Is Craving Lemon During Pregnancy Normal?

I have craving lemon during pregnancy. Is it normal? Craving lemon during pregnancy is not normal for every woman as it may indicate vitamin c deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia. However, a woman goes through many physical and emotional changes during pregnancy that can develop food cravings. These cravings can range from sweet treats to salty snacks and even sour or acidic foods like lemons. There are no scientific reasons why some women crave lemon.

In the blog post, I have mentioned some reasons for craving lemon during pregnancy, the pros and cons of eating lemons during pregnancy, and many other things, so stay tuned till the last line of the article to learn about everything lemon cravings during pregnancy.

Why Am I Craving Lemon During Pregnancy?

I have already mentioned that there is a scientific logic for lemon craving during pregnancy or other food cravings as every woman is different and their bodies perform differently. Check out some theories that can help you to understand why I have craving for lemons during pregnancy more than usual:

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

Women experience a lot of hormonal changes to support their pregnancy. The hormone fluctuations can impact the sense of taste and smell, leading to pregnant women craving certain foods like sweet, sour etc. However, these food cravings are normal as 70 to 80% of women experience them while pregnant.

If you are facing craving lemon during pregnancy, then you need not worry. It can happen due to hormonal changes in your body. Pregnancy is the most delicate time, so over-consumption of any food can enhance your pregnancy problems. So, the best idea is to consult your healthcare provider to know the quantity you can take without any stress to satisfy your taste buds. 

Need For Certain Nutrient During Pregnancy

The need for certain nutrients during pregnancy, such as iron, calcium, vitamin c, and folic acid enhance during pregnancy for the proper growth of the fetus. A deficiency of these nutrients can lead to a food craving that can satisfy your need, such as a craving for sour or acidic foods like lemons, which may indicate a need for vitamin C. However, not every food craving indicates a deficiency of any specific nutrients. It can result in other factors, such as emotions and food habits.

Is Craving Lemon During Pregnancy Normal?

Craving lemon during pregnancy is normal, but only sometimes it may indicate a deficiency of vitamin C and Iron. The sudden rise in estrogen and progesterone levels leads you to crave lemon during pregnancy or other foods like ice creams, sweets, etc. Not every woman experiences craving lemon during pregnancy, and you can crave to eat spicy food and all.

A popular myth is also there, a woman craving lemon during pregnancy carrying a baby boy and a woman with sweet cravings carrying a baby girl. However, it is completely untrue there is no relation between food cravings and the gender of the baby. It would be best if you are healthily satisfied with your carving. If you are craving lemon during pregnancy, squeeze lemon into your favorite salad and enjoy it with your meal. If you have been craving lemon water during pregnancy, make it at home by squeezing lemon juice into a glass of water.

You can also add lemon to your curry to satisfy your craving during pregnancy. The overconsumption of lemon can lead you to face upset stomach and other digestion issues, so you should eat lemon in moderation to avoid any digestion issues. So, it is normal to crave lemon during pregnancy but you should healthily satisfy your cravings to support the baby’s growth.

Pros Eating Lemons During Pregnancy

Lemon contains all the essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and B16, calcium, potassium, and folate, that are beneficial for the growth of the fetus and the mother’s well-being. The lemon can fight for you to combat pregnancy problems like morning sickness, dehydration, and all. 

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Morning Sickness

Morning sickness can be dealt with with the help of eating lemon during pregnancy. The aroma of the lemon and its taste can help you to fight morning sickness (nausea and vomiting) to a great extent. Do not overeat with the lemon. As I have mentioned, it can upset your stomach. Don’t completely rely on lemon to resolve morning sickness, as no scientific proof shows that lemon can completely resolve morning sickness. But surely you will get relief to some extent.

Folate (Folic)

As lemon is a good source of folate that is essential for the fetus’s growth. The folate is helpful for the spine and brain development of the fetus. So, if you are craving lemon during pregnancy, it is a plus point for you, but eating lemon in moderation is necessary. Many women in the US take folate as a supplement during pregnancy. You can include spinach, avocado, breakfast cereals, etc., in your diet to fulfil the need for folate to support the baby’s growth.

Hydration

Appropriate fluid intake is a wise decision for a pregnant woman to keep herself hydrated, which is essential for the proper growth and development of the baby. Lemon water can help you maintain your intake balanced, as many women cannot take much water during the entire day. The lemon water will encourage you to enhance your intake, which indirectly supports your baby’s growth.

Digestions

Citrus fruit, like lemon, will help you to improve digestion. Eating lemon during pregnancy can help you to fight the most common pregnancy problems, constipation and bloating. So, include the most health-beneficial lemon in your diet but in moderation.

Cons of Eating Lemons During Pregnancy

The lemon is full of nutrients, but its downside is also. The lemon is full of acid that can lead you to face serious dental problems and digestion problems. 

Erosion of Tooth Enamel

The high acidity of lemon juice can cause erosion of the enamel on the teeth, resulting in sensitivity, discoloration, and increased risk of cavities.

Heartburn or acid reflux

Pregnant women are more prone to experiencing heartburn or acid reflux due to hormonal changes in the body. The citric acid in lemons can exacerbate heartburn and acid reflux. So, you should limit the portion of lemon in your diet. Tips: You can add honey to a lemon drink which may help you to reduce heartburn.

Adverse Effects On Blood Sugar Levels

Excessive consumption of lemons can affect blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes or high blood sugar levels. So, you should consult your healthcare provider before adding lemon to your diet.

Conclusion

The hormonal changes or nutrition deficiency can lead you to craving lemon during pregnancy. It is normal to crave lemon during pregnancy, but you need to be wary of consuming lemon as your antidote, as it also has some drawbacks, like heartburn or acid reflux. The aroma of the lemon provides immediate relief if you feel nauseated.

You can extract several benefits by eating lemon during pregnancy. Make sure to keep the portion of lemon limited and in moderation. Remember to consult with your doctor before adding lemon to your diet.

FAQ’s

Here are the answers to the most asked questions about craving lemon during pregnancy that will help you to understand the concept in more detail: