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Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Nutrition Guide

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Prenatal Nutrition

Question

Do food cravings indicate some sort of nutritional deficiency?

Answer

Food cravings are just another byproduct of your pregnancy hormones. In addition to craving new foods, you also may have noticed that some foods taste different and are less appealing.

You can give into your food cravings as long as the food is good for you such as fruits and vegetables. Desserts such as fat-free ice cream, pudding made with non-fat milk, low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit, dried fruit, or angel food cake with fresh berries are fine in moderation. Junk food isn’t a good choice.

But some women crave unusual items, like laundry starch and clay. This type of craving is known as pica, and consuming such items isn’t healthy. Talk with your doctor if you have any unusual cravings.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

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Meet Our Experts

The START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center panel of experts offers practical advice, answering many questions typically asked by parents and expecting parents.

Lillian M. Beard, M.D. Pediatric Health

Lillian M. Beard, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national TV programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in the Washington, D.C., area.

José M. Saavedra, M.D., FAAP Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

José M. Saavedra, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatric gastroenterologist with long-term experience and expertise in nutrition. Medical and Scientific Director of Nestlé Nutrition North America, Dr. Saavedra is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the Sub-board of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the American Board of Nutrition. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins-Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. Prenatal Health

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. is professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is former chairperson of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies concerned with women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. Food Intolerances

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. is professor of pediatrics emeritus and former head of the pediatric immunology and allergy division at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, California. Professor Hamburger is a consultant and continues as an educator and clinician in the UCSD Free Clinics in San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California.

I’m pregnant and often get hungry during the afternoon while I’m at work. What are some ideas for healthy snacks I can take with me? Can I give in to my food cravings? How can I sensibly satisfy my sweet tooth?