Dietitian, Melanie McGrice, has revealed the three most common reasons why women have cravings during pregnancy and what to do about them.

1. You’re dehydrated

Melanie said if you’re craving a food that is high in salt such as vegemite, potato chips or tomato soup, then you may be dehydrated.

‘Our fluid volume increases by approximately 150 per cent during pregnancy – which is part of the reason that later in your pregnancy you may notice your feet and fingers swelling,’ she said on her blog.

‘The main reason for this is that we need so much extra blood, to feed and nourish our baby, and of course, blood and your amniotic sac that your baby is resting in, are essentially fluid. In fact, most women put on at least two kilograms of fluid in the first trimester alone.

If you’re not drinking enough water, there’s a good chance that your body will crave salty foods to help you drink more water and retain more fluid,’ she said.

So, what should you do if you’re craving salty foods?

‘Well, it might sound counter-intuitive, but the best idea is to drink more water,’ explained Melanie.

‘If you are going to have salty foods, try to get your salt intake from healthier foods such as sardines, salted nuts or soy sauce over some veggies instead of potato chips or pizza.’

2. You’re low in iron

According to Melanie, our iron requirements sky-rocket during pregnancy, particularly, during the second and third trimesters.

‘When we’re low in iron, we can become extremely exhausted,’ she said.

‘In extreme cases you can even develop a condition called pica whereby you crave really weird things like dirt.’

So, if you’re craving high-iron foods such as red meat, fish and spinach, see your doctor to get your iron levels checked.

3. You’re not eating regularly enough

It’s no secret that your appetite can increase during pregnancy.

Eating small regular meals can help prevent cravings and keep you full.

‘If you try to eat the way you used to eat, skipping snacks, and having late meals because you’re caught up with other priorities, there’s a good chance that you’ll crave sugary foods,’ said Melanie.

‘The problem is that sugary foods can cause a lot of excess weight gain, and they’re often low in nutrition.’

If you’re reaching for biscuits, ice cream or other foods high in sugar, Melanie said to ensure you’re eating a nutritious meal or snack every three to five hours.

‘Opt for low GI foods such as wholegrain crackers or a tub of yoghurt,’ she said.

What was your biggest craving during pregnancy?

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