Pregnancy cravings are common. It can be anything from chocolates to some unusual food combinations like pickles with ice cream. These sudden and sometimes odd cravings can feel overwhelming—especially when they lean towards less than healthy foods.
It’s perfectly common to have cravings during pregnancy, but it’s important to learn how to manage unhealthy pregnancy cravings so that you and your baby stay healthy.
Pregnancy cravings can start as early as the first trimester. They peak during the second trimester and usually start to go away by the third trimester.
Everybody’s experience is different, some may have cravings throughout the pregnancy while others may not experience any at all.
It isn’t fully understood what causes pregnancy cravings. But it’s believed that pregnancy hormones—mainly human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg), estrogen, and progesterone—can heighten your sense of smell and taste, leading to both cravings and aversions.
Some theories suggest that cravings may signal nutritional needs. For example, you might have cravings for ice cream when your body needs calcium.
If you skip your breakfast, it can make cravings worse later in the day. Have a nutritious breakfast that’ll help stabilise your blood sugar levels and keep your energy levels steady.
Try including whole grains, fruits/vegetables, proteins, dairy, and healthy fats in your breakfast. Think porridge with nuts and fruits, egg on wholegrain toast, or simply a smoothie with banana and Greek yogurt.
If morning sickness makes eating difficult, go for smaller, gentle on the stomach options like oat biscuits, whole grain toast, or a banana.
Here’re some natural home remedies for morning sickness by Babymore.
Having healthy meals and snacks prepared and ready can make a big difference. For the times whenever you feel hungry or have cravings, keep nutritious snacks on hand, like:
You can prepare a few healthy lunches and dinners during the week—such as stir-fried veggies or lentil soups. In this way you won’t be tempted to make something else for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and eat healthy.
Learn more about meal planning for pregnancy.
Staying hydrated can help you a lot in managing your pregnancy cravings. When those cravings hit, try to drink a glass of water and wait for 10 minutes—you might find the cravings fade.
Keep a refillable water bottle nearby throughout the day and try to drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. If plain water gets boring, you can toss in some fresh fruits to make it tasty and refreshing.
You don’t have to give up all your favorite foods, you just have to find some simple ways to enjoy them.
If you’re craving something sweet, try fruits dipped in dark chocolate. Want something crunchy? swap potato chips with kale chips. You can also enjoy brown rice crackers with hummus for a tasty, fiber-rich snack. If you feel like eating pasta, choose whole wheat. You can also add some blended or chopped veggies to the pasta sauce to make it healthy.
It’s totally normal to treat yourself occasionally—the key is balance. If you’re craving chocolate, have a few squares rather than eating the entire bar.
Practising mindful eating can also help. Sit down, eat slowly, and enjoy your food—notice its taste, texture, and smell. You’re more likely to feel more satisfied with less food and steer clear of overeating.
In some cases, pregnancy cravings can be caused due to your body needing certain nutrients. It can help to take all your prenatal vitamins regularly so that your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
Important: Don’t take any medicines or supplements during pregnancy without consulting your doctor. Your doctor would recommend prenatal supplements for you.
Although pregnancy cravings are normal, if you find yourself craving for non-food items like chalk or clay, it can signal towards a condition called pica—often linked with iron deficiency.
If you notice such cravings, talk to your GP or midwife right away. They can run some tests and recommend appropriate supplements or dietary adjustments.
Other than this, if your cravings are extreme, frequent, or interfering with your life, you should see your healthcare provider.
Cravings are a natural part of pregnancy. If you’re suddenly obsessed with pickles, chocolate, or crisps—you’re not alone. You can enjoy your cravings in moderation, with some planning and awareness, so that you and your baby stay healthy.
So next time a craving strikes—take a breath, have a sip of water, and make a choice that’s good for you!
