5 signs that you are pregnant!

Scene from a typical Indian movie: A demure lady is enjoying dinner with the rest of the family. Suddenly, she cups her mouth and rushes to the bathroom where she empties the contents of her stomach.
All the faces around her explode into big grins. The family doctor is immediately summoned. He checks the lady's pulse and pronounces, "Mubarak ho, tum maa banne waali ho (Congratulations! You are going to be a mother)."
Don't you wish it were that simple in real life! Unfortunately, no doctor in the world can tell if you are pregnant by merely checking your pulse. But you might be able to recognise one of these five early signs of pregnancy.



A missed period
This might be one of the first signs of pregnancy you actually notice. If you have regular cycles you may be able to detect that you are pregnant when you miss your period. This is one of the most reliable signs of being pregnant.
Scientific basis: A period occurs when the body stops producing Progesterone (a hormone that plays a special role in the female menstrual cycle and in pregnancy) temporarily. This causes the uterus to shed its lining. When you become pregnant your body starts producing a lot of progesterone to sustain the baby. There is no progesterone withdrawal and no period. Period.



Abdominal bloating and breast tenderness
If your periods are not very regular it might be a little tough to notice a missed period. Abdominal bloating is another sign to look out for. Dr Anjali Rajurkar, an obstetrician from Mumbai, offers this tip, "If you have been trying to get pregnant and your jeans suddenly feel snug check if you are exhibiting other signs of pregnancy".
Further, you might notice that your breasts have suddenly turned sore and sensitive.
Scientific basis: Both abdominal bloating and breast tenderness result from the high levels of hormones your body starts producing when you become pregnant.

Fatigue and sleepiness
You just woke up and had a cup of coffee. But you can't wait to go back to bed again. You feel tired all the time.
Well, most pregnant women experience a high degree of fatigue and sleepiness in their first trimester.
Scientific basis: No one knows for sure why this happens. But experts believe that the high levels of progesterone in your body might be responsible for this feeling of exhaustion.



Nausea and vomiting
Finally! And you thought we would never mention it.
For some women nausea is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. They start feeling unusually queasy and certain odours become very repulsive. Though the nausea and vomiting you experience in the first trimester of pregnancy is called morning sickness, it could occur at any time of the day. It is often triggered by meals.
But if you do not have any nausea during the first trimester, do not panic. You might be one of the lucky few who escapes this ordeal entirely.
Scientific basis: Again, blame it on your hormones. Experts believe that high levels of, human chorionis gonadotropi, a hormone vital for the sustenance of pregnancy, causes morning sickness.

Bleeding
Some women experience a small amount of vaginal bleeding when they become pregnant. When the fetus implants itself on the wall of the uterus this can happen. The bleeding is extremely light and might last a couple of days. In any case, if you spot vaginal bleeding, contact your obstetrician to rule out other causes.

Should you take a test?
The five signs detailed above are physical signs or symptoms. It is important to remember that some women might not experience many of the early symptoms of pregnancy, except for the missed period. You need not wait to experience all these symptoms before you take a pregnancy test. If you have been trying to conceive and you feel a couple of the above symptoms you could try taking a pregnancy test.
A word of caution: Over eagerness to get pregnant might make you take the tests too often leading to frequent disappointments if they turn out negative. It is natural to be curious but try and wait for a few signs before you turn to the test.

The pregnancy test
A home pregnancy test is one of the easier ways to test if you are pregnant. These kits are available over the counter at most medical stores. The directions are clear and easy to follow. The test takes two minutes and is pretty reliable too. All it requires is a drop of urine.
If your test is positive it might be a good idea to repeat the test with your nearest lab and then schedule an appointment with your obstetrician.
If it is negative, remember that the test is not highly sensitive and might become positive only a week after the missed period. So if you have not had a missed period perform the test after you do.

