Food cravings related to NVP

37. FOOD CRAVINGS RELATED TO NVP

1. Women with food cravings had significantly more nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. 36 (30%) of those with no symptoms of NVP experienced cravings compared with 158 (42%) of those with NVP who had cravings. (27) 500 women in study

2. 420 out of 983 (42.7%) developed food cravings in early pregnancy. The development of cravings was associated with a higher incidence of nausea. (40)

3. The proportion of women who reported pronounced cravings ranged from 67% with urban blacks (412 women) to 84% with whites, 256 women. Cravings were more intense in the first trimester. (41)

4. Cravings appear to increase during pregnancy. Women with moderate to severe vomiting report more cravings before and during pregnancy. Nausea severity showed no association to cravings, either prior to or during pregnancy. (77) 129 women in study

5. Most of the changes in diet, cravings and aversions occurred between the last menstrual period and the 12^th week of pregnancy. (21)

Summary

Development of an increased number or more pronounced food cravings associated with increased
NVP. (27) (40) (77) Total: Three References

Pooled population 1612 women in 3 references.

Food craving increased in first trimester of pregnancy.

(41) (21) Total: Two References

37a. FOOD AVERSIONS RELATED TO NVP

1. Food aversions appeared to increase during pregnancy, and women who experienced more severe episodes of vomiting reported more food aversions. 129 women in study. (77)
Fewer foods were reported as aversive by pregnant women than as being craved. No association between pregnancy nausea severity and reported aversions was seen. (77)

2. The majority of women 65 ± 15% experienced at least one aversion during pregnancy. (86)
Many pregnant women have aversions to alcoholic and non-alcoholic caffeinated beverages (which include coffee, tea and soda), and strong tasting vegetables, especially during the first trimester. However, the greatest aversions are to meats, fish, poultry and eggs. (86)
Usually the foods were reported aversive because they provoked nausea. 5,432 women experienced food aversions in the study group. (86)

3. Most of the changes in diet, cravings and aversions occurred between the last menstrual period and the 12^th week of pregnancy. (21)

4. 15% of women’s NVP was made worse after drinking tea or coffee. 363 women in study
(Gadsby 1993 not published).

5. Women reporting aversive stimuli (n = 162) had significantly more NVP than those (n = 122) who did not. (141)