It is common for pregnant women to experience food cravings and aversions during pregnancy. Cravings refer to the intense desire for specific foods, while aversions refer to foods that cause feelings of disgust or nausea. Up to 90% of pregnant women will experience some type of craving or aversion during pregnancy. While the exact causes are unknown, these cravings and aversions are thought to be influenced by hormonal changes, nutritional needs, and the pregnant woman’s emotional state.
Common food cravings during pregnancy
Some of the most common food cravings during pregnancy include:
Sweets
Many pregnant women report craving sugary foods like ice cream, chocolate, candy, pastries, and fruit juices. The craving for sweets is thought to be caused by hormonal changes that increase sensitivity to sugary tastes. Craving sugary foods may also be the body’s way of increasing calorie and carbohydrate intake during pregnancy when energy needs are higher.
Salty foods
Salt cravings are also very common, with pregnant women desiring salty snacks like chips, pretzels, pickles, and other savory foods. Salt cravings may be due to the body needing more sodium during pregnancy, when blood volume increases substantially. Interesting, salty cravings may also be caused by low magnesium levels.
Fruits and vegetables
Many women experience increased cravings for fruits and veggies during pregnancy. This is the body’s way of satisfying nutritional needs for vitamins and minerals. Fruits and veggies provide important nutrients like vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber. Common pregnancy fruit cravings include oranges, mangoes, bananas, and apples. For veggies, women often crave tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, and greens.
Dairy
Cravings for dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream are very common during pregnancy. Dairy products provide calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals that support fetal development and meet the mother’s increased nutritional needs. Dairy cravings may also be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Spicy foods
Some women experience new cravings for spicy foods like hot sauce, salsa, chili peppers, and curries. Spicy food cravings may be caused by the body desiring stronger flavors to combat metallic tastes that pregnant women often experience. Spicy foods may also help relieve pregnancy-related nausea and heartburn in some women.
Fast food/Junk food
Cravings for fast food like burgers, fries, pizza, and processed snacks are common. This may be due to changing taste preferences and seeking the convenience of quick, satisfying foods. However, fast and junk foods should be limited during pregnancy as they lack nutrition.
Odd combinations
Pregnancy can also bring about desires to eat strange food combinations like pickles with ice cream, or fries dipped in milkshakes. While odd, these cravings typically pose no harm. They may be the body’s way of satisfying something missing from the diet.
When do food cravings start in pregnancy?
Most pregnant women start noticing food cravings and aversions early in the first trimester, often before they even get a positive pregnancy test. Hormone changes happen immediately after conception, quickly impacting tastes and desires.
Here is a timeline of when cravings typically start:
Weeks 4-6
-Many women notice food cravings within the first month after becoming pregnant, often before pregnancy is confirmed
Weeks 6-12
-Food cravings ramp up during the first trimester as hormone levels rise rapidly
-Nausea and food aversions also peak in the first trimester
Weeks 13-27
-Food cravings tend to plateau during the second trimester as hormone levels stabilize
-However, cravings may persist throughout pregnancy and change over time
Weeks 28-40
-Craving often increase again in the third trimester as the body prepares for labor and delivery
-Late pregnancy cravings may include protein, calcium, or iron-rich foods
While craving can start as early as 4 weeks pregnant, every woman and pregnancy is different. Cravings may come and go throughout pregnancy. Staying in tune with cravings can provide hints about nutritional or emotional needs.
Do food cravings indicate gender?
One popular theory is that pregnancy food cravings can indicate the baby’s gender. However, most scientific research has found no link between cravings and whether a woman is having a boy or girl.
Here are some common gender myths about pregnancy cravings:
Craving sweets or dairy = Girl
Craving chocolate, fruit, ice cream, or other sweet treats is said to signal a baby girl on the way. However, studies show craving sweets is common in pregnancy regardless of the baby’s sex.
Craving salty or sour = Boy
If a mom-to-be desires more savory foods like chips or pickles, some believe it hints she’s having a boy. But again, no evidence supports this theory. Both sexes cause salty cravings.
Craving protein or iron-rich foods = Boy
Some think increased cravings for meat, eggs, or iron-containing foods like spinach or lentils indicate a male baby. In truth, the body simply recognizes its greater iron and protein needs during pregnancy.
Craving citrus or vitamin C foods = Girl
Another idea is that craving vitamin C-rich foods like orange juice or strawberries is a sign of having a daughter. In reality, vitamin C cravings help meet pregnancy’s higher daily requirements, regardless of gender.
While fun to speculate on, cravings alone aren’t reliable indicators of the baby’s sex. Moms carrying girls and boys both experience common pregnancy-related cravings.
Top 10 most common pregnancy cravings
Here are some of the top pregnancy cravings based on surveys and research:
| Rank | Food craving |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fruit |
| 2 | Chocolate |
| 3 | Ice cream |
| 4 | Pickles |
| 5 | French fries |
| 6 | Pizza |
| 7 | Chips |
| 8 | Sweets |
| 9 | Juice |
| 10 | Chinese food |
As seen, sweet treats, salty snacks, fruit, and fast food consistently rank among the most common pregnancy cravings. While each woman’s experience is unique, these trends capture top craving categories.
Weirdest pregnancy cravings
Along with common cravings for sweets and salt, some pregnant women report bizarre and uncharacteristic cravings. Here are some of the strangest pregnancy cravings on record:
Dirt or clay
Cravings to eat dirt, clay, or cornstarch directly is known as geophagia. It can be caused by iron deficiency or mineral needs. This craving requires medical attention to rule out anemia or nutrient shortfalls that could harm mom and baby.
