First Trimester Cravings
Cravings Are Completely Normal
Cravings are completely normal, and they can be quite fascinating! If you've noticed an increase in your desire for certain foods since becoming pregnant, you’re definitely not alone. Many women experience these cravings, which often feel more like a strong urge to indulge in specific tastes rather than just a response to hunger. These cravings can range from sweet to savoury, exotic to comforting, and can sometimes leave you wondering about their origins. It’s also worth mentioning that not every pregnant woman has cravings at all, so don’t feel pressured to have the classic ones, like pickles and ice cream.
When Do Cravings Usually Start?
Typically, cravings start to kick in by the end of your first trimester, get stronger during the second trimester, and then usually lessen in the third. It’s usually nothing to worry about unless your cravings start messing with your ability to maintain a balanced diet, or if you're craving non-food items. If that happens, you should definitely talk to your midwife or doctor.
What Causes Pregnancy Cravings?
The reasons behind pregnancy cravings aren’t completely clear, but it’s likely related to hormonal changes. These hormones can affect how you taste and smell things, which can create new cravings or aversions. Some people think that cravings might indicate your body’s need for specific nutrients, such as iron, vitamin D, or calcium. However, research supporting this idea is limited.
Whether you find yourself craving a lot of things or not at all, just remember it’s all part of the unique experience of pregnancy. It’s okay to give in to cravings now and then, but try to keep your overall diet balanced to support both your health and your baby’s growth.
Your Cravings Game Plan
Lead with nutrients – Take that prenatal vitamin as your safety net, then build meals around whole grains, healthy fats (hello, avocado toast!), and proteins. This keeps your energy stable.
Embrace the crave – Want chips? Try lentil chips for crunch + protein. Craving ice cream? Blend frozen bananas with peanut butter. The small swaps all add up.
Release the guilt – That occasional doughnut isn’t “bad”, stress is worse for a baby than sugar! Simply pair it with a protein-rich food source.
Watch for patterns – If you’re constantly craving ice (could signal low iron) or can’t stop with the salty snacks (possible electrolyte imbalance), mention it to your health provider.
And remember, your weight will do strange things. Rapid jumps, plateaus, are all normal. Focus on how you feel, not the scale. The mum who gains 15 lbs and the one who gains 35 can both have perfectly healthy pregnancies.
What Are You Craving? It’s Often a Wild Mix!
When those pregnancy cravings hit, they can be as unique as you are. But peek into online forums and you'll see some clear favourites. Most often, women are reaching for the salty and crunchy: think pickles (often with chips!), all kinds of crisps and fries, and plenty of cheese-laden dishes like pizza or mac and cheese. Fast food often calls, too, from juicy burgers to tacos.
Alongside the salty, sweet cravings frequently kick in, even for those who never had a sweet tooth before pregnancy. Ice cream, chocolate, and sugary drinks become irresistible for many. Watermelon, strawberries, and grapes are also consistent crowd-pleasers, often craved for their refreshing chill.
Sometimes, though, it's not about craving something specific at all. For many, pregnancy just means nothing sounds good, or you suddenly develop strong aversions to foods you once loved. It's all just a part of the unique journey of pregnancy.