Is craving sweets a sign of pregnancy

All About Pregnancy Cravings and When They Start

Pregnancy cravings may conjure up the image of sneaking out into the kitchen in the middle of the night to eat a pint of ice cream with pickles. Does this sound like you? You may experience varying food cravings (such as for salt, spicy, or sweet foods) during pregnancy, as each expectant mom is unique. Or you might find yourself repulsed by a smell or flavor you loved a few months earlier. Read on to learn more about this common pregnancy phenomenon.

What Are Pregnancy Food Cravings and What Causes Them?

Food cravings during pregnancy are generally nothing to worry about, and you can indulge in some chocolate, potato chips, or ice cream (or a combination of all three) in moderation during your pregnancy. So, why do pregnancy cravings happen? If you’re wondering what causes them, here are two possible reasons women might experience cravings during pregnancy:

They may signal changes in your body’s nutritional needs
They may also be linked to a surge in pregnancy hormones.

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What Are Pregnancy Food Aversions?

During pregnancy, you might suddenly find yourself unable to tolerate the taste or smell (or both) of a certain food, even if this was something you originally liked—coffee and fried foods are frequent offenders. But otherwise, food aversions don’t have any specific underlying meaning. Here are two possible medical reasons food aversions may occur during your pregnancy:

Some pregnant women become more sensitive to certain smells and tastes due to changes in hormone levels. This distaste may also be accompanied by an increase in salivation, which is common with nausea linked to morning sickness.
Early in pregnancy, some women may have a mild metallic taste in their mouths, which can contribute to certain food aversions.

When Do Pregnancy Cravings and Aversions Start and End?

Early on in your pregnancy you may be wondering, when do pregnancy cravings start? Food cravings and aversions can be early signs of pregnancy, appearing in the first trimester.

Food cravings are likely to disappear (and food aversions likely to lessen) in the fourth month of pregnancy. If your food cravings continue, it could be a sign of iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. Consult your healthcare provider if your food cravings continue into the second trimester of your pregnancy and if you have any questions regarding iron supplementation during your pregnancy.

List of Common Pregnancy Cravings

As you’ve probably guessed, food cravings during pregnancy are highly individual. Some women’s cravings may run the gamut from sweet to savory and other women may have no cravings during pregnancy.

You may not be adding sardines to your pistachio ice cream with hot fudge like Lucille Ball, but you may still be experiencing sudden and sometimes strange food cravings, especially late at night. Here are the 10 most common food cravings women experience during pregnancy according to research:

Sweets (chocolate, candy)
Savory high-calorie carbohydrates (pizza, chips)
Animal protein (steak, chicken)
Fruit
Savory high-calorie dairy (cheese, sour cream)
Carbohydrates (pretzels, cereal)
Fast food (Chinese, Mexican, falafel)
Cold foods (ice pops, slushies)
Vegetables
Sweet high-calorie dairy (ice cream, milkshakes).

What Do Food Cravings Mean During Pregnancy?

You may be wondering whether your specific food craving is a signal from your body that it needs a certain nutrient or food during your pregnancy.

The fact that you crave a certain food doesn’t necessarily mean your body needs it. So, no matter how hard you hoped it were true (as you finished off a pint of ice cream), there are no scientific connections between pregnancy cravings and specific foods. Nor is there a good answer to the age-old question “Why do pregnant women crave pickles?”

What to Do About Food Cravings During Pregnancy

As long as you’re following your pregnancy diet, eating a variety of healthy foods, and getting the nutrients you and your baby need, there’s no reason to be concerned about the sporadic food craving.

It’s completely OK to indulge your cravings now and then. But try to avoid using your food cravings as an excuse to overeat or to focus on unhealthy food. It can easily lead to compromising your own nutrition as well as your developing baby’s.

Nevertheless, there are times when you just can’t stop wanting a particular food. Here are six ways to manage cravings and lessen their effect on you.

