what your really craving when it's fruit during pregnancy?

Fruit Cravings During Pregnancy

Almost all pregnant women are known to develop cravings for certain types of foods throughout their pregnancy. The most common cravings are for foods like pickles and junk foods. Pregnant women should listen to their body if the cravings are for healthy foods as it may be attempt made by their body to signal that there is an additional need for that particular food in the diet. In fact many mothers have reported that after being born their children were quite fond of the same foods that the mothers craved for during pregnancy.

Women who crave for fruits during pregnancy are really lucky as fruits as completely nutritious and healthy for both mother and child. Some fruits that are high in fiber also help with digestion. Most fruits are rich in vitamins and anti oxidants and are beneficial to both mother and child. However most pregnant women are advised not to consume papayas and pineapples during pregnancy in excess as they tend to thin out or soften the cervix thereby resulting in early labor. The ideal way to deal with cravings during pregnancy is to consume a small portion of the food that the body is craving and not to overindulge. Additionally pregnant women should avoid fish that are high in mercury like mackerels, swordfish, and tilefish. Besides these fish is an integral part of the diet of pregnant women as it is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and protein but instead is low on saturated fats. The fish with high levels of mercury are known to damage the nervous system of the fetus. Fruits are highly recommended during pregnancy as they help in hydrating the body and also provide natural sugar and minerals that are easily absorbed by the body. As a result fruits are an ideal snack for pregnant women as they help boost energy levels. Most fruits are also rich in magnesium, sodium and potassium that aid in increasing the frequency of urine thereby reducing urine density and toxin accumulation in the body. Fruits are also known to be rich in fiber and aid bowl movement which is essential during pregnancy as most women suffer from constipation. A healthy diet for pregnancy should include all the major food groups in balanced proportions as only fruits will not supply the necessary nutrients and vitamins required for the healthy development of both the mother and the child. The diet of a pregnant woman should also include green leafy vegetables, milk and milk products, and leans meats.

Submitted by P T on July 7, 2010 at 01:07

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