Pregnancy Cravings: Causes, Common Cravings & Tips

Introduction

Pregnancy is a time of many physical and emotional changes as the body adapts to support the growing baby¹. Along with these changes, many women experience variations in their appetite and eating habits. One of the most reported experiences during this period is food cravings². 

Pregnant women may have sudden cravings or a strong desire to eat specific foods, even ones which they may not have preferred before. These cravings can vary from sweet or salty snacks to spicy dishes, and in some cases, they may seem unusual or surprising³. 

Understanding and managing these cravings is an important part of pregnancy. This article explores why pregnancy cravings occur, when does a pregnant woman start craving food, the types of foods that are commonly craved for, and practical tips to help manage them in a healthy and balanced way. 

What Are Pregnancy Cravings?

Pregnancy cravings are the strong urges or desires to eat food during pregnancy⁴. These cravings can come on suddenly and may feel more intense than usual hunger. Pregnant women can crave for salty, spicy, sour, or sugary foods. About 9 in 10 women are said to experience this feeling³. Though these cravings are a common and normal part of pregnancy, if not managed, they can lead to eating more discretionary (unhealthy) foods and may cause excessive weight gain⁴. Also, there are women who may not experience cravings during their pregnancy journey at all, and this too is equally normal³. 

What Causes Pregnancy Cravings?

Pregnancy cravings in women might result from hormonal, physical or emotional changes. While the exact cause is not fully understood, several factors are believed to play a role: 

• Hormonal Changes: Significant increases in ovarian hormones like oestrogen and progesterone during pregnancy might contribute to changes in appetite and cause increased food cravings^2,3. 
• Changes in Taste and Smell: Occurrence of higher sensitivity to taste and smell during pregnancy might cause the pregnant woman to prefer certain foods while having less tolerability for some others, leading to specific cravings^2,3. 
• Increased Nutritional Needs: Nutrient deficiencies such as iron, calcium, etc., during pregnancy, due to the body demanding more energy or for foetal needs, may contribute to food cravings^2,3.
• Psychological and Cultural Factors: Mood changes, stress, and the need for comfort can contribute to cravings, as some foods may feel comforting, while cultural habits such as “eating for two” and the food available may also influence craving during pregnancy^2,3. 
• Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Although not for everyone, variations in the blood sugar levels during pregnancy may sometimes be associated with hunger and appetite, which might influence cravings³.  
• Substances in Certain Foods: Certain ingredients in food which are known to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms in pregnancy like nausea, fatigue, or irritability may sometimes have mild effects on the body or brain, which could make those foods more appealing². 

When do Pregnancy Cravings Start?

There are several studies conducted to understand when do cravings start when pregnant. According to most of such studies, the emergence of pregnancy cravings is majorly reported at the end of first trimester, that is, around the 13^th week². These cravings usually become strongest during the second trimester^2,4. As the pregnancy progresses toward the end, the cravings usually start decreasing². 

Research also suggests that the types of foods craved can change during pregnancy. Savoury food cravings were usually found strongest in the first trimester and tend to decrease in the later stages. In many women, sweet food cravings peaked during the second trimester, while cravings for salty foods usually appeared later and increased in the later stages of pregnancy².

These changes in cravings can be linked to trimester-specific symptoms. Symptoms like nausea and vomiting can be seen particularly during the first trimester⁵; this can limit food intake and restrict cravings during this period. As the pregnancy progresses to the second trimester, nausea and vomiting start resolving; this might improve appetite⁵, thereby causing a peak in the cravings. In the third trimester, due to physical discomfort and reduced stomach capacity¹, cravings may decrease again. 

However, the timing of cravings can vary from woman to woman; some may experience it early, some a bit later, while some others might not even have any cravings at all. 

Common Pregnancy Cravings

Pregnancy cravings can vary from person to person, but certain foods are commonly desired by many women. These cravings often include a mix of sweet, salty, and sour foods. Common cravings when pregnant can include the following types: 

• Sweets: Such as chocolates, candy, cakes, pastries, ice creams, etc^2,4,6., usually craved due to their sugary taste. 
• Pickles: Such as beetroot pickle, etc., preferred by women due to their sour taste^2,6. 
• Snacks: Such as crisps, chips such as potato chips, peanuts, corn, etc^2,4,6., due to their salty taste. 
• Fast Foods: Such as pizza, pasta, sandwiches, falafel, and other Indian, Mexican, and Chinese foods^2,6, due to their flavours and spiciness. 
• Fruits: Such as apples (including green apples)^3,6, mangoes, oranges⁷, berries, etc., due to their sweetness and freshness. 
• Animal Products: Such as  meat (steak), eggs, poultry, fish; cravings for these are commonly reported during pregnancy^2,4,6,7.  
• Dairy Products: Such as milk, cheese, ice cream, yoghurt, etc. are also commonly craved for during pregnancy^2,6,8. 

