Mothers-To-Be And Pickle Cravings

Although the tastes of mothers-to-be usually run along far more normal lines, the 'pickles and ice cream' image is accurate in characterising the food cravings - and aversions - that sometimes accompany pregnancy. Cravings often reflect changes in nutritional needs. Such changes are partly due to the nourishment demands of the foetus and partly due to other physiological variations that affect absorption and metabolism of nutrients. These help ensure normal development of the baby and fill the subsequent demands of lactation, or nursing.