What are the top 10 pregnancy cravings, and where do they come from?
Cravings are very common during pregnancy. These unusual and sometimes intense urges vary a lot from person to person, but here are the top ten and some possible explanations:
1. Pickles: Many pregnant people crave the sour, tangy taste of pickles, possibly due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Did you know your body carries roughly 1,200–1,600ml of extra blood in pregnancy? Check out my weight gain in pregnancy handout.
2. Ice cream: A classic! The creamy, sweet taste may be linked to hormonal shifts or a desire for comfort food.
3. Chocolate: Many people crave chocolate in pregnancy – perhaps because of cocoa’s mood-boosting properties, as well as the body’s need for extra energy.
4. Spicy food: Cravings for hot sauces or chilli may be due to changes in blood flow and taste during pregnancy.
5. Citrus fruits: The refreshing taste of oranges and lemons is a common craving, possibly because of their vitamin C content and a desire to quench thirst.
6. Pizza: Gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce and lots of toppings make pizza a popular craving, possibly due to the body’s need for carbohydrates and fats.
7. Sour sweets: Cravings for sour or citrus-flavoured sweets may be down to changes in taste preferences during pregnancy.
8. Peanut butter: Its rich, creamy texture and high protein content make it another very common craving – perhaps reflecting your increased need for protein to grow your baby.
9. Red meat: Some people crave steak or burgers, which could be a sign of low iron or an increased need for protein. Low iron is common in pregnancy, so if you’re feeling very tired or craving red meat, mention it to your midwife – they can check your iron levels and advise on supplements.
10. Crisps: The crunchy, salty taste of crisps is a common craving, possibly due to hormonal changes and the body’s need for sodium.
What are your cravings? Are they on this list? Share them in the comments!
Cravings vary greatly, so aim for a healthy, balanced diet while enjoying some (or all!) of your cravings. Always ask your midwife or healthcare professional for personalised advice. If you ever crave non-food items such as ice, soil or chalk (known as pica), tell your midwife, as it can be a sign of low iron.
Foods to avoid during pregnancy
In the UK, the NHS advises avoiding shark, swordfish and marlin (because of their mercury levels), and limiting tuna and oily fish. Avoid liver and liver products such as pâté, because of their high vitamin A content – and avoid all pâté, including vegetarian ones, as they can contain listeria. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, raw shellfish, and unpasteurised milk and dairy products, as well as some soft and mould-ripened cheeses unless they’re cooked until steaming hot. Eggs with the British Lion stamp are safe to eat runny. For the full, up-to-date list, see the NHS guide to foods to avoid in pregnancy.
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Sources and further reading
- Bastos Maia S, et al. Vitamin A and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2019;11(3):681. doi: 10.3390/nu11030681. PMC6470929
- NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy
- Orloff NC, Hormes JM. Pickles and ice cream! Food cravings in pregnancy: hypotheses, preliminary evidence, and directions for future research. Front Psychol. 2014;5:1076. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01076. PMC4172095
- Soma-Pillay P, et al. Physiological changes in pregnancy. Cardiovasc J Afr. 2016;27(2):89-94. doi: 10.5830/CVJA-2016-021. PMC4928162