PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Kruthi, M Nithya
AU  - Duraimani, Shanthi Lakshmi
AU  - Fathima, Sarah
AU  - Ghori, Junaid Ahmed Khan
AU  - Saikia, Katherine
AU  - KM, Annervaz
AU  - AR, Balamurali
AU  - Ranganathan, Rahul
AU  - Thummala, Sabitha
TI  - Craving Connections: Exploring the Relationship Between Pregnancy Cravings, Maternal Health, and Child Preferences in Indian Families
AID  - 10.1101/2024.10.28.620189
DP  - 2024 Jan 01
TA  - bioRxiv
PG  - 2024.10.28.620189
4099  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2024/10/30/2024.10.28.620189.short
4100  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2024/10/30/2024.10.28.620189.full
AB  - Although Pregnancy cravings are a common phenomenon, their implications on maternal health, family dietary habits, and child food preferences remain underexplored, particularly in the Indian context. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and nature of pregnancy cravings among Indian women and their potential impact on maternal health outcomes and family dietary patterns. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 119 women who had experienced pregnancy, collecting data on craving patterns, maternal health indicators, and perceived influences on family diet. Results revealed that most women craved sugary snacks, predominantly in the second trimester. Notably, 61.9% of participants’ cravings did not align with their spouse’s food preferences, suggesting potential shifts in family dietary habits. The study also found associations between cravings, mood swings, and morning sickness, highlighting the complex interplay of physiological and psychological factors during pregnancy. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive, personalised prenatal care that address both the nutritional and emotional aspects of pregnancy cravings, influencing long-term family health outcomes.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.