PRECONCEPTION AGENDA

You and your partner have decided to have a child. Well that's great news. But have you considered that parenthood is a huge responsibility. Do you think you are ready for it? Parenthood requires lot of commitment and sacrifice. You need to change your entire lifestyle in order to give yourself a healthy pregnancy and to have a healthy baby. Well don't fret. Consider the following points which will make you ready for parenthood.



Quit Partying and Night Outs:
The most important thing that you have to do is follow a schedule. No more partying for you. If you smoke and drink you will have to quit because smoking might lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies. Plus, research suggests that smoking can affect your fertility and lower your partner's sperm count. Passive smoking is also harmful and therefore if you go out for dinner or lunch always choose a non-smoking area.

Aviod Caffeine:
Too much coffee is bad for your health and baby during pregnancy because caffeine can reduce your ability to absorb iron which you need during pregnancy. Caffeine also increases the risk of stillbirth. If it is difficult to give up completely then cut it down to one cup a day.

Exercise Regularly
In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy it is very important that you get your weight in check. Obesity not only makes it difficult to conceive but also makes labor difficult. Start and stick to a fitness plan now, and you'll be rewarded with a healthy body that's fit for pregnancy. Talk to your Doctor about the best and safe way to achieve your weight goals.

Eat Healthy Food
To keep your weight in check you have to keep your taste buds in check too. Stock up your refrigerator with healthy food and say no to junk food. Try to get at least five servings a day of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as plenty of whole grains and foods that are high in calcium, vitamins and proteins.

Take Folic Acid
Your body needs Folic Acid to produce red blood cells, as well as norepinephrine and seratonin (chemical components of the nervous system). Folic acid is also one of the few nutrients known to prevent neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida. It helps synthesize DNA and normalize brain function, and is a critical part of spinal fluid. Women who don't get enough folic acid may increase their chance of miscarriage. Before you conceive, you'd be wise to take a daily multivitamin containing at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Pregnant women will need at least 600 to 800 mcg daily.

Know your Fertility Time
Not all couples conceive as soon as they stop oral contraception and decide to become parents. It may take many cycles for conception to occur, even if both partners are normally fertile, healthy, fit and sexually active. What is important to conceive is knowing when is the best time to conceive and what is your fertility time. Thus you need to know when you ovulate. Most women ovulate in the middle of their menstrual cycle. If you want to be more exact, start charting your basal body temperature (BBT) and the changes in your cervical mucus. Tracking these symptoms over several months can help you figure out when you're ovulating during each cycle. The best bet is to have sex each alternate day from day 10 after your menstrual cycle.

Get a thorough Medical Check Up
By getting a medical check up you will be able to know as to whether your body is ready for parenthood or not. Get information about any medical history such as cancer, depression, miscarriage etc running in your family and get yourself diagnosed for it.


Toss your birth control
Once you've gotten yourself into baby-making shape, you're ready to bid adieu to birth control. If you have been taking pills then finish your current pack to avoid irregular bleeding and complications. It may take a few months for your cycle to return to normal, but many women are fertile the first month after they stop taking the Pill. If you're using Depo-Provera, it can take up to a year after your last shot for you to start ovulating again, even if your period returns to normal sooner. If you have been using condoms then what are you waiting for….go for it.

IS IT A BOY OR A GIRL?

Once you are pregnant, there starts your journey of 9 months of suspense as to whether it is a boy or a girl. Now with the ultrasound scan you can come to know the gender of your unborn baby but there are some countries, which prohibit this practise and it is a crime to determine the gender of your unborn baby. However the anxiety to know the sex of your child is always there and anxious parents would give anything to find out the gender of their baby. Many women claim to know instinctively the gender of their unborn baby. Some women's intuition proves to be reliable, however, other women's intuition is proven wrong in the delivery room. Well we have brought for you some interesting facts, which will be helpful in determining the gender of your unborn baby.



