Have you experienced bizarre pregnancy cravings or been super sensitive to certain smells? Being pregnant can be an incredibly strange and overwhelming time. There’s so much happening to your body and mind during this time that it’s no surprise if you’re having some weird cravings or aversions.
Over the years I have been working as a sonographer, many expectant mums have talked to me about some of the odd cravings they’re having as well as complaining about increased sensitivity to smell and taste. Some have been very strange, some rather dangerous and others very funny. Most women will laugh about their cravings, but for some it can be distressing, such hating being near a beloved dog or their partner! For most it’s a relief to talk and get it off their chest, and to realise that they are not alone in feeling this way and are reassured that it will pass.
For some this can be embarrassing to open-up about, but it shouldn’t be a taboo subject and hopefully this might help couples understand that it’s perfectly normal to have even the most extreme cravings and aversions.
When do pregnancy cravings or aversions start?
These feelings can begin at any time during the 9 months. However, they usually occur around the end of the first trimester and peak throughout the second trimester. With the arrival of the third trimester, cravings and aversions will usually subside.
Not everyone is the same, so if you’re having cravings in your first and third trimester or they are coming and going through your pregnancy, don’t worry. It is simply your body’s way of responding to the changes in hormones.
Why do I have pregnancy cravings?
Nobody really knows why pregnancy makes us crave certain tastes and become sensitive to smell, but it could be due to several factors. Many women have an increased sense of smell and taste due to hormonal changes so this could lead to more fragrant foods being preferred over pungent items. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hormone produce in pregnancy which causes appetite changes, nausea and vomiting and food aversion.
There is also a huge shift in your nutritional requirements during pregnancy. You need more iron and calcium to help keep you healthy and your baby developing normally. Research has shown that cravings are your body’s way of telling you that you are lacking a certain nutrient. For instance, I had a craving for spinach when I was pregnant with my son, and ice-cream when was expecting my daughter. The most common cravings are for sweet, fatty or starchy food as this tends to fend off nausea.
Are my pregnancy cravings normal?
Generally speaking, what is deemed normal to eat in pregnancy is subjective. If you are concerned about eating a jar of pickled onions, packets of biscuits or gorging on 12 packets of salt and vinegar crisps in 20 minutes then yes, that can be considered normal during pregnancy.
I’ve heard of some very strange cravings such as a patient who wanted to lick stones, another who ate soil and a woman who craved the smell of petrol. They were all embarrassed to talk about their cravings and worried about it, but by voicing their concerns it alleviated their anxieties. They were advised to talk to their midwives who were able to support them through the remaining months of their pregnancies.
If you begin to crave items that are not food, such as chalk, ice, charcoal, paper or soap, you could have a condition called Pica. This is caused by an iron deficiency and can be an indicator of severe anaemia. This is the reason it is important to speak to a medical professional if you are experiencing these cravings during your pregnancy.
Can I do anything to help reduce pregnancy cravings or aversions?
It can be frustrating to have cravings that never seem to be satiated, and aversions which make everyday life incredibly difficult. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do about it:
- Eat regularly to prevent hunger.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Choose slow release energy foods that will keep you feeling full for longer.
- Get more sleep, either by napping during the day or going to bed earlier.
- Eat a balanced healthy diet.
- Give in to the cravings if they’re not risky.
- Talk to your midwife if you have any cravings that are unsafe. They will not judge you and can help.
- Remember that this will get better. There is no need to get rid of the dog (or the husband!)
Victoria Davis, Sonographer