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Mom's diet & exercise

Appetite cravings

The "pickles and ice cream" preferences and other appetite cravings in pregnant women usually reflect changes in nutritional needs. Such changes are partly due to the nourishment demands of the fetus and partly to other physiological variations that affect absorption and metabolism of nutrients. These changes help ensure normal development of the baby and fill the subsequent demands of lactation, or nursing.

Changes in nutritional needs in pregnancy appear to be related to your body's adaptation to pregnancy, because the changes occur too early to be responding solely to fetal needs. Such changes include a reduction of electrolytes, proteins, glucose, vitamin B-12, folate, vitamin B-6, and a rise in lipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol in blood. Cravings are a normal, healthy part of pregnancy – so, go ahead and indulge! Enjoy some of those strange, late night cravings like pickles and ice cream whenever you feel like it!