The Surprising Science Behind Your Pregnancy Cravings

by Holly Johnson-Ferrand from The Rebel Birth Club

Pregnancy is a magical journey, and part of the fun is the mystery of pregnancy cravings. Ever found yourself yearning for a weird food combo and all those midnight snacks? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! But what’s the deal with these food cravings and is there more to them than just a sudden urge for pickles and ice cream?

According to a study in 2014, ‘Food cravings are strong urges for foods that are more specific than mere hunger and very difficult to resist’. There you go – the scientists agree!

(Source: Orloff NC, Hormes JM. Pickles and ice cream! Food cravings in pregnancy: hypotheses, preliminary evidence, and directions for future research. Front Psychol. 2014)

 

 

The Science Behind Pregnancy Cravings:

Okay, let’s get a little scientific. We all know that hormones play a huge part in pregnancy and birth, well they also play their part here. Cravings and food aversions during pregnancy are often linked to hormonal fluctuations and added nutritional needs. Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, rising in the first trimester, play a role in turning our taste preferences upside down. They can influence our taste and smell sensitivity, making certain foods more appealing. Additionally, they’re on the lookout for nutrients needed by you and your baby. So, when the cravings hit, it’s like a nutrient SOS!

Common Pregnancy Cravings and Their Possible Meanings:

Sweet Tooth During Pregnancy:

Craving sweets? Your body might be craving a quick energy boost. Fruits are your go-to here – they’re sweet, juicy, and packed with essential vitamins.

Salty and Savoury Pregnancy Cravings:

Craving large amounts of something salty or savoury? Your body might be asking for a sodium fix. Snack on nuts, seeds, and whole grains to satisfy the craving without the gui

Citrus Pregnancy Cravings:

Craving citrus fruits? It could be your body’s way of saying, “Give me some vitamin C, please!” Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are going to be your friends! Not only do they fulfill this need but are also great for extra hydration!

Ice and Cold Foods During Pregnancy:

Unusual cravings like ice or frozen treats might be linked to alleviating morning sickness and providing relief from heightened body temperature. It’s essential to ensure these cravings are not indicative of anemia, a common condition which can be found during an otherwise healthy pregnancy. Check with your healthcare provider if you feel that a test for iron deficiency might be beneficial.

Pickles and Sour Food Items During Pregnancy:

A hankering for pickles or sour foods might be the body’s way of seeking balance. These cravings may help kick nausea to the kerb and add variety to your diet.

Now, I’m all about embracing the cravings, I mean I’ve been there three times and each pregnancy came with different cravings! And I’m not going to be the one to tell you not to eat chocolate if you’re craving it, but let’s be real – balance is key. You can satisfy your pregnancy cravings whilst keeping an eye on weight gain and nutrition. Try and choose snacks that offer nutrients to keep both you and your little one happy and healthy. 

You can view my instagram post on pregnancy cravings below with a handy table of common cravings and what they mean and what to sub them for!

So there you have it – a little guide to the wild world of pregnancy cravings. It’s not just about giving in to your sudden cravings; it’s a crazy journey of nourishing your body for what’s ahead. So, grab those pickles, dance with some ice cream, and savour every moment of this ride. You’re cooking up something amazing after all!

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Holly Johnson-Ferrand of The Rebel Birth Club

Holly is a Doula and Hypnobirthing teacher (and Mum of 3 very strong minded boys!) in Bristol. She is a self-confessed birth geek.

Her passion for birth work started after the birth of her second baby during the Covid pandemic, where she found herself without support or help. Training as a doula and hypnobirthing instructor, she used her experience as a mother alongside her training to help and guide parents to have a positive birth experience. 

​Holly’s goal is to help parents birth without fear and to help people feel comfortable with whichever birth they choose. 

Holly says: “I believe that every birth is valid and the choice you make is the right way for you to birth your baby.”