Take your mind off food. Take a long walk, read a good book, or chat with a friend on the phone.
Avoid falling into the “eating for two” trap. Eating for two doesn’t mean literally eating as much food as two people would eat. Instead, it means that the food you eat is nourishing your baby, too. So, eat only when you’re hungry, not necessarily when you’re having a sudden craving.
Drink water. Oftentimes, you may think you’re hungry, but you’re actually thirsty. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day.
Avoid mindless eating. Take your time eating food and savor every bite. Avoid eating quickly, eating while working or watching TV, and eating on the run.
Plan meals in advance. Think about what you’d like to eat in advance. Plan your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as those in-between snacks. Choose healthy items, and you’re more likely to look forward to what you know you’ll be eating instead of seeking out unhealthy foods to satisfy the random craving.
Monitor your stress levels. It’s easy to get stressed during a pregnancy, and even lose some sleep over it. Stress and general moodiness from lack of sleep can lead to food cravings, and you may be tempted to soothe your nerves with food. To manage stress, try meditation or light exercise.

Healthy Swaps for Common Food Cravings During Pregnancy

So, what might you do when a craving hits? You could give in and just have whatever you’re craving in a small to moderate amount. Or, if it’s a food item that isn’t all too healthy, you might think about replacing it with a healthier yet still satisfying version. Here are some tips and options you might like to try when a specific food craving hits:

Ice cream. If you’re craving classic ice cream, how about replacing it with low-fat frozen yogurt, or with plain Greek yogurt sweetened with fruit preserves, applesauce, or honey? These healthier options are sure to hit the spot!
Potato chips/fries. Who doesn’t love salty potato chips and fries? Problem is, eating a lot of potato chips isn’t the healthiest option, especially since they’re laden with fryer oil. So, instead go for baked sweet potato chips/fries or baked vegetable chips, which are somewhat better. If you own an air-fryer, you might like to try air-frying your own homemade chips and fries. Or, for something different, switch to unsalted or lightly salted popcorn. Unsalted or lightly salted nuts are another healthier option, too.
Cookies. Having a cookie now and then won’t do you any harm, but if you find yourself craving them way too often, you might think about a healthier replacement. How about a sugar-free version of your favorite cookie? Or try something different like whole-grain crackers spread with a little peanut butter. You’ll still get the crunch factor of a cookie and a little sweetness and nuttiness from the peanut butter, which is a good alternative source of protein, too.
Chocolate. It’s OK to indulge in a few squares of chocolate as long as you don’t eat the entire bar—oops, you already did!? That’s OK, but instead of highly sweetened milk chocolate, opt for healthy dark chocolate (70 percent or higher), keeping in mind that dark chocolate also contains caffeine, which is better to limit during pregnancy. You might like to try dark chocolate-covered pretzels or pairing a square of dark chocolate with a handful of fresh berries—a fantastic flavor combo!
Bread, pasta, and cereal. Some people are carb people—and we love them! But instead of indulging in those soft white dinner rolls or using the classic white sandwich bread for your turkey club, choose bread with higher nutritional value and fiber, like whole-grain bread. It may not be what you’re used to, but it will keep you fuller for a longer time, which may lead to fewer cravings during the day. And, if you’re craving pizza, try one made with whole-wheat crust. If you’re craving pasta, opt for whole-grain varieties just as you would with bread. The same goes for cereal cravings you may be experiencing while pregnant—chose low sugar, high-fiber, whole-grain kinds.
Fast food. Nearly everyone yearns for fast food now and then, and it’s tempting to give into this craving when you’re pregnant. However, fast foods—whether Chinese food, Mexican food, or the classic cheeseburger—aren’t healthy. They’re loaded with trans fats and sugary sauces. So, if you can, why not try cooking your version of your favorite stir-fry, enchiladas, or grilled burger at home? You’ll satisfy your craving in a much healthier way and have no leftover guilt about it.
Soda. Sweet sodas do taste great now and then but drinking them regularly isn’t healthy. Instead try seltzer flavored with lemon or lime, mint, grated ginger, berries, or sliced cucumber. If that still doesn’t appeal to you, you could flavor the seltzer with sugar-free flavor drops in a variety of your favorite flavors. Think of this as your personal pregnancy craving mocktail! It’s important to avoid alcohol, however, as it’s unsafe to drink while pregnant.

Weird Pregnancy Cravings You Should Consult Your Healthcare Provider About

Some women may experience a craving for non-food items like laundry detergent, dirt, clay, ashes, paint chips, or ice during pregnancy. This is a condition called pica, which may be a sign of a nutritional deficiency.

