Pregnancy Cravings: Complete Guide
Whether it's a sudden desire for pickles at midnight or an inability to look at chicken without feeling queasy, cravings and aversions are one of the most talked-about parts of pregnancy. They're also one of the most misunderstood, with plenty of myths attached. Here's a grounded look at what's actually going on.
Why Cravings Happen
There's no single confirmed explanation, but several factors are thought to contribute.
- Hormonal shifts affect how your brain processes taste and smell, which can make certain foods suddenly far more or less appealing than usual.
- A heightened sense of smell often works alongside cravings and aversions, since taste and smell are closely linked.
- Emotional and psychological factors may play a role too — pregnancy can bring comfort-seeking behaviour, and cravings sometimes reflect a desire for familiar, soothing foods.
- The idea that cravings reflect specific nutritional deficiencies is a popular theory, but it isn't strongly supported by evidence — a craving for chocolate, for instance, doesn't reliably mean your body needs more magnesium.
What's Common
Cravings and aversions typically follow a rough pattern, though every pregnancy is different.
- Common cravings include sweet foods, salty snacks, citrus fruits, dairy, carbohydrates, and sometimes unusual food combinations
- Common aversions include meat, eggs, coffee, and foods with strong smells
- Cravings often start in the first trimester and tend to peak during the second trimester for many women, though this varies
- They usually settle down by the third trimester, though this also varies considerably
Managing Cravings Sensibly
- Indulge in moderation — an occasional treat is not something to feel guilty about, and trying to fight every craving can be exhausting and unnecessary.
- Look for a healthier version where you can, such as swapping a sugary drink for fruit, or choosing wholemeal options over white where the craving allows.
- Keep an eye on overall balance rather than obsessing over individual cravings — the goal is a generally varied, healthy diet across the week, not perfection every day.
- Stay within safe food guidelines even when cravings hit — some foods (like certain soft cheeses, pâté, or raw/undercooked eggs and meat) are best avoided in pregnancy regardless of how appealing they seem.
When a Craving Needs Medical Attention: Pica
Craving and eating non-food items — such as ice, chalk, dirt, soap or laundry starch — is known as pica. This is different from typical food cravings and is sometimes linked to iron deficiency anaemia, though the exact cause isn't always clear. If you notice cravings for non-food substances, contact your GP or midwife, as it's worth checking your iron levels and discussing safe management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pregnancy cravings normal?
Yes, cravings and aversions are extremely common in pregnancy and are thought to be linked to hormonal changes affecting taste and smell. Indulging occasionally and in moderation is generally fine, and there's no need to feel guilty about the odd craving. The exception is craving non-food items such as ice, dirt or chalk (pica), which is worth mentioning to your GP as it can be associated with iron deficiency.
Do cravings predict baby gender?
No — the idea that specific cravings (such as sweet foods for a girl or salty/savoury foods for a boy) can predict your baby's sex is a popular old wives' tale, not something backed by evidence. Like most gender-prediction folklore, it's roughly as accurate as a coin toss. If you're curious about your baby's sex, an anomaly scan from around 18-21 weeks or specific testing are the reliable routes, not what you're eating.
What should I do if I'm craving something that isn't food?
If you find yourself wanting to eat non-food items like ice, dirt, chalk, soap or paper, this is called pica and is worth discussing with your GP or midwife rather than ignoring. It can sometimes be linked to iron deficiency anaemia, and a simple blood test can check this. Try not to feel embarrassed — it's a recognised and fairly common pregnancy experience that your healthcare team will have encountered before.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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