Cravings and pregnancy

Most pregnant women find they crave certain foods or tastes. Some experts believe the food you crave during your pregnancy actually tells a story about what your body needs – so if you’re longing for extra milk, it could be that your body is telling you that it needs a bigger dose of calcium than it’s already receiving.

However, it may also be the case that a food craving points towards an imbalance within your diet – there‘s some evidence that people who eat a lot of protein often crave sugary foods; while people who eat too much sugar often crave salt. It is fine to indulge yourself a little, but if you are eating lots of one thing you could be depriving your baby of important nutrients – especially if the food you’re craving is in itself an unhealthy choice. See healthy diet in pregnancy for more information on how to eat your way to a healthy pregnancy.

Common cravings include fruit, pickles (onions, gherkins etc), potato chips, and milk or dairy products.  Some cravings can be pretty strange – how about lemons, chilis, lobster, blue cheese, the smell of bleach and even soap?

If you are experiencing slightly more unusual cravings though, this may be a sign that you’re lacking important minerals or nutrients in your diet and it’s advisable to consult your OB-GYN or nurse- midwife. They’ll likely have heard it all before and may be able to point to any dietary elements you’re missing.

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The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.