Why pregnant women crave for certain foods.

Cravings during pregnancy are sudden urge or desire for certain type of food, drink or substances.

They can feel overpowering such that the woman will not be okey until she takes that food she craves for.

Some women even develop a potentially harmful form of craving known as Pica. This is a craving for non - food items like soap, charcoal, clay, dirt, Ash, starch.

It is not known for sure what causes cravings during pregnancy. Some theories say that it's the body's way of demanding for some nutrients it lacks.

Studies show that the extreme  hormonal  changes during pregnancy can alter both a woman's sense of taste and smell. So certain foods and odors can not only be more enticing but in some cases more offensive;  This may also explain why a woman will suddenly begin to despise certain food she used to like before pregnancy (food aversion)

 Sometimes,Pica can be a sign of underlying physical or mental illness. A pregnant woman with persistent Pica craving needs to see her doctor.

by Chioma Morah