Cravings are something many mamas-to-be are familiar with. Whether it’s ice cream, chocolate, pickles, or something obscure, the body knows what it wants during pregnancy and makes sure we know about it. While pregnancy cravings are not fully understood, there are a few theories about why women might feel these hankerings, one of which is due to changes in hormone levels.
Rising oestrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can increase the sensitivity of taste buds, making certain flavours – like sweet and sour – more appealing. As a result, foods that are normally not enjoyable, may become new favourites.
These hormones also increase the production of another hormone, dopamine, which is involved in the body’s reward system and promotes feelings of happiness. This means women may experience greater pleasure from certain foods. Progesterone also increases the release of ghrelin, a hormone that causes feelings of hunger and cravings for certain types of foods.
Another theory is that pregnancy cravings may be the body’s way of signalling a need for specific nutrients that are necessary for the growing baby. For example, pregnant women need a much greater amount of iron in their diet because it is required to make blood for both them and their baby and to supply the baby with oxygen. Not getting enough could lead to cravings for red meat, such as burgers or other iron-rich foods.
Psychological factors may also play a role in pregnancy cravings. There’s no denying that pregnancy is sometimes stressful, and many women experience anxiety around childbirth as well. For those who find food a source of comfort, these feelings can perpetuate cravings.
Not all women experience cravings, but for those who do, they can be hard to ignore. Healthcare professionals can provide nutritional guidance and may suggest dietary changes to help ensure that mother and baby are getting the nutrients they need.
Read more:
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- I’m pregnant. Why does my mouth taste like metal?
- What causes people’s perspectives to change once they become parents?
- Which is the best country to be a parent?
Asked by: Elizabeth Humphrey, Bath
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