The Craving Craze

Many women throughout their pregnancy experience cravings for specific foods. Sometimes these cravings can seem out of whack and utterly crazy, especially if you have never craved it before or have never even liked that specific food. Having specific cravings can sometimes give you an indication of what your body is lacking and what it is needing more of.

Some common pregnancy cravings include:

• Red meat
• Ice cream
• Pineapple
• Lemons
• Bananas
• Avocados
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Apples
• Spicy foods

Now, each of these cravings listed above can potentially indicate what your body is needing more of or lacking during your pregnancy, and whilst it is all good and well to kill your cravings, it is important to remember that some cravings should be consumed in moderation compared to other cravings.

What certain cravings say about your body:

Red meat:

Craving red meat during your pregnancy could indicate that you are needing more protein as well as iron. Both iron and protein are very important to be consuming during pregnancy as it helps with the formation of red blood cells. When you are pregnant, your body’s blood volume increases to almost 50%, which is a drastic change in your body, so it is important to support this big adjustment.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as breathlessness, skin that is pale in colour, fatigue & feeling faint, it is recommended that you express this to your healthcare provider/GP as this could be a sign of low iron levels (anemia).

Ice cream:

With all the changes happening in your body during pregnancy, a chilled treat can be an instant refreshment. As your body temperature rises and you’re gaining weight, a scoop of ice cream offers a cool, comforting break.

But if your ice cream cravings are more intense than usual, it might not just be about satisfying a sweet tooth. Some experts suggest that cravings for dairy products like ice cream, cheese, or milk could signal a calcium deficiency. Pregnancy puts extra demands on your body, and much of the calcium you store is transferred to your baby to support their growing bones. If you’re craving dairy more than normal, your body might be asking for additional calcium to keep up with the demands of pregnancy.

If you’re finding yourself reaching for dairy products regularly, it might be worth checking in with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.

Fruits and vegetables:

If you’re pregnant and suddenly finding yourself reaching for cold, crunchy apples, you’re not alone. Many expectant mothers crave this refreshing fruit, and it’s easy to see why. Apples are packed with dietary fiber, which helps keep your digestion on track (definitely a win!) and can even provide a quick energy boost by raising your blood sugar levels.

Craving citrus fruits, like oranges or lemons, during pregnancy may be a sign that your body is looking for a vitamin C boost. This essential nutrient plays a key role in supporting your baby’s developing bones, teeth, and tissues. Many pregnant women find themselves craving pineapple or lemons, as these fruits are loaded with vitamin C.

In addition to citrus, don’t overlook the power of potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, broccoli, and spinach. Potassium helps regulate the fluids in your body, which can help reduce swelling and prevent those pesky leg cramps that often come with pregnancy.

Spicy foods:

If you’re suddenly craving spicy foods while pregnant, you can thank your hormones. Pregnancy often brings changes to your taste buds, which might leave you reaching for that extra hot sauce or craving a spicy kick. If that’s the case, feel free to indulge—but be mindful that spicy foods can sometimes lead to heartburn, indigestion, or GI discomfort. If you’re not used to eating spicy dishes, it’s best to start slow and see how your body reacts.

Good news: craving spicy food is perfectly safe for your baby! While it’s unlikely to have any direct impact on your little one, some studies suggest that the flavours you enjoy during pregnancy might actually influence your baby’s taste preferences later in life. So, go ahead and spice things up—your baby may just develop a love for bold flavours too!

In a nutshell:

All in all, any craving whilst pregnant is considered normal to a certain extent, as your body is constantly changing and adapting throughout this journey in your life. One of your favourite cravings right now could be anchovies and yoghurt on toast, but don’t worry, this crazy craving (amongst others) will most likely fizzle away once you have given birth to your little one.