If you have the urge to eat non-food items, such as the ones mentioned above, consult your healthcare provider immediately, and do not give into these cravings; they may be harmful for both you and your baby.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy cravings are normal and can even be odd sometimes. You’ll probably even have a few amusing pregnancy craving stories of your own to share with family and friends. If you’re interested in learning more about food, nutrition, and your pregnancy, check out our Nutrition During Pregnancy guide.

Keep in mind that as long as you’re getting all the nutrition you and your baby need, indulging in a pregnancy craving and treating yourself occasionally is totally acceptable, and there’s no need to feel any guilt.

In the meantime, this is a great time to download the Pampers Club app. Stock up on diapers and wipes ahead of your baby’s birth and get cash back for all your purchases!

9 common pregnancy cravings: When do they start?

Updated September 28, 2022

Published July 10, 2019

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Lauren Talbert, RD, Registered dietitian, Women and Infants Hospital, Rhode Island, US

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Have you discovered a sudden desire for pickles and a pint of ice cream during your pregnancy, even though these foods have never been your go-tos before? If so, you are not alone. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of pregnancy cravings!

But what exactly is a food craving? If you’re experiencing a strong urge to eat a specific type of food and finding it very hard to resist that desire, you’re probably experiencing a craving. But we don’t just get cravings during pregnancy. In fact, studies show that 68% to 97% of college-aged men and women reported experiencing food cravings.

So why do we experience cravings during pregnancy, and what are some of the most common pregnancy food cravings? Here, we break down the research and speak to registered dietician Marcela Fiuza to uncover everything you need to know about pregnancy cravings, including a pregnancy cravings list of the most commonly craved foods.

When do pregnancy cravings start?

If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, or you’re expecting but haven’t experienced any specific hankerings yet, you might be wondering if pregnancy cravings are likely to kick in.

“Cravings can occur at any point during pregnancy,” explains Fiuza. “Typically, they tend to start at the end of the first trimester and intensify during the second trimester.” For some women, pregnancy food cravings could start as early as five weeks into pregnancy.

How long do pregnancy cravings last?

You might also be wondering when you can expect your pregnancy cravings to subside. Research suggests that they will become less intense during your third trimester, and Fiuza adds that “they tend to disappear after the birth of the baby.”

How common are pregnancy cravings?

If you’re experiencing pregnancy food cravings, then you’re now part of a very large club, as pregnancy cravings are extremely common. In fact, Fiuza says that anywhere between 50% to 90% of pregnant people in the United States will experience them.

What causes pregnancy cravings?

Good question! Unfortunately, researchers haven’t determined an answer for this just yet. “There is not much research into the causes of food cravings during pregnancy, so we don’t fully understand why they happen,” explains Fiuza.

There are a number of theories about what causes pregnancy cravings, but Fiuza adds that these are “unproved,” so we can’t take them as fact just yet. One theory is that the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy could have an impact on our sense of smell and taste, which “could be linked with food preferences and cravings,” says Fiuza.

“Another theory is that increased nutrient requirement or nutritional deficiencies could lead to craving of certain foods,” she adds. “However, research is lacking, and available findings do not support these hypotheses.”

While cravings during pregnancy are totally normal, Fiuza reminds us that they “should not be the sole indicator of nutritional needs in pregnancy. ”

The 9 most common pregnancy cravings

As you reach for the jar of pickles for the third time in a day, you might be wondering which foods are most common for pregnancy cravings. There is limited research available to help pinpoint these, although one study that analyzed blog posts about pregnancy cravings found that sweets, carbohydrates (including chips and pizza), animal proteins, and fruits were often reported as cravings. Other studies suggest that pregnancy cravings for savory foods are strongest in the first trimester, while cravings for sweet foods are strongest in the second trimester, and cravings for salty foods are strongest in later pregnancy.

Fiuza has used the data available, combined with her own clinical experience, to highlight the following nine food groups as some of the most common pregnancy cravings.

Sweet cravings during pregnancy

You don’t need to be pregnant to find yourself craving chocolate. Research has shown that it’s actually the most common food craving in the United States for all individuals, whether they’re expecting or not. But if you’re really craving sweets during your pregnancy, it could be due to pregnancy food cravings, with Fiuza naming chocolate and candy as two of the most commonly craved sweet foods.

