A sudden, intense urge for a very specific food – be it sweet, sour, or salty – is a classic, often humorous, part of the pregnancy experience. While these cravings can feel overwhelming, they are a normal phenomenon and can even offer valuable insight into your body's changing nutritional needs.
In this guide, we'll demystify pregnancy cravings, including their causes, common types, and how to manage them.
When Do Pregnancy Cravings Start?
Pregnancy cravings can start as soon as the first trimester for some expectant mothers, typically peaking when you enter the second trimester. Following this, they may either subside or change as you move into the final stage of pregnancy.
However, some expecting mothers do not experience any significant cravings at all, so don’t fret if you find that you’re not hankering for any particular foods.
What Do These Common Pregnancy Cravings Mean?
Understanding what pregnancy cravings mean can be incredibly useful, as they often signal something about your body's nutritional needs.
Let’s explore some common cravings and what to do if you experience them.
Sweets
That intense craving for carbohydrates, baked goods, or desserts may be your body's way of signalling a need for a quick energy source. The demands of pregnancy can increase your body's metabolism, leading to a need for foods that provide a rapid increase in blood sugar.
What to do
If you're experiencing a strong sugar craving during pregnancy, try to manage it with healthier alternatives like fresh fruit or a small piece of dark chocolate.
Salt
A sudden desire for salty things like crisps or chips may indicate that your body needs more sodium as your blood volume rises during pregnancy.
What to do
Opt for healthier alternatives like nuts or olives instead of highly processed foods to satisfy salty cravings during pregnancy. These provide the essential nutrients without the unhealthy elements of junk food.
Sour Foods
Many pregnant women experience a strong desire for tangy foods like pickles and citrus fruits. These cravings may be related to a need for more vitamins, especially Vitamin C, or could be a way for your body to find nausea relief.
What to do
Satisfy your sour cravings with natural sources like citrus fruits or pickles, which are a good source of vitamins and can help alleviate morning sickness during pregnancy.
Red Meats
If you find yourself craving steak while pregnant, it’s a strong sign that your body needs more iron and protein. These nutrients are crucial during pregnancy for supporting your increased blood volume and the healthy development of your baby’s muscles and organs.
What to do
To ensure you're getting the nutrients you need, consider a variety of iron and protein sources. These can include animal-based options like red meat, poultry, and eggs, as well as plant-based foods like legumes and tofu.
Non-Food Items
Though it may sound strange, some pregnant women experience cravings for non-food items. According to Healthline, this is a condition known as Pica, which can affect anyone but is more common during pregnancy. For example, a desire to chew on ice or a very specific craving for dirt during pregnancy may “be a sign that something in your body is out of balance”.
What to do
If you experience cravings for non-food items during pregnancy, seek immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. They can help you determine the root cause of your cravings and find a safe and effective solution.
What Happens if You Ignore Pregnancy Cravings?
The goal is not to resist pregnancy cravings entirely, as completely disregarding a craving can lead to several negative outcomes:
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Feelings of deprivation
- Overeating later on
Instead, you should focus on managing them mindfully through a balanced approach that allows for occasional indulgences. Opt for healthier choices whenever possible and communicate with your healthcare provider about any unusual or concerning cravings to ensure your and your baby’s well-being.
Navigating Pregnancy with Flegen
The cravings you experience will often be linked to the changes your body is undergoing while your baby develops.
So, as you prepare for the physical and emotional changes to come, consider prenatal classes as a source of support in your journey. Antenatal education is a crucial way to cultivate the confidence and skills you’ll need as a new parent.
For example, our First Steps for New Parents class is a valuable way to feel equipped as a first-time parent navigating pregnancy.
And as you prepare for your newborn’s arrival, our Childbirth Education class can help prime you for a positive birth experience through hands-on labour exercises in a nurturing one-to-one format.
Start out strong as you step into parenthood – explore our classes today!