Unusual Food Cravings During Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with unusual food cravings during pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Food cravings during pregnancy are very common, affecting 50-90% of pregnant people. They are thought to be caused by hormonal changes, nutritional needs, and heightened senses. Most cravings are harmless, but intense cravings for non-food items (pica) should be discussed with your provider.
Key takeaways
- Food cravings during pregnancy are very common, affecting 50-90% of pregnant people. They are thought to be caused by hormonal changes, nutritional needs, and heightened senses. Most cravings are harmless, but intense cravings for non-food items (pica) should be discussed with your provider.
- Usually normal when: Strong desire for specific foods like pickles, chocolate, fruit, or salty snacks
- Call your doctor if: You are craving and consuming non-food items like dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch, or soap (pica), which can be dangerous
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines, food cravings during pregnancy are very common, affecting 50-90% of pregnant people. They are thought to be caused by hormonal changes, nutritional needs, and heightened senses. Most cravings are harmless, but intense cravings for non-food items (pica) should be discussed with your provider. At First trimester, cravings often begin in the first trimester alongside food aversions. You may intensely want specific foods, often those that are salty, sweet, or sour. Moderate indulgence of food cravings is fine as long as you are maintaining a generally balanced diet. Cravings do not necessarily indicate a nutritional deficiency. It is generally considered normal when strong desire for specific foods like pickles, chocolate, fruit, or salty snacks. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you are craving and consuming non-food items like dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch, or soap (pica), which can be dangerous.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
First trimester
Cravings often begin in the first trimester alongside food aversions. You may intensely want specific foods, often those that are salty, sweet, or sour. Moderate indulgence of food cravings is fine as long as you are maintaining a generally balanced diet. Cravings do not necessarily indicate a nutritional deficiency.
Second trimester
Cravings may peak in the second trimester. Enjoy your cravings in moderation. If you are craving ice (pagophagia), this can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia and should be mentioned to your provider. Try to balance cravings with nutrient-rich foods.
Third trimester
Cravings often continue but may shift in the third trimester. Be mindful of excessive sugar or sodium intake, which can affect blood pressure and blood sugar levels. If cravings feel uncontrollable or you are craving non-food items like dirt, chalk, or laundry detergent, talk to your provider about pica.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed unusual food cravings during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you are craving ice constantly, which can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia.
- Mention if cravings are so intense that you are eating excessively and gaining weight rapidly.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Strong desire for specific foods like pickles, chocolate, fruit, or salty snacks
- Cravings that can be satisfied and do not dominate your entire diet
- Food preferences that shifted with pregnancy
- Cravings that you can moderate and balance with healthy eating
- You are craving ice constantly, which can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia
- Cravings are so intense that you are eating excessively and gaining weight rapidly
- You are craving very specific unusual combinations that concern you
- You are craving and consuming non-food items like dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch, or soap (pica), which can be dangerous
- You are unable to control eating and are consuming large quantities of foods that are unsafe during pregnancy
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice unusual food cravings during pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that strong desire for specific foods like pickles, chocolate, fruit, or salty snacks — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if you are craving and consuming non-food items like dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch, or soap (pica), which can be dangerous.
Related Conditions
Craving Non-Food Items During Pregnancy (Pica)
Pica is the craving and sometimes consumption of non-food items during pregnancy, such as ice, dirt, clay, chalk, or laundry starch. It affects an estimated 28% of pregnant people worldwide and may be associated with iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies. It should always be discussed with your provider.
Strong Food Aversions During Pregnancy
Food aversions affect up to 60-85% of pregnant people and are caused by hormonal changes that heighten the sense of smell and taste. Common aversions include meat, eggs, coffee, and strongly flavored or scented foods. While inconvenient, food aversions are a normal part of pregnancy and usually ease by the second trimester.
Pregnancy Weight Gain: Too Much or Too Little
Weight gain during pregnancy varies, but general guidelines recommend 25-35 pounds for normal-weight individuals, 28-40 pounds for underweight, 15-25 pounds for overweight, and 11-20 pounds for obese individuals. These are just guidelines - your provider will help you determine what is healthy for your body. Focus on nutrition quality rather than the number on the scale.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is unusual food cravings during pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about unusual food cravings during pregnancy?
When is unusual food cravings during pregnancy normal?
What causes unusual food cravings during pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about unusual food cravings during pregnancy?
Is unusual food cravings during pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Is unusual food cravings during pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Should I go to the ER for unusual food cravings during pregnancy?
Does unusual food cravings during pregnancy go away on its own?
References
- [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Nutrition During Pregnancy. ACOG FAQ, 2022. ACOG
- [2]National Library of Medicine. Food Cravings and Aversions During Pregnancy. Frontiers in Psychology, 2014. NIH
- [3]March of Dimes. Cravings During Pregnancy. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Unusual Food Cravings During Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed unusual food cravings during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you are craving ice constantly, which can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia.
- Mention if cravings are so intense that you are eating excessively and gaining weight rapidly.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You are craving ice constantly, which can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia
- Cravings are so intense that you are eating excessively and gaining weight rapidly
- You are craving very specific unusual combinations that concern you
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You are craving and consuming non-food items like dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch, or soap (pica), which can be dangerous
- You are unable to control eating and are consuming large quantities of foods that are unsafe during pregnancy
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of unusual food cravings during pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you are craving and consuming non-food items like dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch, or soap (pica), which can be dangerous.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Maternal Concerns
Craving Non-Food Items During Pregnancy (Pica)
Pica is the craving and sometimes consumption of non-food items during pregnancy, such as ice, dirt, clay, chalk, or laundry starch. It affects an estimated 28% of pregnant people worldwide and may be associated with iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies. It should always be discussed with your provider.
Strong Food Aversions During Pregnancy
Food aversions affect up to 60-85% of pregnant people and are caused by hormonal changes that heighten the sense of smell and taste. Common aversions include meat, eggs, coffee, and strongly flavored or scented foods. While inconvenient, food aversions are a normal part of pregnancy and usually ease by the second trimester.
Pregnancy Weight Gain: Too Much or Too Little
Weight gain during pregnancy varies, but general guidelines recommend 25-35 pounds for normal-weight individuals, 28-40 pounds for underweight, 15-25 pounds for overweight, and 11-20 pounds for obese individuals. These are just guidelines - your provider will help you determine what is healthy for your body. Focus on nutrition quality rather than the number on the scale.
Dealing with Abnormal Prenatal Screening Results
An abnormal prenatal screening result can be terrifying, but it is important to understand that screening tests are designed to cast a wide net and have significant false-positive rates. Most people with abnormal screening results go on to have healthy babies after further testing confirms the baby is fine. An abnormal screening is a reason for more information, not a diagnosis.
Pregnancy Over 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)
While pregnancy after 35 carries some increased risks (including chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and hypertension), the vast majority of people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The term "geriatric pregnancy" is outdated and does not reflect reality. With appropriate prenatal care and monitoring, outcomes are excellent.
Amniocentesis Questions and Fears
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed between 15-20 weeks that analyzes amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal conditions and genetic disorders with over 99% accuracy. The risk of pregnancy loss from the procedure is approximately 1 in 500-1,000 when performed by an experienced provider. Understanding the actual risks can help you make an informed decision.