Unusual Food Cravings During Pregnancy
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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 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
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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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.