Pregnancy cravings

Cravings in pregnancy

Cravings are common during pregnancy, and they’re often also quite surprising. Something you’d never dreamt of eating before can become the one thing you can’t get enough of. The reasons behind your cravings are not completely clear, but it’s generally considered that if your body wants it, it can be enjoyed as part of a healthy balanced diet. With the exception of coal, dirt and chalk, of course!

Find out more about the sorts of cravings you might experience and how to manage them.

Cravings in pregnancy

Many mums-to-be experience strong cravings for particular foods when pregnant. These craving can often be simply down to your pregnancy hormones, or your body could be prompting you to indulge in something which contains the vitamins or nutrients you’re currently missing. If you’re craving salty olives, for example, it might be that your body wants you to up your sodium intake.

Even if you’ve never fancied eating beetroot or lemon slices before, it can be surprising what you crave when pregnant.

Common cravings:

  • Sweet, sugary treats
  • Dairy products
  • Salty snacks
  • Sour citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons
  • Hot, spicy foods

Cravings in pregnancy

Non-food cravings

‘Pica’ is the term used to refer to a craving that’s non-food based, such as coal, earth or chalk. No-one quite knows why you may experience it, but some suggest that it’s due to a lack of iron or calcium in your body. Others believe it’s your body’s way of trying to ease nausea. Either way, pica cravings should never be indulged.

Sticking to a balanced diet

Pregnancy cravings don’t last forever, and as your pregnancy continues you may find they become less intense. Trying to enjoy other foods when all you can think about is cheese and gherkins can be tricky, but try to stick to a range of different foods at mealtimes to ensure your diet remains balanced and fit your cravings in around main meals.

To ask a question about cravings or your pregnancy nutrition, contact our Aptamil experts by calling 0800 996 1000, or use our instant messaging service, Live Chat available 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.

16 comments

81shelbay said...

I had a weird craving with my first pregnancy lennor fabric softener and washing powder I would dip my finger into the softener then into the powder and suck it off my finger. My partner at the time had to hide them from me and I would cry because I wanted them so much my baby was born fine and healthy. I have no cravings this time around well not one I can identify anyway. I know if I fancy something I have to have that specific thing but it can be something different everyday I don't know if you can class that as a craving or not??

27 August 2010 19:14
kirdz said...

i dont think it is. i'm pregnant with my first one and i keep getting different cravings for something new at first it was pizza, then it was cheese, then tuna and sweetcorn and now its short-bread. didn't the washing powder make you sick at all. oh congratulations on the pregnancy

2 September 2010 01:12
nike said...

its weird that i crave for alcohol, its shocking cos i only drink once a while,now i feel like sweet wine every now and then.

11 September 2010 01:26
Mazbaz said...

I have a craving for chicken livers although I do not mornally eat this. I have now read that liver is no good for the baby as it contains Vitamin A which should be avoided. Thank god I have only had it twice during my pregnancy and will certainly avoid this from now on. I crave other things too - like apples.

4 December 2010 11:05
lilspixie said...

i've been having cravings for oranges and milk.....and leather

3 January 2011 23:07
d j mck. said...

Had cravings for mint sweets with my two girls this time i just want to eat everything. Until i cant eat anymore

7 January 2011 23:39
mum 2 be said...

im a first time mum so all through my pregnancy i have been trying 2 find out as much as i can but its all so much 2 take in. My main craving have been spring onions with a pinch of salt? crazy i know but cant get enough of them. Have 2 make sure i always have a chewing gum at the ready : ). loving feeling baby move and cant wait 2 meet him or her x

24 January 2011 15:39
mumsie84 said...

i had cravings for pickled betroot with my daughter and raw potatoes with my son. this is my third pregnancy and seems to be the pickled betroot again but not as intense as the first time around.

28 January 2011 22:15
donnaborhan16 said...

Hey all, this is my first baby! :) haven't been craving much I don't think. Just strawberry laces or strawberry sweets, like have to be juicy tasting like strawberries lol I was eating a lot of cheese but always eaten a lot of cheese lol I've completely gone off meat like I don't want to eat it, it just isn't appealing lol

4 February 2011 10:45
kkapida said...

Hi this is my first baby and really excited about what we are going through. I have some cravings really need to eat any crisp as long as they are cheese flavour it can be any brand, Orange lucozade and Tuna (need to be careful with Tuna my midwife has said to have at a minimum of twice a week). Foods I have gone off are Beef really don_t like the smell of it cooking and the texture to eat, there are also cretin smells that make me feel a bit icky.

3 May 2011 14:12
MicheleJ said...

This is my 4th pregnancy and I can't get enough cold sparkling water! Not craving anything else but I have gone off loads of stuff I usually like e.g. chocolate, coffee, tea, spicy food.

6 July 2011 18:48
Kira-Beth said...

I feel odd, because I have no real cravings! Food just doesn't interest me. I feel slightly abnormal about that, because I read so many cravings, and people ask me what I'm craving and I am not. Its silly to be wondering about that, but I want the odd cravings. I know currently I'm only 14+3 weeks pregnant, but I would like to experience some cravings instead of not knowing what i want!

18 July 2011 11:28
kerayzie said...

I am pregnant with my fourth childand so far have been craving broccoli, any fruit, cauliflower cheese, olives, ready salted crisps and orange Capri Suns. I have also gone off garlic which I love and can no longer eat spicy food! With my first I craved oranges and fizzy sweets, my second it was dark navy rum! My partner had to buy me rum balls constantly and also Lucozade which is bad in high quantities (I would drink 6 cans in an hour!!) lol. My last was really dark chocolate which I hate (I needed the iron apparently), and really sour sweets...the more sour the better. All my children are boys and I am tipping this may be a girl. I find out next week!!

31 August 2011 00:58
JADOO said...

i m currently 16 weeks pregnant with my third child and i m craving for salty and sour food. if i m having kiwi oranges apples but lots of salt on them, i also crave for potatoes baked boiled just love salt and potatoes. any idea would i be having a boy or girl.thanks gals
jadoo

15 November 2011 11:01
shedden76 said...

This is my 3rd pregnancy. The first time round was cheese and onion crisps (had to be walkers!) and chocolate ice cream with those big american gherkins together! The second time round it was gala apples and semi skimmed milk had to be ice cold, and also quavers and pickled eggs together, I had no nausea with either of the boys just couldnt bear the smell of fresh laundry and lemon rim blocks with the 2nd. Now this time round ive had the nausea feelings the wretching the stomach churning, the same smells as last time are turning my stomach but they are definately MORE INTENSE! Gone completely off coffee cant get enough tea though, and I cant get enough fruit mainly pineapple and satsumas no sweet tooth at all not even interested but it seems my husband has gained that craving for me lol. Found out today that were having a girl which we are over the mopon about seeing as we BOTH thought that it was going to be another boy. x

16 November 2011 18:22
Ruqia Asim said...

I am having intense craving for sweets like chocolates, juices, sweet biscuits, cakes and so on. Don't know how to control because all these things add to your weight gain and nothing else but really can't help it. Any suggestions please!!!!

24 January 2012 00:31

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