Constaaaaant craaavings! If you’re like most pregnant people, you had a least one or two of them. Maybe it was a simple one like chocolate milk or maybe you had something odd like grilled cheese with peanut butter… but did you know that cravings are a way the brain can signal a nutrient deficiency? For example constant chocolate cravings can be a sign you may be low in magnesium. The body is so amazing in it’s design and your incessant desire (or obsession) with certain foods can be your body’s way of communicating something important.

Maybe you didn’t really care all that much for pickles before but now that you are pregnant you can’t get enough of them. Why pickles of all things? According to Eating Enlightened, a common reason people crave pickles is because of the sodium content. Women who may have suffered from bad bouts of morning sickness may be even lower in sodium because morning sickness is one of the fastest way to deplete our sodium levels.

Another reason can be the increase in blood volume that occurs in pregnancy which also in turn creates an increased need for sodium. And the good news is you don’t have to feel guilty about succumbing to those pickle cravings. Studies have shown that pickled foods like sauerkraut or kimchi aid in creating healthy gut bacteria in the digestive tract and improving your body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients… a huge added bonus when you are pregnant. 

Were told at your very first OB appointment NO SUSHI?? Maybe you haven’t eaten sushi in 2 years but now you cannot get it off your mind. It’s all your baby wants to eat! You could need more iodine or protein in your diet. And luckily with sushi a little creativity can go a long way in getting your fix. Try a vegetarian roll with plenty of seaweed (hello iodine!) or you can snack on edamame which is high in protein. You can even enjoy rolls with cooked salmon or shrimp. One place in Seal Beach that offers loads of delicious vegetarian and vegan options is Kabuto. Both of these varieties can offer you the solution to your craving but keep you from eating things on the “no-no list” during pregnancy. Kabuto has a great menu line up and items that are vegetarian or vegan are clearly marked for your convenience. With great reviews and availability of take out, you are sure to find something delicious for everyone.

Cravings for fruit can indicate a need for more vitamin C. Things like oranges, strawberries and pineapples were always at the top of my grocery list and I ate fruit constantly. Try to balance out your fruit intake (and ultimately your sugar intake) by combining it with a protein and fat. Not only does this help stabilize your blood sugar but it also helps your body better absorb the nutrients and vitamins in the fruit. Fruit smoothies with protein powder and chia seeds are always a hit, or add some fruit to low-fat greek yogurt for a delicious and nutritious snack.

It’s rare, but some pregnant people crave odd things like laundry detergent, dirt, or toothpaste. If this is you, you probably have pica which is a condition in which someone compulsively eats non-food items. According to the American Pregnancy Association, some common pica cravings include: dirt, clay, ice, sand, laundry detergent, plaster, charcoal, soap, burnt matches, baking soda, mothballs, coffee grounds, and cigarette butts. There isn’t a lot of research on what causes pica, but it’s thought to be due to an iron deficiency or overall poor nutrition. If you experience these cravings, do your best to avoid eating these non-food items and talk to your care provider. They may run some bloodwork and make recommendations for optimal nutrition sources.

If you’re now in the pregnancy & postpartum stage and struggling with cravings or overall nutrition, look to our doulas and newborn care specialists for help. Doulas are wonderful sources of knowledge and support when it comes to nutrition and self-care. They can support you to prepare for baby by offering guidance on prenatal nutrition, what foods are best for sustaining you through labor and delivery or even by creating a meal plan or offering custom meal preparation in the weeks and months of early postpartum.

Overall, balanced nutrition is SO important in the childbearing years. Not only for you and your health, but for the health of your baby. And while comparing cravings can be a fun topic of conversation, it can also be a way for you to better tune into your body’s needs.