Boy Facts


Research reveals that the more easily conception occurs, the greater the likelihood of having a boy
First babies are often boys
More boys are born during the first 18 months of marriage
A diet high in salt and potassium and low on dairy products is likely to produce a son.
To increase your chances for a boy you should have sex as close to ovulation as possible
The more sex you have the greater chance you have of producing a son
More boys are born following a reunion after a long separation
Scientific evidence shows that tea and coffee drinkers tend to have boys
A stress-free work environment increases the likelihood of a son

Girl Facts


Girls tend to be born to parents with more children
A low salt diet supplemented with potassium produces a daughter
If you or your partner are in a stressful job you are more likely to have a girl
Men who work in the alcohol industry have more daughters than sons
Women who smoke are more likely to give birth to a girl
Slower sex usually results in a girl
To increase your chances of a girl you should cease intercourse two or three days before ovulation

Follow the following Diet if you want a Boy


Eat vegetables like celery and legumes
Meat & Chicken
Breads, cereals, pasta and rice
Fresh or dried fruits
Sugar, honey, jam,
Pastries
Tea and coffee

Avoid


Dairy products
Shellfish
Egg yolks
Cakes and pancakes
Raw cabbage
Raw cauliflower
Cocoa and chocolate
Strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries
Walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts almonds, mustard

Follow the following Diet if you want a Girl


Milk
Eggs
Most meats but in small quantities
Cereals, pasta and rice
Mostly vegetables
Potatoes three times a week
Cooked tomatoes
Fruit
Jam, sugar and honey
Spices and mustards
A balanced calcium/magnesium supplement daily

Avoid


Alcohol
Coffee and tea
Fizzy drinks and fruit juice
Shellfish, smoked, tinned salted fish, fish fingers
All hard or salted cheese
Pizza
Ice-cream
Fresh pineapple, plum, peach, apricot, cherry, banana, melon, orange, grapefruit
Dried apricots, dates and figs
Sweet corn, spinach, cabbage, mushrooms
Soya beans, pumpkin
Chocolate
Salted butter and margarine

Source: seasonsindia

the contribution made by both of u...has made it best thread...keep it up...

thanks friend for keeping this thread alive!

PRECIOUS NINE MONTHS OF PREGNANCY



Here is a month by month guide has to how Your Baby Grows in those nine months.
1st month 4th month 7th month
2nd month 5th month 8th month
3rd month 6th month 9th month

A monthly diary of your baby's development
(MONTH ONE)

Your Baby


For the first 8 weeks, your developing baby is called an "embryo." Tiny limb buds, which will grow into arms and legs, appear. Embryo looks like a tadpole. Heart and lungs beginning to form. By the 25th day, heart starts to beat. Neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, begins to form. At end of first month, embryo is about 1/2 inch long and weighs less than 1 ounce.

Your Body


You become pregnant and miss your period. Your body is making hormones needed to "grow" a baby. Your breasts are slightly bigger and sore. If you have morning sickness, try eating crackers. You may have cravings, or hate foods you usually like. You will urinate more often because your growing uterus is pressing on your bladder.

Prenatal Care Guide


Before you get pregnant, supplement your diet with B vitamin folic acid (found in most multivitamins) to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. Visit your health care provider for your first prenatal care checkup as soon as you think you are pregnant. During the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, all of your baby's organs are forming and can be damaged if you smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs. Ask your health care provider before taking any prescription drugs or over-the-counter products. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.









(MONTH TWO)


Your Baby


All major body organs and systems are formed but not completely developed. Early stages of placenta, which exchanges nutrients from your body for waste products produced by the baby, are visible and working. Ears, ankles and wrists are formed. Eyelids form and grow but are sealed shut. Fingers and toes are developed. By end of second month, fetus looks more like a person than a tadpole, is about 1 inch long and still weighs less than 1 ounce.

Your Body


Your breasts are still sore; your nipples and the area around them begin to darken. Morning sickness may continue. You may feel tired and need to rest more as your body adjusts to being pregnant. The total amount of blood in your body increases.

