Pregnancy cravings may conjure up the image of sneaking out into the kitchen in the middle of the night to eat a pint of ice cream with pickles. Does this sound like you? You may experience varying food cravings (such as for salt, spicy, or sweet foods) during pregnancy, as each expectant mom is unique. Or you might find yourself repulsed by a smell or flavor you loved a few months earlier. Read on to learn more about this common pregnancy phenomenon. Show
What Are Pregnancy Food Cravings and What Causes Them?Food cravings during pregnancy are generally nothing to worry about, and you can indulge in some chocolate, potato chips, or ice cream (or a combination of all three) in moderation during your pregnancy. So, why do pregnancy cravings happen? If you’re wondering what causes them, here are two possible reasons women might experience cravings during pregnancy:
What Are Pregnancy Food Aversions?During pregnancy, you might suddenly find yourself unable to tolerate the taste or smell (or both) of a certain food, even if this was something you originally liked—coffee and fried foods are frequent offenders. But otherwise, food aversions don’t have any specific underlying meaning. Here are two possible medical reasons food aversions may occur during your pregnancy:
When Do Pregnancy Cravings and Aversions Start and End?Early on in your pregnancy you may be wondering, when do pregnancy cravings start? Food cravings and aversions can be early signs of pregnancy, appearing in the first trimester. Food cravings are likely to disappear (and food aversions likely to lessen) in the fourth month of pregnancy. If your food cravings continue, it could be a sign of iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. Consult your healthcare provider if your food cravings continue into the second trimester of your pregnancy and if you have any questions regarding iron supplementation during your pregnancy. List of Common Pregnancy CravingsAs you’ve probably guessed, food cravings during pregnancy are highly individual. Some women’s cravings may run the gamut from sweet to savory and other women may have no cravings during pregnancy. You may not be adding sardines to your pistachio ice cream with hot fudge like Lucille Ball, but you may still be experiencing sudden and sometimes strange food cravings, especially late at night. Here are the 10 most common food cravings women experience during pregnancy according to research:
What Do Food Cravings Mean During Pregnancy?You may be wondering whether your specific food craving is a signal from your body that it needs a certain nutrient or food during your pregnancy. The fact that you crave a certain food doesn’t necessarily mean your body needs it. So, no matter how hard you hoped it were true (as you finished off a pint of ice cream), there are no scientific connections between pregnancy cravings and specific foods. Nor is there a good answer to the age-old question “Why do pregnant women crave pickles?” What to Do About Food Cravings During PregnancyAs long as you’re following your pregnancy diet, eating a variety of healthy foods, and getting the nutrients you and your baby need, there’s no reason to be concerned about the sporadic food craving. It’s completely OK to indulge your cravings now and then. But try to avoid using your food cravings as an excuse to overeat or to focus on unhealthy food. It can easily lead to compromising your own nutrition as well as your developing baby’s. Nevertheless, there are times when you just can’t stop wanting a particular food. Here are six ways to manage cravings and lessen their effect on you.
Healthy Swaps for Common Food Cravings During PregnancySo, what might you do when a craving hits? You could give in and just have whatever you’re craving in a small to moderate amount. Or, if it’s a food item that isn’t all too healthy, you might think about replacing it with a healthier yet still satisfying version. Here are some tips and options you might like to try when a specific food craving hits:
Weird Pregnancy Cravings You Should Consult Your Healthcare Provider AboutSome women may experience a craving for non-food items like laundry detergent, dirt, clay, ashes, paint chips, or ice during pregnancy. This is a condition called pica, which may be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. If you have the urge to eat non-food items, such as the ones mentioned above, consult your healthcare provider immediately, and do not give into these cravings; they may be harmful for both you and your baby. The Bottom LinePregnancy cravings are normal and can even be odd sometimes. You’ll probably even have a few amusing pregnancy craving stories of your own to share with family and friends. If you’re interested in learning more about food, nutrition, and your pregnancy, check out our Nutrition During Pregnancy guide. Keep in mind that as long as you’re getting all the nutrition you and your baby need, indulging in a pregnancy craving and treating yourself occasionally is totally acceptable, and there’s no need to feel any guilt. In the meantime, this is a great time to download the Pampers Club app. Stock up on diapers and wipes ahead of your baby’s birth and get cash back for all your purchases! Can you have food aversions at 2 weeks pregnant?This could be because both are caused by hCG. However, it could also be because you associate morning sickness with the foods you're eating at the time. According to the Mayo Clinic, nausea and food aversions can both be early symptoms of pregnancy, which continue into the first trimester.
Can you have food aversions at 3 weeks pregnant?Pregnancy symptoms at three weeks
You may get food cravings early on in your pregnancy or notice that your favourite foods and drinks are suddenly unappetising. Aversions to tea, coffee, alcohol, fried food and eggs are common among new mums-to-be.
When do smell aversions start in pregnancy?Very early pregnancy symptoms (like sensitivity to smell and tender breasts) may show up before you miss your period, as soon as a few days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy (like spotting) might appear around one week after sperm meets egg.
How early in pregnancy does food taste different?In fact, it is quite common to experience a changing sense of taste, also known as dysgeusia, during pregnancy. Dysgeusia usually happens throughout your first trimester, as early as your first two weeks of pregnancy, and is often characterized by a metallic taste in your mouth.
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