When people think about pregnancy, food cravings are often one of the first things that come to mind. Pregnancy cravings are intense desires for specific foods that differ from normal hunger because they tend to be stronger and more persistent. These cravings are common throughout pregnancy and often peak during the second trimester.⁵

Researchers view cravings as a two-step process, beginning with internal or external triggers and followed by mental imagery and associations. Although the exact cause of pregnancy cravings is not fully understood, several theories exist, including hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, pharmacologically active food components, and cultural or psychosocial influences.

Pregnancy Cravings and What They Mean

Pregnancy cravings can vary widely, and their timing and intensity often change throughout pregnancy.

Pregnancy cravings begin most frequently in the early stages of pregnancy.⁵ Food cravings tend to peak during the second trimester and diminish as pregnancy progresses. Research also shows a significant decrease in pregnancy cravings following the baby’s delivery, though cravings can persist, especially if you are breastfeeding.⁵

The most common pregnancy cravings include sweets, savory carbohydrates, animal protein foods, and fruits. Savory food cravings are most prominent during the first trimester,⁵ while sweet cravings tend to peak during the second trimester.⁵ Cravings for salty foods often arise later in pregnancy.⁵ Intense cravings that emerge throughout pregnancy may be related to nutritional deficits or may serve as a way to encourage increased energy intake, helping support the nutritional demands of a growing baby.

Ice and Other Weird Cravings

Pica is a condition that can arise in pregnant women. It is characterized by craving substances that provide no nutritional value. Although Pica is not exclusive to pregnant women, it can result in unusual pregnancy cravings, such as ice, clay, soil, paper, and cornstarch for at least one month.⁶ Several studies have strived to explain the etiology of Pica, resulting in explanations such as nutritional deficiencies, a preference for specific characteristics of the craved substances, or a coping mechanism for stress levels.¹ Several studies provide evidence suggesting that ice cravings can result from an iron deficiency with or without anemia.²

Pickles and Ice Cream

Salt and sweet are the most commonly referred to pregnancy food cravings that women experience. Salty foods are frequently desired in the late stages of pregnancy. Table salt consists of sodium and chloride. Chloride is also a component of sea salt. Since salt is commonly added to foods, it may be possible that pregnancy cravings for salty foods result from the body’s need for chloride. An alternative way to obtain chloride in your diet when salty cravings arise is through food sources like seaweed, rye, tomatoes, and lettuce.

Pickles are another commonly craved food among pregnant women. Often, women crave the saltier varieties. Pickles are composed of high amounts of water and sodium. Whenever pickle cravings emerge in pregnancy, the body may be indicating a need for either water or sodium. Pickles can contain high amounts of sodium, so be on the lookout for low-sodium options.

Sweet foods are often strongly desired during pregnancy. Foods considered “sweets” typically contain carbohydrates. When sweet cravings set in, the body may be craving carbohydrates. It is also important to consider that craving sugary foods may be the body’s way of indicating a drop in blood sugar levels. An alternative way to obtain carbohydrates in the diet is through healthier and more blood-sugar-friendly foods, such as sweet potatoes, quinoa, fruits, and lentils.

Spicy Food

Craving spicy foods is slightly less common than craving sweet and savory foods. In a survey of 635 pregnant women, 3.3% reported craving spicy foods.³ Spicy foods, such as chili peppers and jalapenos, provide a significant amount of vitamin C. For some individuals, consuming spicy foods can trigger heartburn and acid reflux. Another way to obtain vitamin C when spicy cravings come around is through food sources such as bell peppers, broccoli, or tomatoes.

Craving Fruit

Craving fruit during pregnancy was ranked number four for the most commonly craved food while pregnant, according to a survey of roughly 200 pregnant women.⁴ Fruit and some pure fruit juices are excellent sources of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Eating bananas, oranges, pure fruit juices, apricots, and berries are great options if cravings for fruit or orange juice come about.

Dairy Products

A study of 200 pregnant women revealed that dairy products were ranked number 10 for the most common pregnancy cravings.⁴ Although not as common as other cravings, milk cravings are possible and may be healthy for you to indulge in! Cow’s milk contains high amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, so craving milk may indicate the body’s need for these nutrients.

Lemons

Another interesting pregnancy craving that may occur is a craving for acidic foods, such as lemons. When a craving for acidic foods like lemons arises, the body may need magnesium or vitamin C. Magnesium is important for various bodily functions, including our ability to rest, relax muscles, and de-stress. Additional food sources that can provide the body with magnesium include legumes, whole grains, cashews, brown rice, and dark leafy green vegetables.

Related: Pregnancy Diet: What To Eat for a Healthy Pregnancy

Does Baby’s Gender Play a Role in Pregnancy Cravings?

Pregnancy cravings are often surrounded by myths, especially when it comes to predicting a baby’s gender.

Some women swear that their pregnancy cravings are tied to and can predict the gender of their baby. For centuries, people have believed old wives’ tales for predicting a baby’s gender, which say there are definitive cravings for both genders of a baby. Many argue that if you are craving salty or savory foods, this is a sign that you are having a boy, whereas cravings for sweets are a sign that you will have a girl. However, no empirical research shows that pregnancy cravings indicate the baby’s gender.

Pregnancy cravings are influenced by many factors, including nutritional needs, hormonal changes, and individual differences. While some cravings may point to specific nutrient needs, others reflect shifts in appetite and metabolism during pregnancy. Paying attention to cravings can offer insight into the body’s needs, but prioritizing balanced nutrition remains essential for supporting both maternal health and fetal development.