Prenatal Care Guide


Visit your health care provider for one prenatal care checkup. Eat a variety of healthy foods from the five major food groups: cereals and grains; fruits; vegetables; dairy products; and meats and beans. Continue to supplement your diet with folic acid during your second and third months of pregnancy to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water, juice and/or milk every day. Don't cut down on salt unless your doctor says so.







(MONTH THREE)


Your Baby


After 8 weeks as embryo, baby now is called a "fetus." Fingers and toes have soft nails. Mouth has 20 buds that will become "baby teeth." You can hear your baby's heartbeat for the first time (10 to 12 weeks) using a special instrument called a "doptone." For the rest of pregnancy, all body organs will mature and fetus will gain weight. By the end of this month, the fetus is 4 inches long and weighs a little over 1 ounce.

Your Body


You may still feel tired and have morning sickness. You may have headaches. You may get lightheaded or dizzy. Your clothes may begin to feel tight around your waist and breasts. Try pullover tops and skirts/pants with elastic waists.

Prenatal Care Guide


Visit your doctor or health care provider for one prenatal care checkup. You have a slightly increased need for almost all vitamins and minerals to nourish Your Baby. A healthy diet meets most of these needs. You may have gained 3 or 4 pounds by now. A woman who starts pregnancy at a normal weight should gain 25 to 35 pounds. Ask your health care provider how much weight you should gain. Exercise can be fun and good for both of you. Walking is a good choice. If your health care provider recommends prenatal testing using chorionic villus sampling (CVS), it will be done now. By the end of the 3rd month, the fetus is 4 inches long and weighs a little over 1 ounce.







(MONTH FOUR)


Your Baby


The fetus moves, kicks, swallows, and can hear your voice. The skin is pink and transparent. Umbilical cord continues to grow and thicken to carry enough nourishment from mother to fetus -- but it also can pass along hazards like tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Placenta is fully formed. By end of 4th month, fetus is 6 to 7 inches long and weighs about 5 ounces.

Your Body


Appetite increases as morning sickness goes away and you should begin to feel more energetic. Toward the end of the 4th month (16-20 weeks), you might feel the faint movement of Your Baby for the first time; tell your doctor. Your belly begins to show -- you probably will need maternity clothes and bigger bras this month.

Prenatal Care Guide


Visit your health care provider for one prenatal care checkup. Pregnant women need extra iron -- more than even a good diet can supply. Your doctor may recommend iron supplements. You'll probably gain about 1 pound a week, or 12 to 14 pounds, during the second trimester (months 4-6). If your health care provider recommends prenatal testing using amniocentesis, or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing for neural tube defects, they will be done at 16 to 18 weeks. By the end of the 4th month, the fetus is 6 to 7 inches long and weighs about 5 ounces.







(MONTH FIVE)


Your Baby


Fetus becomes more active, turning from side to side and sometimes head over heels. Fingernails have grown to tips of fingers. Fetus sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. Fetus has a month of rapid growth. At the end of the 5th month, fetus is 8-12 inches long and weighs 1/2 to 1 pound.

Your Body


If you haven't already, you will begin to feel Your Baby moving inside you. Be sure to tell your doctor. Your uterus has grown to the height of your belly button. Your heart beats faster. You may need 8 hours of sleep each night. During the day, take rest breaks if tired. Don't push yourself. You may get leg cramps, especially at night, if you're not getting enough calcium.

Prenatal Care Guide


Visit your doctor or health care provider for one prenatal care checkup. Your Baby's growth and weight gain are most likely to be affected if you're still smoking, drinking or taking drugs. It's never too late to quit or cut down as much as you can. Continue eating a healthy, nutritious diet and drink lots of juice, water and milk every day. By the end of the 5th month, the fetus is 8 to 12 inches long and weighs 1/2 to 1 pound.







