Common Food Cravings During Pregnancy

• Written by Leena Khowal

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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First of all, a big shout-out to all-to-be moms. Pregnancy is a beautiful, exciting journey, but it also comes with some pretty unexpected twists. One of the biggest ones? Pregnancy food cravings.

Suddenly craving something sweet, sour, spicy, or totally strange? Well, don't worry, you are not alone. In fact, in a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health on 635 women, 39% experienced food cravings for sweet foods, fruits, and dairy. Pregnancy cravings happen due to a mix of hormonal, emotional, and nutritional factors. Understanding them can help you support your health and your baby’s development.

This blog explains when pregnancy cravings start, what they mean, how to manage them, and what’s normal vs. not-so-normal.

What Your Pregnancy Cravings Are Telling You?

Pregnancy cravings are strong food urges that extend beyond simple hunger. This generally starts in the first trimester or later. Pregnancy cravings aren’t random. Researchers believe they are influenced by:

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones affect your sense of smell, taste, and appetite. This explains sudden love or hate for certain foods.
• Nutritional Needs: Sometimes cravings reflect what your body is running low on (iron, calcium, protein, carbs, etc.).
• Emotional Comfort: Stress, nausea, or fatigue can make high-energy or familiar foods feel extra comforting.

When Do Pregnancy Cravings Start?

One of the most common questions expecting moms Google is: “When do cravings start during pregnancy?” Pregnancy cravings typically begin in the first trimester, around weeks 5 to 8, peak during the second trimester, and decline in the third trimester.

However:

• Some women experience cravings later.
• Some have mild or short-lived cravings.
• Some have no cravings during pregnancy at all, which is entirely normal.

Every pregnancy is different, and “no cravings” does not indicate any problem.

Understanding Common Pregnancy Cravings

The most common cravings during pregnancy are food items that can satisfy your taste buds. However, it is essential to notice and observe your cravings. They can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency that needs to be fulfilled for your baby and you.

Below are the common cravings and what your body may be hinting at: 

Meat or Egg Cravings: Many women report cravings for eggs during pregnancy or red meat more than usual.

This may signal:

• Protein needs.
• Low iron, since iron requirements rise during pregnancy.

Iron-rich foods are recommended throughout pregnancy to maintain healthy blood levels.

Dairy Cravings: Craving milk, yoghurt, or cheese? This is extremely common.

Dairy provides:

• Calcium.
• Protein.
• Vitamin D.

These support your baby’s bone development. Also, choose pasteurised dairy

Fruit Cravings: Fruits give vitamins, minerals, hydration, and fibre. Oranges, lemons, and sweet fruits may signal your body’s need for:

• Vitamin C.
• Potassium.
• Quick energy.

Fruit smoothies or simple fruit bowls are healthy ways to satisfy these cravings.

Carbohydrate Cravings: Bread, roti, pasta, cereals, carb cravings are common, especially in the first trimester when nausea hits.

Craving cereal may indicate your body needs:

• Fibre..
• Energy
• Something easy on the stomach.

Choose whole grains like oats, multigrain bread, barley, or wheat for better nutrition.

Spicy Food Cravings: Spicy cravings are usually linked to hormonal changes. These cravings are safe in moderation, but too much spice may trigger heartburn, which is very common in the third trimester.

Craving Control: How to Manage Pregnancy Cravings?

Your eating practices have a common impact on your weight. So, to ensure pregnancy cravings are satisfied while maintaining a healthy weight, here are some tips for managing your weight during pregnancy:

• Eat Balanced and  Nutritious Meals.
• Do exercises, short walks, and yoga, etc.
• Do Not Skip Your Meals.
• Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals.
• Balanced diet
• providing with fullerartner'port port whenever needed. 
• Stay Hydrated.

When Should You Worry?

Pregnancy cravings are common and not usually a matter of concern. However, there are some conditions where cravings could indicate some medical issues that require medical consultations.

• Craving non-food items: If you crave non-food items like chalk or clay, it could be a sign of a deficiency in essential nutrients.
• Craving an excessive amount of a specific food: If you are craving unhealthy amounts of sugary, salty, or fatty foods, it could lead to complications such as gestational diabetes.
• Extreme cravings and loss of control: If the cravings are so intense that they are interfering with your ability to maintain a balanced diet, it is essential to consult a doctor.

Unveiling the Truth: Pregnancy Cravings Myths vs. Facts

Knowing the difference between myths and facts helps ensure a healthier, stress-free pregnancy. Let us learn in detail about them that every expecting parent should know:

Myth 1: Eat for two

Fact: We often hear this from our elders. Although a pregnant woman should follow a healthy pregnancy diet, overeating can also cause problems; you only need about 300 extra calories per day in the second and third trimesters.

Myth 2: Exercise is unsafe during pregnancy

Fact: Most pregnant women should stay active unless advised otherwise. There are some safe pregnancy exercises women should do.

Myth 3: Your lifestyle doesn’t affect the baby

Fact: Maternal weight, diet, and health directly influence fetal health and long-term outcomes. 

Myth 4: Touching your belly can harm the baby

Fact: Light touch is entirely safe, and babies start responding to touch in later pregnancy.

Myth 5: Air travel is unsafe during pregnancy

Fact: A Healthy pregnancy increases the safety until around 36 weeks. 

Embracing Your Cravings!

Whether you’re craving spicy food at 3 AM, dreaming about fruits, or pregnancy cravings start when you least expect them, know this: pregnancy cravings are a normal phenomenon. There is no definite science to tell what causes these cravings or the obvious urges. Just stay mindful, choose healthier options when possible, and enjoy the journey without guilt. 

And while you’re caring for your cravings, don’t forget to care for your overall pregnancy health, too. Pregnancy often comes with frequent scans, doctor visits, tests, supplements, and, of course, delivery expenses. These costs can add up quickly. That’s why it’s actually helpful to think ahead and secure a comprehensive maternity health insurance plan before you conceive. It ensures that when the big day arrives, you’re focused only on your baby, not on the bills.

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.