Feeling an overwhelming urge to splurge? Intense longings for foods such as bacon double cheeseburgers, stuffed crust-pizza, and chocolate covered pickles are probably driven by the hormonal changes. Should you give in or try to curb your pregnancy cravings?
Here’s what to know:
- Mom’s junk food habits during pregnancy can program her child to prefer foods higher in calories, fat, and sugar later in life. However, it’s possible to avoid this by satisfying pregnancy food cravings with healthier choices.
- No matter how strong the craving, there are certain foods you should always avoid, including raw and undercooked seafood (such as sushi and sashimi); and Brie, and other cheeses produced with unpasteurized milk; and alcohol.
- If you’re craving flour, cornstarch, clay, pepper, dirt, and paper, you may have pica - the name for cravings that women get for nonfood items. Pica can put you, and the baby, in danger. Tell your healthcare provider immediately about your urges.
Find out more about managing pregnancy food cravings and making healthier food choices in chapter 4 of Expect The Best, Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During, & After Pregnancy.