Nutella with sour pickles, sausage with jam, or mustard straight from the jar: There are endless clichés about pregnancy cravings. And indeed, many expectant mothers discover a love for rather strange food combinations during pregnancy. Or they suddenly enjoy things they couldn’t eat before pregnancy and can no longer stomach former favorite foods. But why is that? Do these cravings make sense—perhaps even help the body? And when do cravings typically appear during pregnancy?
Why do pregnant women have cravings?
According to a US Study between 50 and 90% of all pregnant women develop cravings for unusual dishes or food combinations during pregnancy. The origin of this phenomenon is still not well researched.
Even experts can only make educated guesses so far. A
reason could be the increased nutrient requirements during pregnancy –
the body “craves” what it needs through these desires.
That’s not unlikely, because many cravings (for sweet, salty, or particularly fatty foods) may indicate a deficiency in nutrients such as vitamins, iron, magnesium, or fatty acids.
According to this theory, it can also work the other way around: Many women suddenly dislike foods during pregnancy that they previously enjoyed very much, or they experience a strong aversion to certain tastes and smells. The body may be signaling that certain foods could be harmful.
Another theory suggests that hormones are to blame for cravings. Fluctuations in hormone levels , especially in the hormones beta-hCG, estrogen, and progesterone, are completely normal during pregnancy. They can affect your sense of smell and taste.
Also blood sugar fluctuations may contribute to cravings and changes in appetite: Due to increased
insulin production in the body, a pregnant woman’s blood sugar level can sometimes drop quickly. This can lead to intense cravings for sweets.
Not least, many pregnant women also experience emotional cravings . This can include a desire for “comfort food,” such as meals from childhood like grandma’s potato soup or dad’s favorite pasta. This special need for food that provides a sense of security is also completely normal, especially during pregnancy.
Did you know that pregnant women in different countries also have different cravings? In Africa, women often crave fruit, yogurt, and meat, while in the USA, cravings for pickles, pizza, and sweets predominate.
When do pregnancy cravings occur?
Unusual cravings can occur throughout pregnancy, but for most women, they are strongest in the first two trimesters . This suggests that they correlate with hormone levels – toward the end of pregnancy, these usually stabilize.
Some studies also suggest that women who often experience nausea at the beginning of pregnancy later develop particularly strong and unusual cravings.
Did you know: Although it is a common myth, you cannot determine the baby’s gender based on pregnancy cravings.
The Pica syndrome
Hunger or cravings are usually quite normal, and you can indulge them within a healthy framework. If you discuss this with your doctor, you’re on the safe side. However, a few pregnant women suddenly develop cravings for things that aren’t food: chalk, coal, laundry detergent, toilet paper, or hair are just a few examples. These cravings can’t be definitively explained either, but it is believed that they are also related to nutritional deficiencies in the body. Medical professionals refer to this as Pica syndrome. It can be dangerous for mother and baby if the pregnant woman gives in to these cravings and eats something harmful or even toxic. If you experience such cravings, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Together, you can clarify which nutrients you may be missing. Additionally, you will find some tips and a checklist on the topic in our article “ ”.
Cravings and intense hunger are therefore most likely signals from your body that help you navigate pregnancy and childbirth as well as possible—how convenient! Of course, it’s still a good idea to eat a balanced, reasonably healthy diet and to curb your cravings now and then. For example, you can prepare fruit and vegetable snacks so the temptation to reach for chocolate isn’t always so strong. And of course, you’re allowed to treat yourself once in a while! Your doctor will be happy to advise you on a varied and colorful menu that also accommodates your pregnancy cravings. We wish you a wonderful pregnancy!