(MONTH SIX)


Your Baby


Skin is red and wrinkled and covered with fine, soft hair. Fetus at this stage usually is too small and its lungs not ready for life outside its mother. If born now, fetus might survive with intensive care. Eyelids begin to part and the eyes open. Finger and toe prints can be seen. Fetus continues its rapid growth. At the end of the 6th month, the fetus is 11 to 14 inches long and weighs 1 to 1-1/2 pounds.

Your Body


You may feel the fetus kicking strongly now. The skin on your growing belly may start to itch. Your back may hurt. Wear low-heel shoes or flats. Exercise can help prevent backaches. Don't stand for long periods of time. You may feel pain down the side of your belly as your uterus stretches.

Prenatal Care Guide


Visit your health care provider for one prenatal care checkup. You may be constipated. Drink more water or fruit juice, eat more foods with fiber (like fruits and vegetables) and get some exercise. To help with heartburn, try eating 4 or 5 smaller meals during the day. Do not take laxatives or antacids without asking your health care provider. By the end of the 6th month, the fetus is 11 to 14 inches long and weighs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds.







(MONTH SEVEN)


Your Baby


Fetus can open and close its eyes, suck its thumb and cry. Exercises by kicking and stretching. Fetus responds to light and sound. If born now, fetus has a good chance for survival. Fetus is now about 15 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds.

Your Body


If your ankles and feet swell from standing, lie down with your feet raised. If swelling lasts longer than 24 hours, or if hands and face swell suddenly, call your health care provider. Stretch marks may appear on the abdomen and breasts as they get bigger. You may feel false labor contractions, also called Braxton Hicks. This is normal but call your health care provider if you have more than 5 contractions in one hour. As your belly gets bigger, you may lose your sense of balance. This makes it easier to fall. Be careful!

Prenatal Care Guide


Visit your doctor or health care provider for one prenatal care checkup. Continue to eat a variety of foods that are good for you. You should gain 1 pound a week this month. Get plenty of rest -- your body is working hard. Start childbirth education classes soon. Most health care providers do a blood test for maternal diabetes at 28 to 30 weeks. By the end of the 7th month, the fetus is about 15 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds.







(MONTH EIGHT)


Your Baby


Rapid brain growth continues. Fetus is too big to move around much but can kick strongly and roll around. You may notice the shape of an elbow or heel through your abdomen. Bones of the head are soft and flexible to make it easier for baby to fit through the birth canal. Lungs may still be immature. If born around 37 weeks, fetus is premature but has an excellent chance for survival. Fetus is now about 18 inches long and weighs about 5 pounds.

Your Body


Stronger contractions may be felt this month. You may have some leakage of colostrum (the fluid that will feed Your Baby until your milk comes in) from your breasts as they begin to produce milk. May have trouble sleeping because it is hard to get comfortable. Try putting several pillows under your head. May develop shortness of breath as baby crowds your lungs. Baby may crowd your stomach. Try eating 5 or 6 smaller meals during the day. Top of your uterus lies just under your rib cage.

Prenatal Care Guide


After the 32nd week, visit your health care provider every 2 weeks for prenatal care checkups. You should gain 1 pound a week this month. Call your health care provider right away if you have:


Bleeding or a gush of fluid from your vagina. Cramps, stomach pains or a dull backache. Blurry vision, or spots before your eyes. A feeling that the baby is pushing down. A noticeable decrease in the baby's movements. More than 5 contractions in one hour.

By the end of the 8th month, the fetus is about 18 inches long and weighs about 5 pounds.







(MONTH NINE)




Your Baby


At 38-40 weeks, Your Baby is "full term." Baby's lungs are mature and ready to function on their own. During this month, baby gains about 1/2 pound a week. Baby usually "drops" into a head-down position and rests lower in the mother's abdomen. By end of 9th month, baby weighs 6-9 pounds and is 19-21 inches long.