While it’s OK to indulge your sweet cravings during pregnancy, it’s recommended that you don’t reach for sweets too often and that you only do so as part of a healthy diet. Research has found a link between increased intake of sugary foods and a risk of gestational diabetes, and excessive weight gain during pregnancy can be problematic.

If you’re worried about your cravings for sweet foods, you could try swapping candy and other sweet treats for fruit or substituting a few squares of milk chocolate for dark chocolate instead, as it’s considered a healthier alternative and contains heart-healthy flavonoids.

Fruit cravings during pregnancy

If you have fruit cravings during pregnancy, then that’s great, as this is a delicious and healthy snack to enjoy throughout your pregnancy and beyond. If you’re craving fruit, you could try making a delicious fruit smoothie or grab an orange to satisfy your cravings. Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) general guidelines recommend that pregnant people over 19 consume 85 mg of vitamin C per day, or 80 mg per day if you’re younger than 19.

Carbohydrate cravings during pregnancy

Pregnancy cravings for carbohydrates such as bread, cereal, and crackers are also common. If you find yourself craving these, Fiuza recommends opting for healthier, whole grain varieties that contain more nutrients, like fiber and vitamins, instead of processed varieties that may have added sugar, fats, and salt. As an added bonus, fiber can help to keep you full while also working to fight constipation, which is particularly common in the second trimester.

Fast food cravings during pregnancy

Does a gooey slice of pizza or a plate of salty, crispy chips sound particularly delicious right now? This could be due to pregnancy cravings, with both the aforementioned blog post study and Fiuza naming pizza and chips as two of the most commonly craved junk foods during pregnancy. As with sweets, it’s OK to indulge these cravings occasionally, but try to eat them as part of a healthy, balanced diet. You could also opt for a healthier alternative such as homemade sweet potato fries or go for a slice of pizza loaded with fiber and vitamin-rich vegetables.

Dairy cravings during pregnancy

Dairy cravings during pregnancy, such as a craving for milk, are also common. The good news is that this is generally a healthy craving, too. This is because dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese all contain calcium, a mineral that helps the fetus to develop healthy bones and teeth and helps to keep your own bones and teeth healthy and strong. ACOG’s general guidelines recommend that pregnant women aged 19 and older consume 1,000 mg of calcium per day or 1,300 mg per day for those aged 18 and under.

Just be sure to opt for dairy made with pasteurized milk and avoid any cheeses or foods that have been made with unpasteurized milk. These products may contain Listeria bacteria, which could lead to a potentially harmful infection. For more specific information on dairy products that you can and shouldn’t eat during pregnancy, you can read this article on planning a healthy pregnancy diet.

Spicy food cravings during pregnancy

If all you can think about is ordering the spiciest takeout you can find, then yes, you guessed it; you could be experiencing a pregnancy food craving. Spicy cravings in pregnancy are also normal, so if you suddenly find yourself wanting to order a spicy curry when previously your go-to was something milder, then don’t worry. It’s fine to indulge this craving, although you might want to steer clear of spicy foods if you’re experiencing heartburn or stomach issues (which are common during pregnancy), as there is evidence to suggest that they can aggravate these.

Pickle cravings during pregnancy

Pickles are a classic pregnancy food craving, and again, it’s generally OK to indulge it. It is absolutely fine to satisfy your pickle craving, but be mindful of quantities, as too much salt can worsen water retention in pregnancy and increase the risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, which may have negative health effects for your baby.

Animal protein cravings during pregnancy

Fiuza says pregnancy cravings for animal protein, such as steak and chicken, are also normal, but they could be a sign that you are experiencing iron deficiency anemia, as these foods are rich in iron. Anemia is common during pregnancy, affecting between 20% and 80% of pregnant women. That’s often because iron needs increase during pregnancy, from 18 mg per day to 27 mg per day. If you suspect you may have anemia, speak with your health care provider about figuring out a solution.

It’s also worth noting that ACOG suggests avoiding all undercooked and raw meat, eggs, seafood, and poultry during pregnancy, as these could contain Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli.

