Pregnancy cravings

‘Everything in moderation’ is a saying often used to make us feel less guilty when ripping open a packet of HobNobs with your teeth. It’s a gem of a phrase until you realise you haven’t actually been to the gym once this year, let alone moderately. Where exercise and healthy lifestyles are concerned, a bit of excess would probably be more beneficial for most of us.

The most healthy craving we came across was a desire for all the cherries in Manchester. “I spent £5 a day on cherries” she said. Whilst over in the naughty corner, another friend admitted: “In my first pregnancy I would eat a sausage roll and a Twix - at the same time.”

For women however, there’s one particular time in life when anything goes. Pregnancy.

Having a bun in the oven gives rise to all manner of reasons as to why you also need to shove one in your mouth - preferably iced - every day for nine months.

“I’m eating for two” is what pregnant women say, as though reading from the accepted script. For those not with child, it can be hard to comprehend what a foetus the size of a baked bean wants with a 14-inch pizza. It’s certainly a mystery to me.

But then there are cravings. According to the Baby Centre – a UK pregnancy website – 85 per cent of women report at least one food craving during pregnancy and not all of these cravings can be neatly catalogued - or stomached.

Newly pregnant celebrities Victoria Beckham, Pink and Emma Bunton have all reported odd cravings this month. Move over Golden Balls, VB apparently can’t get her face out of a jar of Golden Shred marmalade during her fourth pregnancy. Pink has admitted she wants ‘anything sour’ and Emma Bunton’s Twitter whinge earlier this month read: ‘Got a craving for sushi and I can't have it!!!!!!!’

However, those celebs ain’t got nothing on some of the Confidential office pregnancy craving confessions. Ice cubes, crushed ice and in fact all things frozen, from choc ices to ice pops whilst singing ‘ice, ice baby’ to their tummies, no doubt. Elderflower cordial is currently a favourite for another during her second pregnancy - a refreshing change to the first, which I’m told was a yoghurt laden nine months.

The most healthy craving we came across was a desire for all the cherries in Manchester. “I spent £5 a day on cherries” she said. Whilst over in the naughty corner, another friend admitted: “In my first pregnancy I would eat a sausage roll and a Twix - at the same time.”

Confidential’s resident nutritionist, Clare Jones, believes there are some very valid reasons for such funny food cravings during pregnancy.

She said: “Often in early pregnancy, women suffer nausea or have a heightened sense of smell and taste so don't fancy or can't face foods they would usually eat. Weird cravings tend to come later in pregnancy and may be for unusual or strong-tasting foods.

“This is called 'pica' and may be linked to low levels of iron or other nutrient minerals such as zinc. Do get your iron levels checked by your GP and, if you're concerned about your diet in pregnancy, you can seek the advice of a BANT-registered nutritional therapist. Otherwise, if you fancy a pickled onion or two, go ahead and eat them; they're not going to harm you or the baby.”

That said, we’d also advise to try and avoid the non-food related compulsions also often associated with pregnancy, of which the most bizarre we’ve heard include chewing sponges, licking coal, sniffing firelighters and longing to be around petrol fumes.

Just remember ladies, you’re sniffing for two.