Myths and truths about cravings during pregnancy

One of the most common pregnancy-related symptoms are cravings, this urge to eat certain foods, which many times can be strange or out of the ordinary in a person's diet. You've probably heard women talk about their cravings and all the superstitions surrounding what each craving means. Here you can learn about all the myths related to cravings, and which ones might not be too far off the mark.

Your cravings are related to the sex of your baby: MYTH

This is one of the most common cravings myths, although it actually has no scientific basis or indication that it's true. It is usually said that cravings for bitter, salty or sour flavors indicate a boy, while sweet cravings indicate a girl. There will be many people who want to convince you that this is true, but now you know that it is only a myth.

Cravings occur because of a lack of nutrients: MYTH

Some say that pregnancy cravings are the body's way of letting you know that you need to consume certain nutrients for your baby, and has even been a hypothesis of scientists seeking to find out why cravings occur, but the reality is that it is a myth. It is very complicated to crave one food or another because of its nutritional content, so don't be in a hurry to think that you suffer from a vitamin deficiency.

There are cravings for inedibles: TRUTH

We have all heard the stories of strange and irrational cravings during pregnancy, there are those who crave ice, dirt, ash, plastic or other substances that are not edible or food as such. This is very common in pregnancy, and is known as "pica," a craving for inedible things.

 

Many times it may just be an impulse, but if the "pica" becomes a compulsive craving, you should consult your doctor and try to eat foods that are similar in texture or appearance to the object you are craving.

 

 

Cravings increase as pregnancy progresses: MYTH

Studies suggest that cravings begin during the first trimester of pregnancy and peak during the second trimester.

 

 

You'll crave foods you didn't like before: TRUTH

Many women talk about how during their pregnancy they craved foods they hated before, such as sardines, liver or strange fruits. This is extremely common, and although there is no clear explanation, it may be caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. These alterations can affect your sense of smell and taste, changing how you perceive certain tastes and smells, to the point of wanting to eat foods that you normally hate.

You should deprive yourself of cravings: MYTH

Obviously weight gain is a concern for many, and cravings can become unhealthy, but ultimately you shouldn't deprive yourself of your cravings altogether. It is important to work with your impulses and not against them, i.e., if you have a craving for a particular food and it is not very healthy or is junk food, you can look for healthy alternatives with the same texture or with fewer calories or fat, so you will not gain as much weight and your cravings will be satisfied.