Cold food cravings during pregnancy

Do you have a sudden desire to eat cold and chilled foods? Pregnancy cravings for foods such as ice cream and popsicles are also normal, says Fiuza. As with sweets, it’s fine to indulge this craving, but try to do so as part of a healthy, balanced diet. You could also try an alternative option, such as frozen yogurt or a homemade fruit smoothie.

What happens if you ignore pregnancy cravings?

There is no evidence to suggest that ignoring pregnancy cravings could harm you or your baby, as long as you’re eating a healthy and balanced diet. However, if you’re concerned, it’s best to speak with your health care provider. In some cases, such as with sweets and fast food, it is generally best to indulge your cravings in moderation. When it comes to nutrition during pregnancy, following a healthy diet is key. “As long as you are having a balanced diet most of the time, there is no need to completely avoid the foods that you crave,” says Fiuza.

“More rarely, some pregnant women might crave nonfood items such as soil, ice, clay, toothpaste, etc.,” adds Fiuza. “This is known as pica and needs to be assessed by a health care professional, as consuming these can be harmful to both mom and baby.” It’s worth noting that it may also be associated with a nutrient deficiency.

Is there a link between pregnancy cravings and the sex of the baby?

You might have heard that the type of pregnancy cravings you have could be linked with the sex of your baby. Specifically, the unfounded theory is that if you’re experiencing cravings for salty foods, then you’re having a boy, and if you’re experiencing cravings for sweet foods, then you’re having a girl. However, there is no evidence to suggest that pregnancy food cravings are linked to the sex of your baby. Similar to the pendulum test, it’s a fun (but nonscientific) way of trying to guess the sex of your unborn child.

No pregnancy cravings: Is this normal?

If you’ve experienced no cravings during your pregnancy, then don’t panic; this is also normal, and there’s no need to worry. We know that anywhere between 50% and 90% of pregnant people in the United States will experience food cravings, but that also means that between 10% and 50% of pregnant people will not experience food cravings. Remember that every pregnancy is different, and if you have any concerns, your health care provider should be able to provide you with tailored advice just for you.

Pregnancy cravings: Further advice

“While there is no need to be overly strict with food intake, it is important to try and be mindful of portion sizes and make healthier choices whenever possible,” recommends Fiuza. “Food cravings during pregnancy can alter dietary intake, which can potentially contribute to excess weight gain, particularly if the foods craved are high in sugar or high in fat. We know that gaining too much weight during pregnancy isn’t healthy for both mom and baby.” Your health care provider will be able to advise how much weight you should ideally gain during your pregnancy, as this varies for everyone and is dependent on factors including your prepregnancy weight, body mass index, and how many babies you are carrying.

Fiuza also offers the following advice on sticking to a healthy diet while managing pregnancy food cravings:

Eat a varied and balanced diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, some lean protein such as turkey, chicken, and fish, and dairy such as pasteurized yogurt.
Eat regular meals including lean protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and may decrease other cravings. You could also consider having one to two healthy snacks a day to avoid fluctuations in blood sugar, which could trigger cravings. Some ideas for healthy snacks include Greek yogurt with fruit, a handful of nuts, whole grain crackers with cheddar cheese, and raw veggies with hummus.
Include regular physical activity in your daily routine (unless your health care provider has advised you not to).
Be mindful of how much and how often you eat foods that are high in sugar or fat and try to make healthy swaps whenever possible. For example, you could have a homemade fruit popsicle or frozen yogurt instead of ice cream if you crave something cold and sweet. Or try a couple of squares of dark chocolate instead of a whole bar of milk chocolate.
Avoid any foods that can carry a risk for your health or the health of your baby. These include raw and undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood; unpasteurized dairy; alcohol; and excessive amounts of caffeine.

Pregnancy cravings: The takeaway

As we’ve seen, pregnancy food cravings are incredibly common. Equally, there’s no need to worry if you don’t experience any cravings at all, and they’re not associated with excessive gestational weight gain, maternal glycemia, or offspring outcome measurements. For those who do experience pregnancy cravings, they’re likely to kick in in the first trimester, sometimes as early as five weeks. They can then get stronger in the second trimester before slowly coming to an end during the third trimester.

