What Your Pregnancy Cravings Might Mean

Pregnancy cravings — intense desires for a specific food unrelated to hunger — are a pregnancy milestone. Although they peak in the second trimester, cravings can happen throughout your entire pregnancy.

From pickles and ice cream to unusual combinations you’d never consider otherwise, these cravings can feel a bit mysterious — despite being so common. 

But what do they really mean? While pregnancy cravings are common, they might actually provide clues about your body’s needs.

Below, our team of expert providers here at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates in Marietta, Georgia, explain what your pregnancy cravings could mean.

What your pregnancy cravings mean

Hormonal fluctuations throughout your pregnancy can increase your senses. This can lead to food aversions and cravings.

Food cravings can be psychological or physiological. For example, if your friend mentions that they had a burger and fries, and now that sounds pretty tasty to you, too, you might have a psychological craving. 

On the other hand, physiological cravings mean your body is signaling a physical need (like more energy) or deficiency in a particular nutrient or hydration. 

These cravings are rooted in your body’s biological processes rather than emotional or psychological triggers. For example:

If you’re craving carbs or sweets

If you’re reaching for bread, chocolates, cookies, or other sugary treats, your body might need a quick energy boost. Pregnancy often demands extra calories, and sugary foods can provide quick energy.

If you’re craving salty foods

A sudden love for chips or pretzels may indicate a need for sodium, especially if your blood pressure is running on the lower side during pregnancy. 

Sodium helps regulate fluid levels in your body — a particularly important task as your blood volume increases to support your growing baby.

If you’re craving sour or tart foods

Pickles, citrus fruits, or anything tangy might signal that your body is looking for more vitamins, especially vitamin C. Vitamin C supports your immune system and helps with iron absorption — both of which are important during pregnancy.

If you’re craving red meat

If you can’t stop thinking about burgers or steak, your body could be signaling a need for iron or protein. Iron helps produce hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. 

Many pregnant women develop iron-deficiency anemia, so it’s worth paying attention to these cravings.

Why cravings shouldn’t be ignored

While cravings are a normal part of pregnancy, they shouldn’t be dismissed as random whims. They might be your body’s way of alerting you to nutritional gaps or changes. 

That said, it’s important to satisfy cravings in moderation and choose healthier alternatives whenever possible to ensure both you and your baby get the nutrients you need. 

For example, if you’re craving sweets, consider making “nice cream” by blending frozen fruit in a food processor with a few tablespoons of milk instead of regular ice cream. Craving fries? You can swap french fries for baked potato wedges. 

What non-food cravings might mean

Cravings for non-food items like ice, dirt, or chalk are known as pica and could indicate a nutritional deficiency, such as low iron or zinc levels. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, 27.8% of pregnant women around the world develop pica behaviors, although the rates are higher in developing countries.

If you experience these cravings, tell your Marietta OB-GYN affiliate obstetrician. Indulging these cravings can increase your risk of serious complications like lead poisoning, parasitic infections, lethargy, headaches, and even comas. We can help you address the underlying nutritional deficiencies safely.

How the Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates team can help

If you’re curious about what your pregnancy cravings might mean or concerned about how to manage them, our team can guide you. Your Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates provider can evaluate your diet, recommend prenatal vitamins, review your bloodwork (another reason we check your iron levels!), and help you make nutritious choices to support a healthy pregnancy.

You can reach our Marietta, Georgia, office at  770-422-8505 or book your next appointment through our online booking system.