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Pregnancy food cravings: from giving your body what it needs to ‘eating for two’, how to keep them under control

  • Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your taste buds, but scientists still aren’t sure what makes you desire cheese toasties at midnight
  • Nutritionists think it’s because the body is lacking in something, while scientists think hormones are behind it

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Many women experience food cravings for specific foods during pregnancy, usually more sweet than savoury. But what causes them? Photo: Alamy

Hankering for cheese toasties? Discovered a new-found love for red velvet cake? Or maybe you just want guava on everything.

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During pregnancy, many women experience food cravings for specific foods, usually more sweet than savoury. But these cravings may have an underlying meaning to them beyond quirky changes in taste.

Why do we get food cravings?

According to Medical News Today, cravings might happen because of an imbalance between serotonin and leptin, hormones responsible for the reward and happiness.
An expectant mother enjoys some pickles from a jar. Photo: Alamy
An expectant mother enjoys some pickles from a jar. Photo: Alamy
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Although scientists still haven’t found out the exact mechanics behind food cravings, nutritionists widely believe they indicate what our bodies are lacking. Let’s say you’re craving for some chips in the middle of the night. This might mean you need more energy, or calories.
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