How To Navigate Food Cravings During Pregnancy

A food craving is the intense urge to eat a specific food. The desire to eat is not necessarily related to hunger and can be very hard to resist.

Pregnancy cravings and food aversions typically begin in the first trimester, peak in the second, and subside in the third, so if you are suddenly hankering for spicy chips and ice cream, you’re not alone. “I craved pickled gherkins,” says Helen at HiPP. “It was so bizarre. I would usually pick them out of my burgers, but suddenly that’s all I wanted. Well, that and Rich Tea Biscuits – which my husband kept eating before I got to them!”

This article will help answer all your craving-related questions such as ‘why cravings occur?’ and ‘when do food cravings begin in pregnancy?’

While there is no clear scientific explanation for food cravings during pregnancy. However, they are linked to hormonal changes or the body's response for getting more essential nutrients for helping your baby grow.

Some researchers suggest that cravings may be linked to specific nutrient deficiencies, though the evidence is inconsistent. For example, a sudden desire for oranges might indicate a need for extra vitamin C, while a craving for milk could suggest a demand for calcium. However, not all cravings fit this pattern. There might be a strong urge for foods with no obvious nutritional reason. This makes it difficult to know exactly why cravings happen during pregnancy.

Cravings can begin as early as the end of the first trimester. Most women who have food cravings will have them in their second trimester. Pregnancy cravings typically start towards the end of the first trimester and become stronger during the second trimester (week 13 to 27 of pregnancy).

Craving sweet things during pregnancy is also common, and some women find themselves craving fruit during pregnancy. Often the types of food you crave are dense in carbohydrates (think potatoes, rice or bread) or protein (like meat or fish).

Commonly reported food cravings include biscuits, bananas, nuts, pickles and ice cream and ice lollies, chocolate, crisps and cheese.We asked our HiPP family what they/their partners wanted most during pregnancy and the answers included cookies, chocolate, liquorice, fruits and milkshakes. Interestingly, some of our mums reported preferences changing over time – like Laura, who says ‘I could only stomach beige foods at the beginning of my pregnancy. French fries were my go-to. But once I started feeling better, I craved soft, fleshy fruits. Nectarines were my favourite, but I loved pineapple and strawberry, too.”

While pregnancy cravings might have you adding new foods to your diet, food aversions during pregnancy have the opposite effect. such as developing a dislike for foods that are strong tasting or strong smelling is common. Examples are coffee and some other bitter foods. It’s also common for pregnant women to develop an aversion to handling raw meats – a biological response, perhaps, to avoid the bacteria that can lurk there. Or, sometimes, particular smells can make you feel nauseous. So, if your other half is looking for a way to support you through your pregnancy, food prep can be a good one.

Some women experience weird pregnancy cravings like unusual food combinations (pickles with ice-cream) or even foods that you don’t normally like. Unusual cravings in pregnancy are not harmful, but remember- if you crave non-food items, like coal, sand, or even laundry detergent then do not consume these items. This condition, known as pica, might indicate a nutritional deficiency, so it is important to see your GP.

If you are eating a balanced diet overall, ignoring pregnancy cravings will not do any harm to you or your baby. If you are craving sugar during pregnancy, as long as you are eating well, it’s fine to ignore these. However, if you are avoiding major food groups (such as protein or carbohydrates) due to strong aversions, you might be missing out on important nutrients. If this is the case, speak to your healthcare professional to ensure you're getting everything you need.

It can be difficult to avoid food cravings, and having all food groups in moderation is encouraged. Here, we lay out some guidance for helping you manage any cravings and ensuring you maintain good balance in your diet.