anemia. Do not
give in to these non-food
cravings -- they can be
harmful to both you and
your baby. Tell your
health care provider if you
have these non-food
cravings.
If you have any problems
that prevent you from
eating balanced meals and
gaining weight properly,
ask your health care
provider for advice.