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Many pregnant women report food tasting different during pregnancy. Food that you used to hate, you might crave. Food that you used to love, might make you sick just to think about it. No one is sure, but most experts agree that these cravings are nature's way of helping you to eat what you and your growing baby need. For example, if you are craving ice cream, then you might need calcium. If you are craving hamburgers, then you may need protein. But, there is actually little to no evidence to support this theory.
Another school of thought is that hormonal changes intensify your sense of taste and smell. This could affect your impressions of certain foods. Some things can taste like the best thing you have ever had in your whole life, while other foods will send you running for cover.
Some believe that pregnant women are just more likely to comfort themselves and take advantage of this precious opportunity to get what they want. They are tired, heavy, hormonal and that hot fudge brownie every night seems to take the edge off. But, many women report being repeatedly inconvenienced by their cravings and they are definitely not trying to get any extra attention or comfort themselves by having to drive to buy a candy bar in the middle of the night when they would much rather be sleeping.
There is actually a condition called pica that you should report to your doctor if you experience. Pica can cause women to crave non-food items such as sand, rocks, soil, paper, feces or clay. Some women even want to eat ingredients such as plain flour or cornstarch. These types of cravings should not be entertained and can actually harm your baby or keep your baby from receiving the nutrients that it needs. This condition is usually only diagnosed if it lasts for more than a couple of weeks. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing any types of these cravings, especially if you have indulged in any of them. Actions such as eating dirt can introduce dangerous parasites into your body. Eating some of these other substances can give your body dangerous levels of lead or iron. Flour and other food ingredients eaten plain can block your intestines and inhibit absorption of nutrition needed by you and your baby.
Most cravings that you have for normal foods are okay and quite common. It is usually okay to indulge every now and then. Just talk to your doctor if you are having any consistent cravings that could give you or your baby too much of one vitamin, iron or sugar.
There are many critics who say that you should never use any Essential oils during your pregnancy, while others say that it is perfectly safe. With so many different opinions on the subject, it is no wonder that pregnant women get confused. So is it safe to use aromatherapy when you are pregnant, or are the critics right?
The Negatives
The reason there are so many skeptics regarding the use of oils during pregnancy, is because there have been proven negative results. It has been proved that certain oils have caused spontaneous abortion and uterine contractions. Diabetics also should not use the oil and since many women become temporarily diabetic during their pregnancy, pregnant women are advised against it.
However, although the results are proven, it has not been discovered whether the oils in question were taken internally or externally. All oils should never be taken internally unless advised as they can be extremely harmful. Some oils to avoid during pregnancy include
Cinnamon
Cedar
Basil
Rosemary
Myrrh
Jasmine
Peppermint
Whilst it may be dangerous during pregnancy, Jasmine is Ok to use whilst giving birth.
Overall it is thought that you definitely should not use the oils for the first four months during pregnancy. Also, you should contact a professional practitioner before you even attempt to use any oils on yourself while you are pregnant.
The Positives
If you do decide to use aromatherapy during your pregnancy it is assumed that you have already sought advice from a practitioner. The practitioner should be able to tell you which oils to avoid and which ones are safe to use.
The great news is if you do choose the right oils, aromatherapy can really help to ease the symptoms of morning sickness. This is a problem suffered by most pregnant women so this will come as welcome news for them. Aromatherapy can also help with stretch marks, skin problems, indigestion and fatigue.
Gentle massage using essential oils can really help to soothe the mind and relax the body. During pregnancy a woman's hormones are all over the place, and so the sweet aroma of essential oils can really help to calm them down and balance their emotions.
If you dilute the oils a little more than you usually would, you should be ok, and the oils should be perfectly safe to use. Some oils which you can use during pregnancy include
Frankincense
Chamomile
Bergamot
Lavender
Ylang, Ylang
So, there are both negatives and positives for using aromatherapy whilst you are pregnant. However, the negatives are quite serious and the effects can be devastating. This means that it is essential to seek advice from a professional practitioner before you even think about using any essential oils.
The positives on the other hand can be great and so if you can find something safe for you, you should start to see the benefits straight away. Overall it all depends on whether or not you are willing to take the risk. Some women prefer simply not to bother with aromatherapy at all during pregnancy, whilst others use the oils after a certain amount of time. Always seek professional advice and make sure you have enough prior knowledge.