As you move through the various stages of your pregnancy, you may find that like many, you begin to experience cravings, sometimes of the unusual variety. This is another normal part of the changes experienced throughout pregnancy. But when can you expect those cravings to start and stop and what does the experience mean for your body? We’re going to talk about all that and more, so read on now to find out more about pregnancy cravings.
What Are Pregnancy Cravings and What Causes Them?
Pregnancy cravings are a common symptom of pregnancy and are experienced by most pregnant women to some extent. Some women find that they start craving foods that they never even enjoyed eating before. It’s often the case that women start to crave very strange foods and combinations of foods or sometimes even non-food items!
There’s no definitive answer for what causes these cravings. But some believe that the comfort brought by the foods is the main reason, while others theorize that the rapid changes taking place in the body, such as the need to produce more blood or hormonal changes, can cause the cravings to occur.
Certain cravings might reflect the body’s attempt to meet these increased demands. For instance, craving pickles or other salty foods could signal a need for sodium, which plays an important role in maintaining proper fluid balance and blood volume—both of which increase during pregnancy. Similarly, chocolate cravings may be tied to a need for magnesium, a mineral that supports muscle function, nerve health, and energy production. Other examples include cravings for red meat, which may indicate a need for iron to help prevent anemia, or dairy products, which are rich in calcium for the baby’s developing bones and teeth. Even unusual cravings like ice chips may be linked to iron deficiency anemia, a condition common in pregnancy.
Although these connections aren’t fully understood, they suggest that cravings may sometimes serve as the body’s way of communicating specific needs. That said, not all cravings are nutritionally driven—hormonal changes and emotional factors, such as seeking comfort or nostalgia, also play significant roles in shaping what a pregnant woman might crave.
When Do The Cravings Start?
For most women, pregnancy cravings start very early on, usually in the first trimester (1-3 months). But the peak of their intensity is usually not reached until the second trimester. There’s no set time for when cravings start, however, so it does differ from woman to woman. By the third trimester, they usually start to go away.
Cravings often don’t go away completely until after giving birth, so you can expect to experience them during the third trimester too. However, this is the point at which most women find that their cravings and their intensity start to decline to some extent. Again, the nature of that decline will differ from person to person.
Is there a link between pregnancy cravings and baby gender?
You may have heard that the nature of your pregnancy cravings can offer an insight at your baby’s gender. For example, old wives’ tales suggest that craving salt in pregnancy suggests that you’re carrying a boy whereas sugar cravings in pregnancy suggest that you’re carrying a girl. Unfortunately, these are nothing more than myths and are not supported by scientific evidence.
Common cravings and food aversions
The most common cravings are for carbohydrate rich foods and very sweet foods although some women have been known to crave very strange and unusual things such as sawdust, coal, soil, soap, chalk and paint to name a few!
These types of cravings are more rare and are often linked to a condition known as Pica, which may signal underlying nutrient deficiencies. Here’s a list of some unusual cravings and what they might signify:
1. Ice (Pagophagia)
Possible Cause: Iron deficiency anemia. Chewing ice is one of the most common non-food cravings during pregnancy, and it’s thought to help with fatigue or improve alertness caused by low iron levels.
2. Soil or Clay (Geophagia)
Possible Cause: Mineral deficiencies, such as calcium or zinc. Cravings for earthy substances like soil may indicate a need for minerals often found in natural deposits, although consuming these can lead to health risks.
3. Chalk
Possible Cause: Calcium deficiency. Chalk cravings may stem from the body's need for calcium to support the baby’s developing bones and teeth.
4. Soap or Detergent
Possible Cause: Nutritional deficiencies or psychological factors. This unusual craving may indicate a need for minerals or could sometimes be related to sensory satisfaction (smell or texture).
5. Paint Chips
Possible Cause: Potential need for calcium or iron. Paint cravings, though rare and dangerous, might indicate a significant deficiency in certain nutrients.
If you experience unusual cravings like the ones listed above, it’s important to consult with your doctor or midwife. They may recommend testing for nutrient deficiencies or provide advice on safe ways to meet your body’s needs without resorting to non-food items.
What can you do about cravings and aversions?
It’s not always easy to deal with cravings and aversions rationally. After all, this is a confusing, emotionally-charged time. It’s worth bearing in mind that by the time you enter the third trimester, cravings and aversions should be more or less out of your system. Until then, here are a few things you can do to keep everything in check:
- Find a distraction: If you can’t shake that food urge then you should do something to take your mind off it. Go for a walk, FaceTime with a friend, open a book, or watch some TV until it passes.
- Choose healthy alternatives: Do your best to be present when faced with cravings. Nutrition is still important, so steer clear of the bad choices if you can. Stock up on healthy alternatives to your favorite cravings and see if they scratch that itch.
- Treat yo’self (occasionally): Of course, where’s the fun in being pregnant if you can’t give in to your food cravings now and again? Just make sure you’re bringing a bit of balance to the party. For example, counteract the Oreos for breakfast with a nice salad for lunch.
The Science of Smell and Taste Changes During Pregnancy
One of the most fascinating aspects of pregnancy is how it can heighten your senses, particularly smell and taste. These changes are often linked to pregnancy hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate dramatically as your body supports the growth of your baby. This heightened sensitivity can significantly influence both cravings and aversions, sometimes in surprising ways.
Many pregnant women report a much stronger sense of smell, known as hyperosmia. This phenomenon is most pronounced during the first trimester and can amplify certain odors that might have gone unnoticed before pregnancy.
Pregnancy can also alter how food tastes. Many women notice an increased sensitivity to sweet, sour, or bitter flavors, which can explain some of the unusual cravings or food aversions they experience. A common complaint during pregnancy is a metallic taste in the mouth, which is thought to be caused by hormonal changes. This can make some foods taste unpleasant and might lead to cravings for strongly flavored or sour foods to mask the taste. Cravings for sweet or sour foods may be influenced by the body’s increased demand for quick energy (carbohydrates) or its heightened sensitivity to certain flavors.
When to Seek Medical Help
Some women worry about their cravings, but there’s rarely any need to; unless they’re of the non-food variety as mentioned above. Of course, you need to keep your health and diet in check so indulging in every unhealthy craving you have isn’t a good idea. You only really need to consult a doctor if you feel your cravings are becoming extreme or pose a risk to your health or the health of your baby.
Cravings are perfectly normal, even the strange and unexpected ones. There’s no right or wrong, but it’s important to know that you can talk to your doctor if you are experiencing anything you’re worried about or if you simply want to ask some questions.
What is the takeaway for women with pregnancy cravings?
Even if you only want French fries for every meal, be sure to pay attention to how many you’re munching on. Most doctors say that occasionally giving in to high-salt, high-fat and high-carbohydrate cravings isn’t a big deal, especially if the cravings only last a short time. However, it’s important to note that a steady diet of unhealthy foods that are high in fat, sugar, or chemicals can lead to excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, or other problems that can last beyond the birth of your baby.
Related Blogs:
- What You Need To Know About Caring For Your Newborn
- How Soon After Giving Birth Can You Get Pregnant & Other Post-Pregnancy FAQs
