Pregnancy cravings and aversions are an extremely common part of gestation, affecting a large majority of expectant individuals. A craving is an intense, uncontrollable urge to consume a specific food or combination of foods, often unrelated to actual hunger. Conversely, a food aversion is an intense dislike, where the sight or smell of a previously enjoyed food becomes repulsive.
The Typical Timeline of Pregnancy Cravings and Aversions
The onset of altered food preferences often begins quite early in the pregnancy journey, with some individuals noticing changes as early as five weeks into the first trimester. Food aversions are closely tied to the nausea associated with morning sickness, which typically begins in the first trimester. Most commonly, cravings for specific foods begin toward the end of the first trimester.
The intensity of these desires generally increases as the pregnancy progresses, reaching a peak period during the second trimester. During this middle phase, many individuals report the strongest and most frequent cravings, which may vary widely from day to day. Aversions, often linked to the peak of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), tend to lessen as the second trimester begins, allowing for more diverse eating.
For many, the intense need for specific items begins to subside by the time the third trimester arrives, though this is not a universal experience. Some expectant individuals may find their cravings and aversions continue right up until delivery.
Hormones and Physiology: Why Cravings Occur
The underlying reason for these intense food desires and repulsions is primarily attributed to the significant fluctuations in pregnancy hormones. Hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone surge during gestation, and these changes are thought to affect the brain’s sensory centers.
The rapid rise and peak of hCG in the first trimester is particularly linked to nausea and, consequently, food aversions, potentially as a protective mechanism against foods that might carry a risk of bacteria or toxins. Estrogen and progesterone continue to influence taste and smell throughout the pregnancy, causing a heightened sensitivity that drives the search for specific textures and flavors.
A debated theory suggests that some food cravings may be the body’s way of signaling an increased need for specific nutrients. For example, a desire for red meat might indicate a need for iron, while a craving for citrus could point toward a need for Vitamin C. This idea is not universally accepted within the scientific community, as many common cravings are for energy-dense, comfort foods like sweets and carbohydrates, which do not necessarily fulfill a nutrient gap.
Identifying Common Cravings and Atypical Cravings
Most typical pregnancy cravings fall into a few broad categories, including sweet foods, salty snacks, and sour items. Common examples include chocolate, ice cream, pickles, chips, and various fruits. Many people desire comfort foods or those associated with their culture and upbringing. It is also common to crave specific combinations of foods that were not previously appealing, such as the classic pairing of pickles and ice cream.
A separate and more serious category involves atypical cravings, specifically a condition known as Pica. Pica is characterized by an intense desire to consume non-food substances that have no nutritional value. Examples of items craved under Pica include clay, dirt, chalk, laundry starch, and even ice.
The consumption of these non-food substances can be dangerous, potentially leading to gastrointestinal blockage, nutrient malabsorption, or exposure to toxic materials like lead or parasites. Pica is often linked to an underlying nutrient deficiency, particularly iron-deficiency anemia, and sometimes zinc or calcium deficiencies. If an expectant individual experiences any desire to eat non-food items, they should immediately consult a healthcare provider for screening and appropriate management, as treating the underlying deficiency often resolves the craving.