There’s no exact science to tell us the most common cravings during pregnancy, but they are likely to include sweets, carbohydrates, fast food, fruit, dairy, spicy foods, pickles, animal protein, and cold foods. It’s generally fine to indulge these cravings as part of a healthy, balanced diet, but there are also some foods that it’s best to avoid, such as dairy products made from unpasteurized milk.

Most importantly, enjoy your pregnancy, and if you have any questions or concerns, always speak to your health care provider.

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History of updates

Current version (September 28, 2022)

Medically reviewed by Lauren Talbert, RD, Registered dietitian, Women and Infants Hospital, Rhode Island, US

July 09, 2019

Boy or girl? | Articles of EMC clinic doctors about diseases, diagnostics and treatment

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While expecting a baby, future parents like to dream about what it will be like. Will he inherit his mother's blue eyes, his father's height and posture, his grandmother's smile? But the main question, of course, is whether it will be a girl or a boy? Different peoples have a lot of signs and amazing theories on this subject. Olga Loginova, an EMC obstetrician-gynecologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, tells whether it is possible to determine the sex of a future baby without ultrasound.

Determination of gender by the shape of the abdomen

In some expectant mothers, the belly becomes noticeable almost from the 10th week of pregnancy, in others it may not be visible until the middle of the second trimester. These features could not be ignored.

People say: "The belly grows forward - to the boy." One of the popular folk signs says: if a woman’s tummy is small and neat, located high, sharp (“cucumber”), and you can’t even see it from the back, then it will be a boy. If the belly is large, set low, protrudes on the sides, and the fact that the woman is pregnant is clearly visible even from the back, this is a sure sign of the birth of a girl.

Doctors say that the shape of the belly of a pregnant woman is influenced by a large number of factors. These, in particular, include: gestational age (gestational age, fetal size), the position of the fetus in the uterus, as well as what the figure of the expectant mother was before pregnancy. The belly of a thin and tall woman will always be different from the belly of a full woman of short stature. Thus, from a medical point of view, the relationship between the shape of the abdomen and the sex of the unborn child is very doubtful.

According to taste preferences

Herring with jam, chocolate bar with roach, chips with yogurt or milk with pickles – expectant mothers often want to eat something unusual, and their desires are unpredictable. Why not think about the connection of your taste preferences with the gender of the expected baby?

People say that a mother who is expecting a daughter, in the early stages of pregnancy, experiences an irresistible craving for sweets. And if a passionate admirer of chocolates is suddenly drawn to smoked meat and pickles - wait for the boy.

Doctors say that Oriental medicine gives its own explanation for the change in taste preferences during pregnancy: each human organ corresponds to a certain taste: for example, the liver “loves” sour, the spleen and stomach - sweet, the kidneys “are greedy” for salty, the gallbladder - for tart and bitter. In accordance with this theory, it should be assumed that all pregnant boys have some kind of kidney problems, which, you see, is strange.

By changes in appearance

Pregnancy, as they say, colors some women: smooth skin, wonderful complexion, thick hair, shining eyes. Other expectant mothers, on the contrary, notice that their appearance has changed for the worse: inflammation, pimples appear on the face, the skin becomes more oily, sometimes a lot of hair appears on the face, abdomen, and other parts of the body. All this is the work of hormones. The strongest hormonal changes during pregnancy affect each expectant mother in different ways.

People say that if a woman becomes prettier with pregnancy, then she is expecting a boy. The girl “takes away” the beauty from her mother. However, the active growth of "unnecessary" hairs is associated precisely with the fact that a woman is carrying a male baby.

Some doctors say that the male hormone testosterone affects hair growth, so if a mother has a boy in her stomach, she may develop unwanted body hairs. In fact, studies show that this is not the case: the testosterone content in the blood of the fetus is not enough to affect the mother's body and, accordingly, change the rate of hair growth.

According to the strength of toxicosis

Toxicosis often overshadows the expectation of a child: the body of the expectant mother experiences hormonal stress and at first tries to fight the "foreign body" - the embryo. Until the body gets used to the new life emerging in it, it rejects it. At the same time, some women experience only mild nausea, while others are literally “turned inside out” during the first months of pregnancy.

