Why Should I Control My Sugar Cravings During Pregnancy??

Why Should I Control My Sugar Cravings During Pregnancy??

7 Dec 2021 | 2 min Read

Ritu Bhatia

Author | 1 Articles

Sugar cravings are pretty normal during pregnancy. The most common form of sugar found in sugary food and drinks that we consume is sucrose or table sugar. Excess intake of such items can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which could be harmful to you as well as the baby. Foods like ice-cream, milkshakes, flavoured yogurt, flavoured coffee, and candies are much known to contain high sugar. Besides that, there are foods that contain hidden sugars too. Some of the foods with hidden sugar content include; instant oatmeal, breakfast cereals, energy drinks, ketchup, salad dressings, pasta sauce and iced tea.

Several unhealthy conditions are caused due to excess intake of sugar during pregnancy.

 

  • Unwanted weight gain leading to obesity

This is one of the most common effects of uncontrolled sugar intake. Your body naturally gains some amount of weight during pregnancy to support the growth of your baby. Excess sugar intake during this period can lead to obesity. The excess amount of sugar in the body can pass through the placenta causing the baby to be larger than the normal expected size. The alteration in the size of the baby can lead to complications in your delivery.

 

  • Frequent fatigue

The empty calories consumed in the form of sugar cause a temporary energy boost in your body. These energy levels rapidly start dropping, making you feel low on energy and making you feel lethargic.

 

  • Serious health risk

High sugar intake during pregnancy can increase the risk of an acute fatty liver syndrome, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. It also affects the metabolic rate of the baby which can cause obesity in the future. There’s an increased risk of the baby suffering from autism and type 2 diabetes.

 

  • Nutrient deficiency

Filling your hunger with sugary foods can keep you away from the whole foods that can provide the right amount of nutrients needed during pregnancy. This can lead to nutrient deficiency and cause other related complications.

 

  • Impact on baby’s taste buds

It is possible that the amount of sugar that you consume can have an impact on your baby’s want for sugar. Your baby might crave sugary foods just like you do, and this can lead to obesity and diabetes in the early stage of life.

Maintain a balanced diet to maintain a healthy pregnancy!

#pregnancymustknows #momhealth

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