Pickles and ice cream, chips and cream cheese—we’ve all heard about some of the “whacky” food cravings that frequently accompany pregnancy. If you are wondering if YOUR particular craving is weird, chances are, it's not. It’s pretty normal to crave certain foods, and there are a few reasons behind them. Check out some of the pregnancy cravings that are pretty common and why you’re having them.
What Causes Pregnancy Cravings?
Pregnancy cravings are somewhat mysterious, with several possible causes. We can mostly chalk them up to hormonal changes, but there isn’t any solid evidence linking pregnancy hormones to cravings.
Others suggest that these cravings may be the body's way of addressing nutritional deficiencies – for instance, craving ice cream for calcium or fruit for vitamin D. And given that over 95 percent of pregnant women are depleted, we should be taking our nutritional needs seriously regardless of the more odd spectrum of wants.
Cravings may also be influenced by the culture you're part of—chocolate might be the go-to in the U.S., while rice is a common craving in Japan. Additionally, recent research suggests cravings could be due to changes in the brain's reward system during pregnancy. Though the science is still evolving, these insights may help us better understand the cravings experienced during pregnancy.
How Early in Pregnancy do Cravings Start?
Every pregnancy is different, but food cravings tend to start in the first trimester and ramp up in the second trimester before tapering off in the third trimester. They can start as early as the fifth week of pregnancy. In rare cases, some pregnant people crave non-food items like chalk or dust, called ‘pica.’ While pica cravings are not uncommon, consuming non-food items may be harmful to you and your baby. If you are experiencing pica, speak with your healthcare provider ASAP.
What Are Typical Pregnancy Cravings?
Pregnancy cravings are usually harmless. The most common ones are sweets like ice cream, dairy products such as cheese, starchy carbohydrates, and fast food like burgers or Chinese food. Some people crave certain fruits and vegetables or chocolate. If you’re craving sweet or salty snacks, consider alternatives like sugar-free drink mixes or hummus–consuming too many refined carbs or sugar can be bad for you and your baby.
What are Some Weird yet Common Food Cravings in Pregnancy?
Beyond chocolate and BBQ chips, some pregnancy cravings can be a little more “out there.” Sometimes, that’s a craving for a combination of salty and sweet or a taste for something exotic or a combo you’d never see together.
Peanut Butter and Pickles
Yep, you read that right: peanut butter and pickles. The mix of sweet, creamy peanut butter and tangy, crunchy pickles creates a satisfying blend of flavors that some pregnant women find delicious. Whether on a sandwich or straight from the jar, this quirky pairing is a perfect example of how pregnancy cravings can be both
Chocolate-Covered Bacon
Who doesn’t love bacon? And we all love chocolate, but together? Sweet and salty come together in a surprisingly delicious way with this popular pregnancy craving. It may initially sound unusual, but crispy, savory bacon pairs well with rich, sweet chocolate. Even beyond pregnancy, many people enjoy this sweet and salty treat.
Cheese and Jam Sandwiches
Picture a slice of cheddar or gouda topped with a generous spread of raspberry or blackberry jam sandwiched between two slices of bread. Each bite offers the perfect balance of salty and sweet, making this quirky craving both satisfying and indulgent. Cheese and jam is another culinary favorite pregnant and non-pregnant people enjoy.
Pickles and Ice Cream
It may sound like a joke, but some people actually crave the tangy, sour brine flavor of a pickle combined with the sweetness and creaminess of ice cream. It hits those sweet and salty notes yet again.
Fruit with Salt
Speaking of sweet and salty, fruit with salt is a common street snack in many countries. In some parts of Latin America, people add salt to ripe summer fruits like mangoes and pineapple. The salt brings out the natural flavor in some fruits, making them more intense and tasty.
Pasta with Ketchup
The combination of comforting carbs and the tangy sweetness of ketchup creates an oddly satisfying snack. It’s also simple and quick and hits the spot when cravings strike. For a culinary twist, add a sprinkle of grated cheese, some fresh herbs, or even a dash of hot sauce.
Yogurt with Pickles
Like ice cream, yogurt is another sweet, creamy pairing that works with pickles. The salt from the pickles helps with electrolytes, and the yogurt has gut goodness in the form of probiotics. Not only are you satisfying cravings, but you’re also eating a healthy snack with multiple benefits.
Ice
Many people love crunching away on ice, a craving known as pagophagia. However, if you find yourself really craving ice, speak with your healthcare provider. Ice cravings can be a sign of an iron deficiency or anemia.
Noodles and Ice Cream
In the same vein as pickles and ice cream, noodles and ice cream may surprise you. Ramen or spaghetti or whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong with fresh noodles; the ice cream is optional.
Chicken Wings and Maple Syrup
This really isn’t that different from a Southern brunch classic: chicken and waffles. You skip the waffles and go straight for the syrup. Pairing honey and chicken is another common and tasty flavor combination.
Red Meat and Cream Soda
Some pregnant people crave red meat throughout the pregnancy–and some theorize that it’s the body trying to maintain adequate iron levels to support a growing fetus. Cream soda isn’t just sweet; it contains phosphoric acid, which can help with heartburn, a common ailment during pregnancy.
Potato Chips with Nutella
The hazelnut spread is popular with many tasty pairings–bananas, strawberries and, yes, potato chips. This is another example of sweet and salty satisfying two tastes at once. It’s no wonder people who aren’t pregnant may also crave this tasty snack.
Soy Sauce and Bananas
While this pairing may be the rarest on the list, it still has a commonality: salty and sweet. Bananas are also a good source of potassium, which helps maintain the correct balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body's cells. So, this combo passes the healthy and good test. Just ensure you aren’t overdoing it with the soy sauce, which can contain excess amounts of sodium.
How to Deal with Pregnancy Cravings
Pregnancy is a unique journey, and while cravings can be part of the fun, it's important to ensure they don’t overshadow your nutritional needs. Along with enjoying balanced meals and staying active, taking a high-quality pregnancy multivitamin is a great way to ensure you're getting all the essential nutrients for you and your baby. A multivitamin can help fill any gaps in your diet and support healthy development throughout your pregnancy. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider to find the right multivitamin for you and give your baby the best start possible.
