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What Causes Craving For Sugary Foods During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Thu, 19 Jun 2014
Question: Im 30 wk pregnant and cannot stop
Eating sugary foods - i have been like this throughout and my appetite has been poor but i crave sugary foods alot like cakes, biscuits etc.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Healthy diet on time

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I read your query and I understand your concerns.

Following is my reply:

1) I understand that there is craving for sugary foods during pregnancy. This is due to some associated hormonal imbalance that occur during pregnancy.

2) You have to understand that Your as well as baby's health is more important and if you end up with gaining excess weight or diabetes during pregnancy it leads to complications for you as well as baby in many ways.

3) Therefore you need to develop self control and follow some advices i am writing below

4) Staying active is an excellent way to curb hunger and distract yourself from cravings. Regular exercise – like a daily walk.

5) Small proportions: Try a single scoop of ice cream rather than a whole bowl, or one square of chocolate instead of the entire bar. Follow this till you get complete will power to avoid them.

6) Food replacement: Instead of chocolate you can try hot cocoa made with nonfat or low-fat milk – or homemade trail mix with raisins, dried fruits, nuts, and a few chocolate chips.

7) For ice cream replacement nonfat frozen curd or reduced-sugar, low-fat ice cream.

8) Fresh fruit can reduce cravings for any type of sugary foods.

9) Have breakfast and frequent small meal on time. Delay on food schedules lead to craving for sugary foods.

10) Since you eat sugary foods your appetite seems poor. Try having meal especially breakfast on time and see the change

Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Regards,
Dr. Mahesh Koregol
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (11 minutes later)
Yea i dont eat much as i feel too full bloated and im just put off most foods like rice, potatoes, pasta, chappati etc . I only manage breakfast properly like toast n tea .

I cant even look at vegetables .

Will this cause low birth weight?im not overweight myself. Im about 54 kg at presen t
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Food

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This will not cause low birth weight. Try to have food like upma, chapati, roti etc for breakfast. Have toast as snack between breakfast and lunch or between lunch and dinner.

It is difficult but try to cook something favorite dish with vegetables or sprouts and have. This reduces craving.

Sleep well as lack of good sleep also causes craving.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (2 hours later)
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please write a review

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You can ask me any other queries in future. Remember to Type " Query for Dr. Mahesh Koregol" before your question.

I hope my answer was helpful. Please write a review about the same.

Regards,
Dr. Mahesh Koregol
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mahesh Koregol

Infertility Specialist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3829 Questions

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What Causes Craving For Sugary Foods During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: Healthy diet on time Detailed Answer: Hi, I read your query and I understand your concerns. Following is my reply: 1) I understand that there is craving for sugary foods during pregnancy. This is due to some associated hormonal imbalance that occur during pregnancy. 2) You have to understand that Your as well as baby's health is more important and if you end up with gaining excess weight or diabetes during pregnancy it leads to complications for you as well as baby in many ways. 3) Therefore you need to develop self control and follow some advices i am writing below 4) Staying active is an excellent way to curb hunger and distract yourself from cravings. Regular exercise – like a daily walk. 5) Small proportions: Try a single scoop of ice cream rather than a whole bowl, or one square of chocolate instead of the entire bar. Follow this till you get complete will power to avoid them. 6) Food replacement: Instead of chocolate you can try hot cocoa made with nonfat or low-fat milk – or homemade trail mix with raisins, dried fruits, nuts, and a few chocolate chips. 7) For ice cream replacement nonfat frozen curd or reduced-sugar, low-fat ice cream. 8) Fresh fruit can reduce cravings for any type of sugary foods. 9) Have breakfast and frequent small meal on time. Delay on food schedules lead to craving for sugary foods. 10) Since you eat sugary foods your appetite seems poor. Try having meal especially breakfast on time and see the change Let me know if you have anymore questions. Regards, Dr. Mahesh Koregol