Why do some of us pregnant women have cravings?

Question

I've heard several theories on this, but they vary, and I'm not sure which of them are accurate.

Also, I've been craving lox. It's okay if I indulge this craving, right?

Answer 1

I was chalking it up to hormones, but I have heard that if you crave things like dirt or laundry soap, it can be a sign of low iron. Called "pica" or something. If you want lox, eat lox! Don't go nuts though, because some types of fish are bad for pregnant women in large amounts. You can have some, just not more than 2 or 3 times a week. I know tuna is one, can't remember the rest. In any case, ask the doctor first if you are worried. As long as you are getting all your vitamins and not eating or drinking bad things (alcohol, drugs, etc), it should be fine. I go through at least a full jar of spanish olives every week. YUM YUM.

Answer 2

Well, having been by the wife's side all 4 times, here's my goofy opinion. I think cravings are a way for your body to communicate that something is out of whack. . Such as electrolytes or calcium or insulin. I had a friend who's wife craved Knotts Berry Farm Cotton Candy. I think the urban legend of pickles and ice cream has to do with whatever is in the pickle brine and the ingredients in the ice cream. And not just pregnant women either. I have known recovering alcoholics get really bad sugar craving. I don't suppose we will ever know for sure till the government pays some researcher a few million dollars to figure out what common sense has been telling us all along.

Answer 3

I heard that it a nutrition deficiency that you are lacking when you have a craving. i would talk to your Dr. about eating Lox before you indulge. Good luck.
mommy of 4

Answer 4

The theory I have heard is that the body instinctively goes for what it lacks...then why do some people get the urge to lick windows??? lol..;
Lox is OK, but you may find you get lots of indigestion! :)

Answer 5

The body is asking for nutrients in certain things it is lacking. Cravings are very important to cater to in pregnant women.

Answer 6

Indulge like you would a fine chocolate, in moderation, you have to be aware of the mercury in fish.
My craving is avocados, cold apples, and fudgsicles.

Answer 7

usally its just what your body needsm whos to argue with that? I had so many cravings, usally chilli and hot dogs were mine. Just watch how much you eat, prego women need to watch there sugar, my sugar levels were always high

Answer 8

...i just talked to my doctor & she told me that pregnant women shouldnt eat ANY smoked foods...espceailly fish, it could lead to something i forgot the name but it starts with a L & its something kinda like food poisoning...& its very harmful to your baby...could cause miscarriage, etc....so i would be careful & if its a must just have a little bit.

but i just think you just want what you want & theres nothing you can do about it to change what you want so you got to indulge in somethings (but not too much if its not good for you & your baby)...lol...theres no helping it ;)