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@ladyprowess · 04 Dec 2021

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When do cravings Start in Pregnancy?

Cravings differs in women. But according to research, cravings start in the first trimester which is the first 2-3 months of pregnancy. It becomes intensified and sometimes wild during the second trimester but declines in the third trimester. Some women do not show any signs of cravings or aversion,it all depends on the homones. If a pregnant woman craves for chalk, clay, or paint chips, this could a sign of severe iron deficiency and a medical personal should be speedily consulted.

What causes pregnancy cravings?

They are different causes of cravings. But pregnancy cravings is caused by hormonal, psychological, and physical changes during pregnancy. And that makes it difficult to know the root cause for pregnancy cravings. "Cravings in pregnancy aren't very well understood," Higgins an American researcher says.

"They are likely related to hormonal fluctuations and probably represent some sort of nutritional need, such as sodium, calcium, or fat." For example, craving pickles might mean your body needs sodium because pickles are usually high in sodium. But it could also just mean you're in the mood for a pickle. It's difficult to measure one from the other, though pregnancy cravings can be stronger and harder to avoid.

"Additionally, there can be some alterations in taste and smell during pregnancy, leading to different cravings or aversions than one might have outside of pregnancy," Higgins adds.

You may be wondering, is pregnancy cravings normal? Yes to some extent it is but if it becomes abnormal, you are advised to see a doctor. Another budding question is why do women get pregnancy cravings? They are various reasons why women get pregnancy cravings but in this article,I will discuss two of it. And they are;

• Leptin: During pregnancy, women are not able to absorb the hormone leptin. Leptin is a hormone that curbs your appetite and stimulates your immune system. It does so by being in conversation with the “appetite center” of the brain. No leptin means that many pathways associated with hunger remain unblocked. One such pathway is called neuropeptide Y, one of the strongest hunger pathways that significantly increases food intake

• Neural Changes: Women's sense of perception has been studied quite a lot. In fact, one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy is sensitivity to smell and/or a metallic taste in the mouth. Around 75% of all pregnant women say that they experience one of the symptoms. These symptoms may be associated with changes in hormone signals from the growing uterus to the appetite center in the brain. This happens as the uterine and gestational areas of the body have connections and interact with each other.
  
  

• Eat regular healthy meals, to help prevent sudden feelings of hunger.
• Keep your bags stocked with healthy snacks to eat between meals if necessary.
• Don’t do the grocery shopping when you are hungry,it increases unnecessary cravings for things.
• Choose healthy, low glycaemic index (GI) foods that keep you full for longer. Examples include unsweetened rolled oats (porridge), wholegrain breads, baked beans and fresh fruit.
• Get plenty of sleep. Research has shown that people who are sleep deprived tend to crave junk food more often than healthy foods.
  You can see your midwife or doctor if your cravings is above the bar.