Pregnancy Cravings and Food

The jury is still out on whether there's a biological basis to pregnancy cravings or not, but we're not about to argue with any pregnant woman who claims to have a hankering for pickles, ice cream, lemonade and tacos ... all at the same time.

After all, if a woman can develop a pregnancy cravings for inedible substances like road salt or laundry starch - a phenomenon known as "pica" - who's to say she can't develop pregnancy cravings for plain old food? Some believe these strange and harmful cravings are the result of a lack of iron or other minerals in the diet, but it's not been proven. What is known is that if you're experiencing these types of pregnancy cravings, you need to get yourself your doctor ASAP.

And while crazy cravings can make for funny pregnancy stories, remember that you can't substitute cravings whims for good ol' healthy, balanced eating throughout your pregnancy. And that the fact is, nine months worth of extreme overindulgence can be a recipe for disaster after the baby is born, 'cause any weight you gain beyond the recommended healthy limit for your body type is weight you'll be craving to lose!

So proceed with caution when the potato chip wagon starts calling your name, and only answer his call during the craviest of emergencies!