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Ah, pregnancy cravings. The strange and wondrous phenomenon that makes you crave foods you never even thought you liked before. Suddenly, you’re daydreaming about pickles and ice cream, or peanut butter and pickles, I’ve been there! But why do they happen?
Well, there’s no one answer. Some people think cravings are a sign that your body needs a certain nutrient, but let’s be real – sometimes you just want what you want. Then there’s those wonderful hormones, they can play a role too – they can mess with your sense of taste and smell, making certain foods more appealing.
So what can you do to manage these cravings? First, ideally make sure you’re eating a balanced healthy diet generally of course! But we get it – sometimes you just need that slice of pizza or that bowl of ice cream. So keep some healthy snacks on hand for when the cravings strike, like apple slices with peanut butter, or baby carrots with hummus.
And remember, it’s okay to indulge a little – pregnancy can be tough, and if eating a brownie or two (or a dozen) makes you feel better and you’re not limiting due to Gestational Diabetes etc., then go for it. Just make sure you’re still getting the nutrients you and your baby need, and don’t go overboard.
But if you start craving things like dirt, chalk, or soap – maybe stick to the ice cream instead. These cravings can sometimes be a sign of a condition called pica, which can be harmful for you and your baby.
In the end, pregnancy cravings are just another weird and wonderful part of growing a tiny human. Embrace them, indulge in the food related ones (in moderation), and know that you’re not alone. After all, if you can’t have ice cream and pickles in the middle of the night while pregnant, when can you?
Here are a list of the most common food related cravings we’ve heard of:
- Ice Cream – Sweet and creamy, ice cream is a classic pregnancy craving.
- Pickles – Crunchy and sour, pickles are a staple of many pregnancy diets (sometimes combined with number 1)
- Chocolate – Dark, milk, or white, chocolate is a go-to for many who crave something sweet.
- Spicy Foods – Whether it’s hot sauce, curry, or salsa, some crave the heat during pregnancy.
- Chips / French Fries – Salty and satisfying, chips or fries are a popular pregnancy craving.
- Fruit – From juicy watermelon to sweet strawberries, many people crave fresh fruit.
- Carbs – Bread, pasta, crackers – sometimes you just need that carb fix.
- Peanut Butter – Creamy, nutty, and satisfying, peanut butter is a favourite of ours.
- Pizza – Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s no surprise that it’s a common pregnancy craving.
- Cheese – Whether it’s in the form of cheese toasties, mac and cheese, or just a slice on its own, it’s a common pregnancy craving.
Of course, everyone’s cravings are different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all list of pregnancy cravings. But if you find yourself reaching for any of these foods (or combinations of them), know that you’re not alone – and enjoy that ice cream and pickle sandwich while you can!
For me it was almond croissants and yoghurt, I’d happily eat a huge tub of yoghurt the way you see people eating ice cream in the movies!
What are you pregnancy cravings?
