Strong Food Aversions 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 strong food aversions during pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Strong aversion to specific foods or smells that developed with pregnancy
- Call your doctor if: You cannot keep any food or fluids down and are becoming dehydrated
- 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 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. At First trimester, food aversions are most common and intense in the first trimester, often going hand in hand with morning sickness. You may suddenly find foods you normally love repulsive. This is normal and may be an evolutionary protective mechanism. Eat whatever you can tolerate. Focus on staying hydrated and getting some nutrition in, even if your diet is limited. It is generally considered normal when strong aversion to specific foods or smells that developed with pregnancy. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you cannot keep any food or fluids down and are becoming dehydrated.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
First trimester
Food aversions are most common and intense in the first trimester, often going hand in hand with morning sickness. You may suddenly find foods you normally love repulsive. This is normal and may be an evolutionary protective mechanism. Eat whatever you can tolerate. Focus on staying hydrated and getting some nutrition in, even if your diet is limited.
Second trimester
Food aversions often improve in the second trimester as nausea decreases and hormones stabilize. You may be able to reintroduce foods you previously could not tolerate. If aversions persist, work with your provider to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition, possibly with supplements.
Third trimester
Most food aversions resolve by the third trimester, though some may persist. If you are still struggling with specific food groups, a prenatal vitamin and discussing dietary alternatives with your provider can help ensure adequate nutrition for you and your baby.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed strong food aversions 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 food aversions are so severe that you cannot maintain adequate nutrition.
- Mention if you are losing weight because of inability to eat.
- 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 aversion to specific foods or smells that developed with pregnancy
- Aversions are most intense in the first trimester and improve over time
- You are able to eat other foods and maintain hydration
- Aversions do not prevent you from getting adequate overall nutrition
- Food aversions are so severe that you cannot maintain adequate nutrition
- You are losing weight because of inability to eat
- Aversions persist throughout pregnancy and significantly limit your diet
- You cannot keep any food or fluids down and are becoming dehydrated
- You are losing significant weight (more than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight)
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice strong food aversions during pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that strong aversion to specific foods or smells that developed with pregnancy — 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 cannot keep any food or fluids down and are becoming dehydrated.
Related Conditions
Severe vs Normal Morning Sickness
Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy) affects up to 80% of pregnant people and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. It typically peaks between weeks 8-12 and resolves by weeks 16-20, though severity varies widely from mild queasiness to frequent vomiting.
Unusual Food Cravings During Pregnancy
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.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that goes far beyond normal morning sickness. It affects about 1-3% of pregnancies and can cause dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances. HG is not your fault and is not caused by anything you did. With appropriate treatment including IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, and nutritional support, most women with HG have healthy babies.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Growth Percentile Calculator
Plot your baby's weight, length, and head circumference on WHO/CDC growth charts.
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 strong food aversions during pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about strong food aversions during pregnancy?
When is strong food aversions during pregnancy normal?
What causes strong food aversions during pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about strong food aversions during pregnancy?
Is strong food aversions during pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Is strong food aversions during pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Should I go to the ER for strong food aversions during pregnancy?
Does strong food aversions 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. Nutrition and Food Safety. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Strong Food Aversions During Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed strong food aversions 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 food aversions are so severe that you cannot maintain adequate nutrition.
- Mention if you are losing weight because of inability to eat.
- 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
- Food aversions are so severe that you cannot maintain adequate nutrition
- You are losing weight because of inability to eat
- Aversions persist throughout pregnancy and significantly limit your diet
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You cannot keep any food or fluids down and are becoming dehydrated
- You are losing significant weight (more than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight)
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 strong food aversions during pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you cannot keep any food or fluids down and are becoming dehydrated.
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
Severe vs Normal Morning Sickness
Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy) affects up to 80% of pregnant people and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. It typically peaks between weeks 8-12 and resolves by weeks 16-20, though severity varies widely from mild queasiness to frequent vomiting.
Unusual Food Cravings During Pregnancy
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.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that goes far beyond normal morning sickness. It affects about 1-3% of pregnancies and can cause dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances. HG is not your fault and is not caused by anything you did. With appropriate treatment including IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, and nutritional support, most women with HG have healthy babies.
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