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Pickles and Ice Cream?
Causes and Concerns Regarding Your Cravings
By Melissa Granberry
Though you may be tired in the first trimester, and a little off-balance in the last trimester, you should keep exercising regularly. "Exercise is a very important part of obstetric counseling," Johnson says. Not to mention, many pregnant women find that exercise curbs their cravings.
Cravings should be worked into a well-balanced diet. "Everything in moderation is the best advice," Johnson says. "Excess of anything is potentially harmful." He emphasizes pregnant women with metabolic disease or gestational diabetes should especially avoid excess of salts and sweets. "A pregnant woman with gestational diabetes who consumes too many sweets is at risk of having a large infant, which increases the chance of a Cesarean," she says. So if Haagen-Dazs is calling to you from the freezer, try having a spoonful instead of bowl, or check out the "Suggestions for Substitutions" listed below.
We all crave a little pampering, but perhaps the changing hormones when pregnant enhance our need for tender loving care. If you are not getting the support you crave, then food may be a comfort to fill the void. Be sure and let your family and friends know how they can help you through this hectic time. Maybe a foot massage from your spouse, or a "girl's night out" with your friends will give you the boost you need to keep Ben & Jerry's binges at bay.
"Although unusual cravings usually have no health consequences, gaining too much weight is associated with complications during pregnancy and birth," Johnson says. He recommends that a pregnant patient add approximately 500 calories to her recommended daily intake.
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