Your Body


Your bellybutton may stick out. Your breathing should be easier once the baby "drops" but you'll have to urinate more often because baby is pressing on your bladder Swelling of ankles and feet may increase. Your cervix will open up (dilate) and thin out (efface) as it prepares for birth. You may be very uncomfortable because of the pressure and weight of the fetus. Be sure to rest often.

Prenatal Care Guide


After the 36th week, visit your health care provider once a week for prenatal care checkups. You may not gain any weight at all this month, or even lose 1 or 2 pounds. You may have gained 8-10 pounds during the last three months. Decide whether you are going to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby. Time your contractions. You are in labor if your contractions:


Are regular or evenly spaced apart (every 10 minutes, for example). Happen more than 5 times an hour. Last for 30 to 70 seconds. Get worse as you move around.

Call your health care provider if you think you are in labor. By the end of the 9th month, the baby weighs 6 to 9 pounds and is 19 to 21 inches long.

Source: seasonsindia

thanks for adding more info

During pregnancy you are bound to have trouble sleeping and you will be faced with multitude of sleep disturbances, including nausea, heartburn, constant urge to pee, snoring etc. First trimester makes you completely exhausted, when the sleep-inducing hormone progesterone starts surging through your body, and pressure on your bladder from your growing uterus sends you scurrying to the bathroom countless times every night. During your second trimester, you will be able to get all the rest you need and it also is the time when you have to prepare yourself for the third trimester coz that's again the time when the quality of your sleep may reach an all-time low.

Follow these guidelines to get a better night's sleep:



Say no to smoking and alcohol because it not only harms your baby but also makes it difficult for you to get sleep.


Cut down on caffeinated substances such as tea, coffee, soda, and chocolate.


Keep the temperature of your bedroom on the cool side since during your pregnancy you are likely to feel warmer than usual. Sleep is necessary therefore you have to ensure that noise, too much light etc, do not disturb your sleep.


Exercise three to four hours before you go to bed because inorder to have sound sleep at night you must give your body time to unwind after exercising. Some studies also show that exercising too close to bedtime can cut down on deep sleep.


Try to take small naps whenever you get the time. A 30- to 60-minute snooze during the day will improve alertness, sharpen memory, and generally reduce the symptoms of fatigue.


After having dinner take a warm water bath or listen to some soothing music or read a book. These things will help you get a good night sleep.


Follow a regular bedtime routine, sleep and get up at the same time everyday.


If you are unable to sleep it is advisable to get out of bed and go to another room and watch TV or listen to music or do any other work. Don't try to force yourself to bed.


If you're troubled by nausea (common during the first trimester), keep your stomach full by eating frequent bland snacks such as crackers, especially before bedtime.


During pregnancy it is advisable to sleep on your left side. This position helps blood and nutrients flow to the fetus and uterus and helps your kidneys eliminate waste and fluids. Plus, getting used to this position now will help you sleep better when your belly is bulging.


Avoid heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime. Have a light meal atleast two to three hours before going to bed so that your food digests and that will prevent problems like heartburn and indigestion.


While it's important to drink plenty of fluids when you're pregnant, drinking more in the morning and less in the late afternoon and evening will help you cut down on bathroom breaks during the night.


Source: seasonsindia

Soy Story
Avoiding soy foods while pregnant or breastfeeding may help ensure the normal sexual development of your sons.

Research shows that feeding soy’s active ingredient, ‘genistein,’ which is similar to the female hormone estrogen, to pregnant and breast feeding test animals, produced male offspring with lower testosterone levels and smaller sexual organs.

Source: magnamags

PREGNANCY AND WEIGHT CONTROL


During pregnancy you tend to put on a lot of weight because you have to eat more than your normal quota to support another life. But whatever you eat should be nutritious and healthy. You have to eat the right kind of food. Thus gaining weight is normal but you need to know how much weight you should gain. During your first visit to your doctor, you will probably be told how much weight to gain during the nine months of your pregnancy. It's recommended that most healthy women gain 25 to 35 pounds, but this can vary depending on whether you're overweight or underweight. Try for a slow and steady weight gain, but remember that all women gain at different rates.

