You’ve probably heard of some really weird pregnancy cravings—from the gross to the puzzling to some food pairings that may actually work (Crispy bacon dipped in chocolate sauce, anyone? Yum!). Oftentimes, the cravings are for extremely sour, sweet, bitter, or salty food. However, there are times when women have had cravings for non-food items!
Don’t believe us? Read for:
- Weird pregnancy cravings that are non-food
- When do food cravings start in pregnancy
- Should you give in to pregnancy cravings?
Weird pregnancy cravings that are non-food
Dirt or Clay
In some cultures, women consume clay or dirt during their pregnancy. In the southern United States, some people believed that eating dirt and clay helps to relieve morning sickness.
Meanwhile in Kenya and Uganda, eating earth has ceremonial or religious purposes. Despite the fact that we live in a health and nutrition-obsessed age, there are some women who hanker for dirt or clay during and after their pregnancy.
Look no further than the pop sensation Britney Spears, who craved dirt and clay during the last trimester of her pregnancy.
Ice
Thinking about having halo-halo? How about something more basic? Like chewing ice cubes. Speaking of Britney Spears, it was also reported that the pop star had a penchant for chewing ice during her pregnancy.
Scientists believe that the innate hunger for ice is due to an iron deficiency, often present in pregnant women. Chewing ice is harmless and can help to hydrate your body, but it should not serve as a substitute for healthy meals.
Furniture Polish
The Sun UK published a report about a 26-year-old British mum-to-be who just had to eat spray furniture polish at least three times a day! According to the report, seven-month-pregnant Emma Veness went through three cans of furniture polish—despite fears of harming her unborn baby girl.
During the interview, she narrated, “I can’t explain why I like it so much. I think it has a lot to do with the texture. I normally spray a bit on my fingers and lick it off or spray it on the duster and suck.” Although she wanted to give up her unusual obsession, she couldn’t seem to do so.
And you thought your craving for peanut butter dipped pickles was weird?!
Laundry Detergent
Yes, nibbling on powdered soap is another common, yet bizarre craving. American blogger Denene Millner wrote, “When I was pregnant, I couldn’t walk past a laundry room without wanting to crunch on powdered [detergent], liquid [fabric softener], and all manner of cleaning products…”
It may send shivers down your spine, but the good news is she “never actually ate or sipped any.” She did, however, admit to inhaling the products deeply. As with ice cravings, the obsession to eat or inhale detergent is believed to be due to an iron deficiency that can be treated using iron tablets.
Weird pregnancy cravings may be indicative of an eating disorder!
Cravings are commonplace during the entire pregnancy period. However, giving in to the craving for non-food items can be harmful to both mother and baby.
If an expecting mom is experiencing such symptoms, she could possibly be suffering from an eating disorder called Pica. People affected by this disorder are compelled to eat things that are not intended for consumption.
Women who are in their first pregnancy, under the age of 20 or have suffered from Pica as a child, are more likely to crave these non-food products.
Symptoms of Pica usually appear in the first or second trimester of pregnancy and persist for more than one month. Though symptoms tend to disappear after pregnancy, there is a chance that one’s Pica cravings could continue after labor and delivery.
Pica is likely caused by a nutritional deficiency, cultural factors, or psychological reasons.
READ MORE:
Strange pregnancy cravings that have nothing to do with food
FACT OR MYTH? The truth about these Pinoy superstitions about pregnancy and giving birth
When do food cravings start in pregnancy
These pregnancy cravings get stronger in the 2nd trimester and finally stop in the 3rd trimester. It comes differently for women. Some women are craving fatty foods like chips. Others experience a craving for a food they disliked before pregnancy, or have cravings for uncommon meal pairings. According to doctors, few cravings persist after delivery, so you won't be eating the same strange foods indefinitely. Many women, in fact, have one craving for a day or two, then another for a day or two, and so on.
What causes pregnancy cravings?
According to research published in Frontiers in Psychology, 50-90% percent of pregnant women in the United States have a specific food craving.
However, doctors are unsure why pregnant women crave specific tastes, textures, or flavor combinations. Rapidly changing hormones might be to blame. Pregnancy cravings may also happen because of the extra work your body does to quickly produce a lot more blood. It could also be something as simple as the comfort that certain foods provide as your body shift and changes, preparing for the baby to come.
What are food aversions
Food aversions are the opposite of food cravings. Both usually start around the same time during pregnancy.Unlike having food cravings, food aversion may play a role in the morning sickness nausea and vomiting you experience. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, avoiding certain foods most likely contribute to these pregnancy symptoms. For example, meat, which is a staple for most women in the United States, is often averted during pregnancy. The sight, smell, and texture of cooked meat, can be too much for some pregnant women. According to a 2006 study, women who consume more meat experience significantly more morning sickness. So, what is it about meat that turns it into such a rejection for some people? According to researchers, this is because meat can contain bacteria that can make a mother and baby sick. The body defends them by rendering meat unappealing.
Denying pregnancy cravings
Should you give in to pregnancy cravings? It's fine to indulge in a food craving now and then as long as you eat a balanced diet. If you have a strong desire for unhealthy foods like sweets or chocolate, try not to overeat. Excess sugar consumption can lead to weight gain and dental issues. Here are some tips for managing your unhealthy pregnancy cravings:- Eat regular, healthy meals. Don’t let yourself feel hungry.
- Have a stock of healthy snacks to eat between meals.
- Don’t do the grocery shopping when you’re hungry as you’ll tend to pick the food you don’t really need.
- Choose healthy, low glycaemic index (GI) foods that keep you full. Examples include porridge, wholegrain bread, and fresh fruit.
- Get lots of sleep. Research says that sleep-deprived people tend to crave unhealthy food more often than healthy ones.
What to do when pregnancy cravings go out of hand
When you feel your craving is spiraling out of control, the first order of business is to always consider your health and your baby’s health. Giving in to certain foods won’t hurt, but remember that a sound and healthy body is your priority.
When to consult your doctor for pregnancy cravings
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