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Melissa Little, Paediatric Nutritionist
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Msc RD, Pediatric and Antenatal Dietician. She is a spokesperson for the British Dietetics Association on TV and in print. Member of the parliamentary group for a Fit and Healthy Childhood at Westminster for the UK Government.
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Pregnancy nutrition

Food cravings & aversions

Many women develop food cravings during pregnancy and whilst sweet foods are the most common, all kinds of foods from pickles to oranges can be craved. Opinion is divided on whether these cravings have a function although pica (craving eating strange non-foods like limescale and coal) has been associated with iron deficiency (even though these are not iron-rich foods).
Video Tutorial
In Short
If you are craving something healthy - like pineapple for example - go for it. Perhaps your body needs one of the vitamins the fruit is rich in.

If you are craving sugar - try not to succumb. There is nothing in processed sugar that will be good for you or your baby.

Some vegetarians start craving meat during pregnancy. Perhaps your body needs iron and if you can fulfil this need it's a good idea. If you really don't want to eat meat - consider other iron-rich foods such as lentils - or a supplement.

Why do some women develop aversions to some foods in pregnancy?

One reason is that pregnant women often develop food aversions is that the pregnancy hormones make them very sensitive to smell and taste, which can put them off a variety of strong foods.

Similarly, some pregnant women go off caffeinated drinks and foods that are more likely to cause food poisoning. There is an evolutionary theory that this cautious diet may serve to protect the developing foetus, especially in the first trimester from toxins and food-borne infections that can cross the placenta.

DISCLAIMER
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Essential Parent has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from leading experts and institutions but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details click here.