While these cravings are generally common and meeting nutritional needs in pregnancy is essential, moderation is recommended to be kept⁹. 

Eating too many sugary, salty, or high-fat foods (like sweets, ice cream, or fried snacks) due to cravings may increase the risk of excess gestational weight gain (GWG)², gaining more weight during pregnancy than is recommended for a healthy pregnancy outcome. The recommended weight gain during pregnancy for women who: 

• Are underweight (BMI <18.5) is 12.5-18 kg  
• Have normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) is 11.5-16 kg  
• Are overweight (BMI 25-29.9) is 7-11.5 kg  
• Are obese (BMI ≥30) is 5-9 kg¹⁰ 

GWG, if not managed, can cause an increase in blood sugar levels (gestational diabetes mellitus) or increase blood pressure, which can lead to severe pregnancy complications such as  pre-eclampsia (the mother’s organs can be at risk of damage, which can affect the health of baby)². 

Therefore, choose balanced portions, and include more nutritious foods alongside cravings to support a healthy pregnancy.  

Weird or Unusual Pregnancy Cravings

Weird cravings when pregnant is reported by many women. These include: 

• Unusual Combinations of Food: Craving and consuming foods together that are not typically eaten in combination.
  • Examples: Pickle and ice cream¹¹, pickled onions and marmalade sandwiches, chicken burgers paired with salt and vinegar crisps, etc⁶. 
• Crunchy Non-Foods: Craving and chewing non-food items that are hard or crunchy.
  • Example: ice⁷. 
• Non-Food Items (Pica): Craving for items with no nutritional value, which usually involve non-food items.
  • Examples: Dirt, clay, chalk, sand, soap, ashes, toothpaste, charcoal, stones, plaster, etc¹¹. 

While unusual cravings are generally considered harmless, pica cravings are not safe and should not be given in to. These non-food items might contain harmful chemicals and toxins, which can affect the health of both mother and baby. Pica craving can also indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency or anaemia¹¹.  

So, it is important to evaluate deficiencies or anaemia in women with pica. Consult a doctor for proper guidance. He might suggest tests like haemoglobin level measurement and serum ferritin testing, along with other relevant nutrient assessments^8,11. 

Note: Other than pica, pregnancy cravings are not reliable indicators of nutrient deficiencies. Common pregnancy cravings often reflect changes in taste preferences or hormonal influences rather than specific dietary needs. 

How to Manage Pregnancy Cravings?

Managing pregnancy cravings is important to ensure both the mother and baby receive proper nutrition. While it is okay to enjoy cravings occasionally, maintaining a balanced and mindful approach can help support a healthy pregnancy. 

• Eat Balanced Meals: Include a mix of proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to keep you full and reduce sudden cravings¹². 
• Choose Healthier Alternatives: Go for nutritious food options, e.g. choose fresh fruits instead of sugary desserts and baked snacks instead of fried foods. 
• Limit Access to Tempting Foods: Limit buying tempting foods and avoid carrying them wherever you go. 
• Avoid Skipping Meals: Do not let yourself feel hungry; eat small, regular portions. 
• Control Portion Sizes: Consume very small portions of craved foods instead of avoiding them; it might help satisfy the cravings. 
• Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water to calm down the cravings rather than giving in immediately. 
• Stay Active: Get distracted, spend time with family and friends and  involve in a pregnancy-appropriate fitness regime. 
• Stay Motivated by Health Goals: Think about your baby’s health and get concerned about your health⁴. Avoid consuming unpasteurised dairy products, undercooked meat, and high-mercury fish as they may harm your baby’s health¹³. 

Note: If the cravings are not manageable by yourself, please consult your doctor for help. 

Routine Supplementation During Pregnancy

Along with managing cravings, adequate nutrition is also important during pregnancy. As the needs may not be met solely through diet, routine supplementation for essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and folic acid is commonly recommended. 