People say that if a pregnant woman has severe toxicosis in the first trimester, this is a sure sign that a girl will be born. With boys, mothers practically do not suffer.

According to doctors, scientists do not reject this omen either. They believe that morning sickness is a consequence of elevated levels of the hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which indicates that the fetus is female.

Physician sex determination

In fact, only special tests and medical examinations can help a couple determine the sex of their unborn child.

These include:

Fetal ultrasound. As a rule, the sex of the child is determined at the 16th week of pregnancy. The accuracy of the method is 80-90%.
Amniocentesis. In this case, the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is examined. Usually the method is used to diagnose various genetic abnormalities of the fetus, but the sex of the unborn child can also be determined with 100% accuracy. It is invasive, that is, penetrating, and entails certain risks, including miscarriage. Therefore, aminocentesis is performed according to strict indications and never - in order to determine the sex of the child.

Very accurate in determining the sex of the baby, but at the same time no less expensive, is the DNA test. It is not widely used: it is carried out in highly specialized laboratories and only for special indications.

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How to determine pregnancy in the first weeks after conception?

The most famous signs of pregnancy are the lack of menstruation and breast enlargement. Some pregnant women also experience a pulling sensation in the abdomen and an increased urge to urinate. Cravings, nausea, and vomiting, especially in the morning, are also possible early signs. Pregnancy may also be noticeable by other signals. Everything you need to know about signs of pregnancy, read here!

Signs of pregnancy: when do they appear?

From the 12th to the 12th day after fertilization: pregnant women notice pulling sensations in the abdomen, similar to the onset of menstruation. Triggers are an increase in the uterus and increased blood flow in the abdominal cavity. In more than half of all pregnancies, increased discharge is also a sign that new life is being born.

Pregnancy: first signs

Absence of menstruation is usually the first sign of pregnancy. In 70-80 percent of all women, the chest area develops other distinct symptoms of pregnancy: they become more sensitive to touch, increase in size and become firmer and feel tight. The nipples often change their shape, become larger and - due to increased pigmentation - darken. These may also be the first signs of pregnancy. These early signs of pregnancy can appear as early as the first week after conception.

Pregnancy: nose and mouth symptoms

If you suddenly become sensitive to smells and can no longer smell things that you always thought were pleasant or at least not disturbing, this could also be a sign of pregnancy. Some pregnant women can no longer stand the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the smell of alcohol or cheese, the smell of raw meat.

A common sign of pregnancy: food cravings

But the opposite is also possible during pregnancy: symptoms such as ravenous hunger and a strong appetite for sweets are not uncommon. Combined with a general increase in appetite, these are normal symptoms of pregnancy, as the body now experiences increased energy needs, which it needs to meet through more food.

Nausea and vomiting as unpleasant symptoms

Unfortunately, pregnancy also causes morning sickness and possibly vomiting in 50-70 percent of all women. Responsible for this is the hormonal change of the pregnancy hormone beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). It begins immediately after fertilization in order to adapt the body to the requirements of pregnancy.

Frequent urge to urinate

Another sign of pregnancy is increased urge to urinate in more than 50 percent of all women. This is caused by increased blood flow to the abdominal cavity after the implantation of a fertilized egg. The pregnancy hormone progesterone also relaxes the muscles in the bladder, which increases the urge to urinate.

Pregnancy: psychological symptoms

Have you been very sensitive lately to everything that happens around you, to every supposedly wrong word? Are you sometimes depressed and sad, but at the same time full of high feelings? Such emotional rollercoaster rides are the first signs of many expectant mothers. Pregnancy brings a lot of confusion to the body and mind.

Other possible signs of pregnancy

There are other, more annoying changes that show you might be pregnant! These include symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. During pregnancy, the body has to work hard. An increased amount of blood is required for the formation of the placenta; blood plasma (the liquid part of the blood) approximately doubles, resulting in thinning of the blood. This can make you look more tired and pale, and your blood pressure may drop slightly at first, which can make you feel dizzy.

Varicose veins and dilated vessels on the face, nail bed and in the genital area can also signal that you are pregnant! Signs of this type are based on increased blood flow and reduced vascular tension.

As another possible sign of pregnancy, the pulse becomes strong and distinct at the fingertips.