Pregnancy Cravings – What Do They Mean, and Should You Give In?

Reviewed by: Dr. Fatimah Khan

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5 min read

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Mar 28, 2025

Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of urges, changes, and, of course, emotions; one moment you're fantasizing about chocolate dipped pickles, the next you need a grilled cheese sandwich. But have you ever questioned why you want certain foods? More importantly, should you follow these urges?

What Do Pregnancy Cravings Mean?

Pregnancy cravings can be very interesting as well as annoying. Although there is no one cause of their occurrence, health professionals think they might be related to hormonal shifts, dietary demands, and also emotional influences.

Hormonal Shifts: During pregnancy, your body experiences major hormonal changes that can affect your sense of smell and taste. This might help to understand why some dishes suddenly seem irresistible—or why foods you once enjoyed now make you want to vomit.

Nutrient Deficiencies: Some professionals argue that cravings could be your body's means of telling you it needs particular nutrients. Take for instance:

  • Miss red meat? You could be protein or iron-deficient.
  • Not able to stop dwelling on ice? Some evidence implies this might be related to an iron deficiency, a condition called pica.
  • Dreaming of dairy products? Your body may require extra calcium.

Sometimes, cravings are tied to comfort, nostalgia, or stress relief rather than actual nutritional needs. It's no wonder if, before pregnancy, your regular snack during trying periods was a tub of ice cream.

Should You Give In to Cravings?

The brief answer? It varies! Some urges are innocuous and can be met in moderation; others should be treated with care. This is how they should be managed:

Healthy Cravings? Go for it.

There is no harm if you want fresh fruits, vegetables, or lean meats to have them. These meals contain vital elements that help both you and your child to develop.

Processed and sugary foods? Go carefully.

Best to savor pregnancy cravings focused on donuts, chips, or fast food in moderation. Consuming excessive processed food and sugar can cause energy crashes, gestational diabetes, and excessive weight gain.

Strange Non-Food Cravings? Talk to Your Doctor!

Certain pregnant women desire nonfood items including chalk, clay, or laundry detergent. This is a condition called pica and can indicate a nutritional deficiency. If you experience this, consult your doctor immediately.

Tips for Managing Cravings

While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, it’s important to keep a balanced diet. Here are some tips:

  • Look for better alternatives. Desire something sweet? Frozen fruit or dark chocolate is preferable to candy.
  • Have balanced meals regularly. Cravings may sometimes hit when one is too much starving.
  • Remain hydrated. Dehydration occasionally mimics hunger.
  • React to your body—but not excessively. Satisfy your cravings occasionally, but don’t let them take over your diet.

Final Thoughts

Cravings during pregnancy are a natural and sometimes entertaining aspect of the path to motherhood. Whether you're resisting the temptation to consume an entire cake or grabbing a peanut butter and pickle sandwich, keep in mind that balance is crucial. Enjoy the ride, listen to your body, and don’t stress too much about the occasional indulgence!

References

  1. Pregnancy Cravings. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/
  2. Nutrition during pregnancy: Why it matters.
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20046955
  3. Pregnancy Cravings: What Do They Mean?https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/files/org/obgyn/healthy-pregnancy-guide-20.pdf