Most women experience at least one food craving during pregnancy. Pickles are a common food that women report craving. Pickles do not provide very many nutrients, and they are high in sodium, which can be a problem if consumed in very large amounts. Otherwise, eating pickles during pregnancy will not produce negative effects.
Cravings During Pregnancy
Food cravings for certain foods are a common pregnancy side effect. This may be caused by the increased hormones in a women's body. Limited research links food cravings with nutrient deficiencies. Unless a pregnant woman is craving non-food items, there is usually no harm in cravings. Talk with your doctor if you are craving items such as ice, clay or dirt. It is not okay for pregnant women to completely ignore healthy eating habits to satisfy a craving. If you have to eat that favorite food that you can't get off of your mind, go ahead and eat it. For the rest of the day, make it a point to eat healthy nutrient-dense foods.
Pickle Nutrition
Pickles do not provide very many calories or nutrients. A dill pickle spear only gives you 4 calories. It is not a very high source for protein, carbohydrates or fiber. Approximately 306 mg sodium is found in just one of these sour spears. This is very high in sodium. For pregnant women, too much sodium can cause other issues such as swelling. Some pregnant women do need additional potassium and sodium, but more may not always be better. Dill pickles do offer a small amount of calcium, potassium as well.
Sodium & Pregnancy
All pregnant women between the ages of 14 to 50 years old should consume no more than 2300 mg of sodium. The average recommended sodium intake is 1500 mg every day. Pregnant women do need slightly more sodium than women who are not pregnant. Pregnant women have increased blood volume and the body needs more electrolytes such as sodium to maintain a good balance. Even though pregnant women need more sodium, it is still best to limit pickle cravings so that your body does not get overloaded with salt. It is never recommended to restrict sodium unless recommended by your doctor.
Craving Pickles
Eating foods that are low in nutrients or high in fat are not recommended for pregnant women. In other words, it is not a good idea to eat pickles for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It would be OK to eat a pickle with your sandwich at lunch while you are pregnant. Eating too many pickles can increase your sodium intake, which is not healthy. Try eating a limited amount of pickles if you are craving them. You can also get involved in other activities to keep your mind off of the food craving.
