Dear Doctor:
I’m 12 weeks pregnant, and lately, I’ve had the weirdest food cravings! I can’t seem to get enough of weird combinations like peanut butter and pickles or fruit and cayenne pepper. Last night, I actually dipped my French fries in ice cream. I used to think that was just an exaggeration for TV shows or movies! Is this normal? Why am I craving such unusual food combinations? Should I be concerned? Are there any foods I should avoid?
Sincerely, Craving in California
Dear Craving in California,
First off, congratulations on your pregnancy! You’re not alone—pregnancy causes a myriad of unexpected changes (who would imagine that being pregnant would make your tailbone hurt?). Unusual food cravings can be as quirky as they are intense. Whether those cravings are for chocolate-covered bacon, potato chips and ice cream, or something else that raises eyebrows, these cravings are common in pregnancy.
What Causes Pregnancy Cravings?
We’re not 100% sure what causes pregnancy cravings, but there are some theories:
- Changing hormones during pregnancy, which can heighten your sense of taste and smell, making certain food combinations more appealing than usual.
- Some experts think that certain cravings signal a nutritional deficiency. For example, a craving for ice cream may be your body’s way of indicating a need for more calcium.
- Some studies suggest that your brain’s reward system works differently during pregnancy, and the food combinations trigger a release of dopamine.
Are These Cravings Dangerous?
No, most pregnancy cravings are harmless, even if they seem unusual. There are, however, a few caveats:
- Try swapping in healthier alternatives if your cravings lean toward high-sugar or processed foods. For instance, hummus and veggies can satisfy a salty craving, while fruit with a sprinkle of cinnamon can help with sweet cravings.
- If you ever find yourself craving non-food items like chalk, dirt, or ice (a condition called pica), it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider immediately, as this could indicate an underlying nutritional deficiency, like anemia.
- Ensure you don’t have any food allergies for new food cravings.
As long as you’re eating a healthy diet and steer clear of anything that can harm you, pregnancy cravings aren’t anything to worry about, and they don’t tend to last the entire pregnancy.
Pregnancy cravings often begin in the first trimester, peak during the second, and gradually taper off in the third. They can start as early as five weeks into pregnancy and are often an early sign of pregnancy.
How to Handle Pregnancy Cravings
Cravings are a fun part of pregnancy, but it’s important to balance them with good nutrition. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Listen to your body: Cravings are normal, but moderation is key.
- Stay hydrated: Sometimes, what feels like a craving is actually thirst in disguise.
- Take a quality prenatal vitamin: This helps ensure you and your baby get essential nutrients, even if your cravings pull you toward less nutritious choices.
- Consult your healthcare provider: If you have concerns about specific cravings, request an appointment with your Genesis provider to ensure you get the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy.
So, go ahead and enjoy that peanut butter and pickle sandwich—pregnancy is a wild ride, and cravings are just part of the adventure!
Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy,
Dr. Christopher Sullivan
Christopher Sullivan, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified gynecologist practicing at Genesis OB/GYN in Tucson, AZ.