Lemons
Some women start craving sour lemons – eating them whole, squeezing juice in water, flavoring foods with lemon juice, or sucking on slices. While wholesome, lemon obsession signals the need for more vitamin C.
Sponges
Yes, actual kitchen sponges. While extremely odd and potentially dangerous if acted on, a few women have reported craving sponges during pregnancy. This may signal nutritional deficiencies like iron, zinc, or pica disorder.
Toilet paper
Another dangerous and bizarre craving is the desire to eat toilet paper. Only a small number of pregnant women experience this. It could indicate an iron or zinc deficiency, pica, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Cigarettes
Some women who quit smoking upon learning of pregnancy still battle cigarette cravings throughout pregnancy. This highlights the addictive pull of nicotine and the need for support to abstain while pregnant.
Gasoline or petrol
This thankfully rare craving likely signals a dangerous obsessive-compulsive disorder or condition known as pica. Pregnant women should seek immediate help avoiding harm to themselves and baby.
Laundry detergent
Detergent contains harsh chemicals and toxins that could seriously endanger mom and baby. While extremely uncommon, detergent cravings indicate a serious medical issue requiring prompt intervention.
Bug repellent
Bug sprays contain DEET and other strong chemicals that should be avoided in pregnancy. Along with professional help for strange cravings, women might try natural bug repellents to stay safe from mosquitos and ticks.
Food cravings by trimester
Pregnancy cravings often follow a pattern that aligns with the three trimesters, as hormone levels and nutritional needs change over time.
First trimester cravings
The first trimester brings intense cravings for:
– Sweets to satisfy taste bud changes
– Carbs for energy
– Citrus, juice, ice for nausea
– Salt to offset metallic tastes
– Strong flavors provide relief from nausea
Second trimester cravings
As nausea fades in the second trimester, cravings include:
– Fruits and vegetables as the appetite improves
– Protein sources like meat and fish
– Eggs and dairy for calcium and vitamin D
– Spicy flavors become more appealing
Third trimester cravings
The home stretch brings cravings for:
– Calcium-rich dairy for baby’s bones
– Iron-rich proteins and greens for increased blood volume
– Fiber to relieve constipation
– Quick comfort foods as mobility decreases
– Spicy foods to stimulate digestive system
Effects of pregnancy cravings
Pregnancy food cravings can have various effects, both positive and negative.
Potential benefits
– Help discover new food enjoyments and preferences
– Indicate nutritional deficiencies to address
– Hone intuition around body’s needs
– Provide emotional comfort and satisfaction
– Motivate healthy choices if focused on wholesome foods
Potential downsides
– Lead to excessive or unhealthy food choices
– Contribute to unnecessary excess weight gain
– Create conflicts if cravings feel “out of control”
– Can be financially costly if craving expensive foods
– Cause feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety
With some mindful oversight, pregnant women can enjoy cravings while minimizing potential overindulgence in foods with low nutritional value. Discuss cravings with your doctor.
Indulging cravings in moderation
Pregnancy cravings can be managed by:
– Allowing yourself small portions of craved foods
– Finding healthier substitutes that satisfy the craving
– Keeping portion sizes reasonable
– Slowing down and savoring craved foods
– Staying hydrated and not mistaking thirst for hunger
– Avoiding guilt or shame around cravings
– Talking to your doctor if strong cravings persist
Allowing the occasional treat while focusing on balanced nutrition can help pregnant moms simultaneously enjoy and healthfully tame cravings.
Healthy alternatives to common cravings
Pregnancy cravings don’t have to derail healthy nutrition when expecting. Here are some tips:
If craving chocolate:
– Try cacao nibs, trail mix with dark chocolate chips, chocolate hummus, or avocado chocolate pudding made with pure cacao and avocado
If craving ice cream:
– Blend frozen bananas for creamy “nice cream” or enjoy Greek yogurt popsicles
If craving french fries:
– Bake sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, or beet chips for crunch
If craving salty foods:
– Choose unsalted nuts, baked kale chips, air-popped popcorn to curb salt cravings
If craving sugary sweets:
– Eat fresh fruit with whipped cream or use dates, honey, banana, or apple sauce to naturally sweeten foods
Making healthy substitutions can help pregnant women get nutrients while still indulging food cravings in moderation. Discuss any persistent or concerning cravings with your obstetrician.
When to worry about pregnancy cravings
Most pregnancy cravings are harmless. But in some cases, intense cravings can signal:
– Nutritional deficiencies
– Pica – craving non-food items
– OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder
Consult your doctor if experiencing:
– Persistent cravings for non-food items
– Cravings that feel uncontrollable or distressing
– Strong cravings for potentially dangerous substances
– Cravings preventing proper nutrition
– Excessive weight gain from indulging cravings
With professional support, concerning cravings can be managed for a healthy pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to get help.
Conclusion
Pregnancy cravings are a common and often harmlessly temporary aspect of expecting. Food desires can offer insight into the body’s changing nutritional requirements. While indulging the occasional craving is fine, maintaining overall balanced nutrition remains important. Notify your doctor about any persistent, strong, or potentially dangerous cravings needing further support or intervention. With self-compassion and mindful eating, pregnant women can enjoy their food quirks while supporting their health and their baby’s growth.