Top 6 Pregnancy Cravings

Food cravings during pregnancy are very common. They differ from normal cravings as they are much stronger. These cravings are uncertain and unpredictable. You may get a craving at 3 am for something that you have not eaten for months.

So, when do pregnancy cravings begin? In some cases, it begins as early as the second or third week of pregnancy. Usually, it becomes challenging around the 11th week as your baby is growing.

Here is a list of the Top 6 pregnancy food cravings that most women get:

Pickle

You may have heard of many women craving pickles during pregnancy. The sour and tangy flavour is what pregnant women love. Pickle cravings suggest that your body requires sodium. Your body’s sodium requirement goes up due to the increase in blood volume. Giving in to this craving helps you fight nausea.

Chocolates

Who doesn’t love chocolates!? Chocolate makes you happy. A chocolate craving indicates low magnesium levels. You may have green vegetables or beans to boost magnesium in your body. If you cannot resist the temptation, then eat dark chocolate as it is rich in antioxidants.

Cheese

Any dish becomes incomplete without extra cheese! You crave cheese when your body asks for calcium. Indulging cheese cravings occasionally is not a problem. Opt for low-fat cheese if you are concerned about your weight. Alternatively, try other calcium-rich items like milk, yogurt, or broccoli.

Ice cream

Many pregnant women love chilled, flavoured ice cream. Ice cream craving indicates low calcium levels. Enjoy a low-fat vanilla flavoured frozen yogurt topped with fresh fruits instead of an ice cream.

Spicy food

Cravings chillies, hot curries, or spicy foods mean your body needs to cool down. Spicy foods make you sweat and help your body cool down. Adding a little spice to your foods is not harmful, but watch out for the quantity as it may lead to heartburn or indigestion.

Fruits

Craving fruits indicate that your body is demanding Vitamin C. It is a healthy craving. Eat cooling and refreshing fruits like watermelon and grapes. However, do not eat fruits in large quantities to keep your blood sugar level in check.

Apart from all this, you may also crave some non-food items like chalk, dirt, or clay because of the hormonal changes. Do not give in to these cravings as it may harm you and your baby. Apart from these, you may observe various other food cravings during pregnancy that are very common among pregnant women.

For tricks to manage food cravings, you may browse through Pampers India. Pampers is dedicated to the care of you and your baby. It will show you the right direction on what is good and bad for the two of you.

Surprising Pregnancy Symptoms Faced by Dads

Man listening to pregnant wife stomach

Yes, you read that right! Strange, but true, some fathers-to-be also experience certain pregnancy symptoms. Many studies suggest that these symptoms are the same as those experienced by females.

This condition, which is clinically termed as couvade syndrome is a common phenomenon seen mainly in developed countries. Couples that have struggled with infertility or loss of pregnancy in the past are more likely to suffer from this. The condition is also known as sympathetic pregnancy.

In most cases, the symptoms are not very serious and occur during the first and third trimester of pregnancy, and wither away post childbirth. Some of the reasons that lead to this condition are stress, anxiety, empathy, jealousy, and hormonal changes.

Symptoms

What symptoms do men get when a woman is pregnant?” Here is a list of pregnancy symptoms seen in fathers-to-be:

  • Weight gain
  • Constipation
  • Morning sickness
  • Mood swings
  • Cravings
  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling
  • Back pain
  • Cramps
  • Restlessness
  • Heartburn
  • Respiratory problems

Remedies

Some of the remedies that will help you and your partner fight early male pregnancy symptoms are:

  1. Talk

Have a heart-to-heart with your partner. Communication is the key to solving most problems. Discuss the future of your baby. Plan how to overcome the challenges. Understand what is bothering him. Help him overcome his fears and anxieties. Settle financial issues (if any). Encourage him. Seek help from your friends, relatives, and medical practitioner if required.

  1. Participate

Involve your partner in your pregnancy. Make him an active part in everything you do. Visit the gynaecologist together. Attend prenatal classes together. Shop for the baby together. Remember that he is not carrying the baby, but is feeling the same emotions as you.

  1. Relax

Ensure that your partner gets proper rest. Play soothing music. Take him for a massage. Try aromatherapy. Practice meditation and yoga with him.

  1. Eat healthy

Make your partner eat healthy just as you do. Both of you must follow a balanced diet to meet your respective nutritional needs. Exercise regularly; it helps to maintain good health. Gets tips on healthy foods for pregnant women and keep yourself, your wife and the baby fit and fine.

  1. Gain knowledge

Seeking information is the first step to curing the symptoms. Make your husband aware that the condition is temporary and curable. Read about pregnancy together. Gain knowledge on the different stages of pregnancy, labour, childbirth, and post-pregnancy care.

Don’t hesitate to visit Pampers India, a brand that takes care of the mother, father, and baby throughout pregnancy It sets you on the right path, offering proper direction and effective tips to ease the journey.

Are Ultrasounds Safe during Pregnancy?

An ultrasound, popularly known as a sonogram, is a prenatal diagnostic test that uses sound waves to form a visual image of your baby, uterus, placenta, and other pelvic organs. An ultrasound test provides your doctor with the necessary information related to the growth of your pregnancy and your little one’s health. You may have several questions pertaining to an ultrasound scan.

How is an ultrasound performed?

It is advisable to fast for 8 to 12 hours prior to your ultrasound test, as undigested food could obstruct the sound waves. During the test, a lubricating jelly will be applied to your tummy before a transducer is glided over it. The transducer transmits sound waves with high frequency through your uterus. These waves echo as they reach dense objects like bones or organs. After that, a computer translates the echoing sounds into visual images that show your baby’s position, shape, size, and movements. Generally, the entire procedure of an ultrasound pregnancy test lasts up to 30 minutes.

What information does ultrasound provide?

You should ideally go for a mid-pregnancy ultrasound. It will help you locate the placenta, listen to your baby’s heartbeat, and measure your little one’s size. It provides valuable information like the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus and helps the doctor check your child for any physical abnormalities. You may also find out that there are not one but two bundles of joy in your tummy!

When should you undergo an ultrasound test?

If you have experienced bleeding in the initial weeks of pregnancy or have had a miscarriage in the past, it is recommended that you attend an early pregnancy ultrasound. This should fall around the 6th to 10th week of gestation. This time is ideal for determining the date of your pregnancy. However, you can also wait until you are about 16 to 20 weeks pregnant and opt for a mid-pregnancy sonogram. This will help you gain comprehensive information about your baby’s development.

Are ultrasounds harmful to your baby?

You’ll be glad to hear ultrasounds aren’t harmful to your child at all! Doctors or nurses are well trained and follow precise guidelines while performing the examination. These scans have been used on pregnant mothers for decades and are considered safe for both mother and baby.

Are multiple ultrasounds safe for your baby?

It is normal for pregnant women to undergo five scans during pregnancy. According to a recent study, multiple ultrasound examinations will not cause any long-lasting harm to the baby’s development.

So, you may rest assured knowing that your trip to an ultrasound examination won’t in any way hinder your little one’s development. If you have any queries, Pampers India is here to help you with expert tips and guidance throughout your pregnancy.