• Iron: Essential for baby’s growth and brain development. The recommended intake:  27 mg per day. 
• Calcium: Essential for babies for teeth and bone growth and reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia. The recommended intake: 1,000 mg per day. 
• Folic acid: Reduces the chance of occurrence of neural tube defects. The recommended intake: 600 mcg¹⁴. 

When to See a Doctor?

While most pregnancy cravings are normal and harmless, there are certain situations where it is important to seek medical advice: 

• Cravings for Non-Food Items: Uncontrollable cravings for non-food items like chalk, dirt, ash, etc. These can harm you and your baby as well¹¹. 
• Cravings For Unhealthy Foods: Uncontrollable cravings for unhealthy foods and fast foods such as pizza, burgers, chips, etc. These can contribute to unhealthy weight gain and other health issues². 
• Strong Food Aversions or Food Intolerance: Not being able to eat food properly. This might bring nutritional imbalance and contribute to several health issues¹⁵. 
• Severe Nausea and Vomiting (Hyperemesis Gravidarum): Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting (different from morning sickness) that restricts adequate fluid intake. This can make you dehydrated and weak and cause weight loss⁵. 
• Inability to Tolerate Oral Intake: Sudden vomiting soon after eating or drinking something. This can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and nutrient deficiencies. 

Also Read: Myths and Facts About Pregnancy

Conclusion

Pregnancy cravings are a common and normal part of the pregnancy journey. They can be influenced by hormonal changes, increased nutritional needs, and emotional or psychological factors. While cravings are generally harmless, it is important to manage them in a balanced and healthy way to support both the mother’s and baby’s health. 

Maintaining a nutritious diet, eating balanced meals, and enjoying cravings in moderation can help ensure adequate nutrition throughout pregnancy. If cravings are not self-manageable, it is important to seek medical advice for proper guidance and support. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Stages of Pregnancy. 2025. Doi: https://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/stages-pregnancy 

2. Orloff NC, Hormes JM. Pickles and ice cream! Food cravings in pregnancy: hypotheses, preliminary evidence, and directions for future research. Front Psychol. 2014;5. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01076. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01076/full 

3. Common Pregnancy Cravings: What They Are, and Why You Get Them. 2025. Doi: https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories/common-pregnancy-cravings-what-they-are-and-why-you-get-them 

4. Blau LE, Lipsky LM, Dempster KW, et al. Women’s Experience and Understanding of Food Cravings in Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study in Women Receiving Prenatal Care at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2020;120(5):815-824. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2019.09.020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31813756/ 

5. Hyperemesis Gravidarum. 2025. Doi: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001499.htm 

6. Hill AJ, Cairnduff V, McCance DR. Nutritional and clinical associations of food cravings in pregnancy. J Human Nutrition Diet. 2016;29(3):281-289. doi:10.1111/jhn.12333. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26400798/ 

7. Nyaruhucha CNM. Food cravings, aversions and pica among pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tanzan J Health Res. 2009;11(1):29-34. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19445102/ 

8.   Forbes LE, Graham JE, Berglund C, Bell RC. Dietary Change during Pregnancy and Women’s Reasons for Change. Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1032. doi:10.3390/nu10081032. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30096771/ 

9. Nutrition During Pregnancy: Part I Weight Gain: Part II Nutrient Supplements. Doi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235221/ 

10. Pregnancy: Learn More – Weight gain in pregnancy. 2022. Doi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279575/ 

11. Pica Cravings During Pregnancy. Doi: https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/unusual-cravings-pica/ 

12. Eat Healthy During Pregnancy: Quick Tips. 2025. Doi: https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/pregnancy/nutrition-and-physical-activity/eat-healthy-during-pregnancy-quick-tips 

13. Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy. 2023. Doi: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/ 

14. Pregnancy and Nutrition. Doi: https://medlineplus.gov/pregnancyandnutrition.html 

15. Gernand AD, Schulze KJ, Stewart CP, West KP, Christian P. Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy worldwide: health effects and prevention. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2016;12(5):274-289. doi:10.1038/nrendo.2016.37. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27032981/ 

16. Candan E, Metin ZE, Tengilimoglu-Metin MM. The role of premenstrual syndrome in hedonic hunger and food craving during the menstrual cycle. J Nutr Sci. 2025;14:e66. doi:10.1017/jns.2025.10038. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40988709/ 

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