Pregnancy is having a palate that gives you mixed signals every few hours.
Per theBBC, expecting mothers worldwide develop an intense attraction for hard-to-resist foods from their culture.
Anice creamcraving, for instance, could signal a nutritional deficit would you believe it?
At times, your cravings may end up in bizarro territory.
Cupcake with hot sauce, anyone?
But unusual pregnancy cravings are far more common than you’d think.
Don’t be alarmed if you even yearn for the taste of mud, dirt, or ash!
Indulging in five scoops of ice cream a day?
Probably not such a good idea.
A craving for sweets could possibly indicate mineral deficiencies or low blood sugar, perPeanut.
So maybe consider not sneaking chocolate from the refrigerator every half an hour.
But so are Hot Cheetos
Fried savory snacks are a pregnancy mainstay.
And with the variety this food group offers, expecting mothers are never short of options.
Besides, the composition of America’s favorite snack isn’t all too healthy.
While the occasional icy snack is no biggie, craving it much too often is a whole other beast.
Pica is not a condition exclusive to pregnant women; children experience it, too.
Experts hold that pica could indicate certain deficiencies in the body, such as zinc or calcium.
Traditionally, pagophagia in pregnant women has been linked to iron deficiency or anemia, perMayo Clinic.
Moreover, it may also be a sign of mental health stress or depression.
Sweet and sour creams
Some foods have such beautiful ranges that their versatility makes them so irresistible.
Creams, for instance.
Ice-creams and yogurts are part of the family, too.
In fact, dairy cravings are considered to be on the healthier side of pregnancy cravings.
Though sour creams are safe to eat during pregnancy, prudence is always advisable (perHealthline).
As noted by theNational Health Service, there is a risk of consuming unpasteurized dairy during pregnancy.
There are high and low-fat options in cream, but the overriding label you must look for is pasteurized.
Sauerkraut
The mere mention of sauerkraut is enough to make your taste buds tingle.
During pregnancy, this sensation can reach its peak if your cravings begin kicking in.
To get the most out of all the fermented goodness that sauerkraut offers, consider making it at home!
Craving a boozy drink now and then during your nine-month journey is perfectly normal and common.
Of course, there is the obvious roadblock alcohol isn’t recommended during pregnancy.
But remember it’s only temporary!
Who knows, you may end up drinking your margaritas like that forever, pregnancy or no pregnancy!
Soda
Pregnancy comes with more than the mother’s share of compromises such as sacrificing soda.
Before giving into those soda cravings, you must be informed about the canned risks of your favorite fizzy.
Medical research warns against excessive consumption of the components that go into making soda.
And yet, sodas aren’t advisable during pregnancy because caffeine isn’t acting alone.
Artificially sweetened drinks are not good for your or your baby’s health.
If you think diet soda varieties are any better, think again!
Meat
Meat has an interesting love-hate relationship with pregnancy.
Inversely, regular meat eaters may develop an aversion to their beloved steak.
Meat cravings are a common pregnancy phenomenon even for those whootherwise stick to a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Medical experts say that a craving, especially for red meat, could indicate an iron deficiency.
Pack in on all that healthy protein, B12, zinc, and omega-3!
Don’t feel guilty about your dietary instincts during pregnancy!
Alternatives are also helpful for pregnant women dealing with meat aversions making them queasy.
You have your hormones to thank for it!
And anyway, it means you get to exist on the same pregnancy plane as Beyonce!
Yup, no kidding.
Pregnant women, in particular, can benefit greatly from the nutrients tomatoes offer.
But can the same be said about ketchup?
We hope you’re not slurping down bowlfuls of ketchup because this red relish is best consumed in moderation.
Store-bought sauce has been linked to heart issues, acid reflux, and high blood pressure.
Peanut butter
Is peanut butter your favorite go-to snack during pregnancy?
Again, as with any other food, moderation is key when it comes to peanut butter.
Also, eating peanut butter during pregnancy does not mean your child will be born with a nut allergy.
If anything, the latest research has indicated that the exact opposite could be true (viaUSA Today).