During the first trimester, you'll gain only about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds each month.

During the second trimester, you'll gain about 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound a week.

During the third trimester, you'll gain about 1 pound a week!

Though weight gain is normal but it's important to follow your doctor's recommendation for weight gain because gaining either too little or too much can lead to problems. Therefore eating the right kind of food is necessary because its the quality of the food that's important and not the quantity.

If you are overweight you will have to face lots of complications which are as under.


You put extra stress on your heart, which is already working overtime to pump your increased blood volume.

You add stress to your joints, leading to pain in the joints which might continue even after delivery.

You'll be more likely to develop backaches
Once you put on so much weight it will be very difficult to loose the extra weight you have put on leading to several health problems


If you are underweight then your baby is at risk of having a low birth weight. Low-birth-weight babies have a harder time thriving and are more vulnerable to health problems.

Therefore it is necessary that you follow your doctor's weight-gain guidelines and gain the right amount of weight for a healthy delivery and healthy baby.

Source: seasonsindia

i hve heard folic acid works great for ladies who are pregnant.

FOOD CRAVINGS: WHAT THEY MEAN


It is a known fact that during pregnancy women have cravings for specific foods. Some pregnant women crave for chocolate, spicy foods, ice-cream, pizzas and comfort foods, such as mashed potatoes, cereals, and sandwiches. Other women crave for non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch. What causes these food cravings is still a very debatable topic and even the experts have difficultly agreeing about what causes them. While hard facts about food cravings can be a little difficult to pin down, there have been a few studies done over the years about food cravings and food aversions during pregnancy.

Says Dr. Himanshu Batra that food craving might be the result of extreme hormonal changes that women go through during pregnancy. Because of this they can have a powerful impact on taste and smell. They can either crave for a specific food or be averse to it. But the bottom line, says Dr Batra, is that no one really knows for sure.

Study suggests that women are more likely to crave sweet foods during the second trimester than at any other point in pregnancy. Pregnant women normally crave for ice cream, sweets, candy (especially chocolate), fruit and fish. Some believe that pregnant women develop food cravings because they think they're supposed to develop them. They might have heard and read or seen their sister’s, friends develop food cravings and thus they psychologically hold it as the important factor.

Sometimes pregnant vegetarian women find they get uncontrollable cravings for meat. This might be a signal that you body needs protein but there is no such explanation. Some women give in to the craving over the short-term and revert to strict vegetarianism after the birth. Others believe that including fish or pulses and grains in their diet boosts their protein intake. Including more eggs, milk or cheese in your diet is another way to provide good protein.

Some women crave for chocolate. Dark chocolate can be a useful source of magnesium and iron. So if you are craving chocolate, you may be slightly anaemic. Less sugary sources of these minerals include nuts, seeds, dates and figs (for magnesium) and red meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans and oatmeal (for iron). Also it is believed that eating chocolate may help a woman who is tired or depressed to feel better.

Dr Batra says that whatever food craving you have, it is important that pregnant women keep a check on their cravings. Craving for healthy food is good but you definitely have to stop yourself from craving for all the un-healthy food. Also some women crave for non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch. The craving and eating of non-food items is known as pica. Consumption of things that are not food can be dangerous to both you and your baby. If you have urges to eat non-food items, notify your doctor.

Dr Batra says. "A healthful diet should be one that meets your nutritional and your emotional needs, as well as your preferences." He recommends that pregnant women should humour their cravings rather than fight them by, substituting non-fat frozen yogurt for ice cream.

Other ways to curb unhealthy cravings:

Eat breakfast every day (skipping breakfast can make cravings worse)
Get plenty of exercise, and make sure you have lots of emotional support.
Relax and don’t let depression near you.

Source: seasonsindia