shley answers some of your most common questions. If you don’t see your question here, submit it to ashley@thecradle.com. We will be posting new Q&A's on a regular basis.
Is there any truth to the theory that I’m craving certain things because my body needs those nutrients?
I’m miserable with morning sickness (which lasts all day, by the way). It seems that the only foods I can stomach are grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. I honestly can’t even think of eating anything else without feeling physically ill. What can I do to make sure I get other nutrients in my diet?
If some women have healthy babies while living on fast food and soda, why do I need to be so careful about what I eat?
I’ve given up alcohol, Diet Coke, and my beloved tuna fish sandwiches. Should I feel badly for eating my mom’s chocolate chip cookies and enjoying pizza from my favorite place? Isn’t pregnancy the time to indulge and enjoy being pregnant?
I’ve read that I can have some caffeine each day. Is that true?
What about soft cheeses? Can I really get listeria?
What are nitrates and why are they in deli meat? I’m craving a salami sandwich but my husband has been giving me grief about the nitrates in cold cuts.
Is there a definitive word on artificial sweeteners? I’ve read a ton of different things on aspartame and Splenda, so I’m pretty confused.
Q: Is there any truth to the theory that I’m craving certain things because my body needs those nutrients?
A: The short answer is – yes, your body does want something, but how your mind translates that need is likely influenced by environmental factors, not just physiologic ones. For example, if your body wants iron, that can be met in many ways beyond a McDonald's hamburger, which you may want more than you need. (See also Prenatal Nutrition Basics: Cravings.)
Q: I’m miserable with morning sickness (which lasts all day, by the way). It seems that the only foods I can stomach are grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. I honestly can’t even think of eating anything else without feeling physically ill. What can I do to make sure I get other nutrients in my diet?
A: There are many different ways to make grilled cheese or macaroni and cheese. Try to use the best quality ingredients when eating these foods, and try to vary the basic ingredients, like oat crackers with cheese or quinoa with cheese. Also, take advantage of the good moments and perhaps add something different as tolerated. Note that slow-cooked vegetables and rice is a well-known remedy for nausea (add a little ginger powder which may help calm the system). Most of all don't worry, this too shall pass and you can focus on including more nutrients as you feel better.
Q: If some women have healthy babies while living on fast food and soda, why do I need to be so careful about what I eat?
A: You want to give you and your baby the best chance for optimal health today and in the future. This is your choice, as is how you choose to parent your child. Perhaps you decide a once-a-week treat of fast food is right for you both. We do know that what babies and children eat in their developmental years plays a role in their cognitive development, as well as in their risk for chronic disease later in life. So, it may appear these women are having "healthy babies," but that may not necessarily be the case.
