When Do Pregnancy Cravings Start & What Do They Mean?

Many pregnancy symptoms are well-known. Think morning sickness, swollen feet, and cravings. Pregnancy cravings are one of the most talked-about (and puzzling) symptoms of early pregnancy. 

From a sudden, explainable urge for pickles and ice cream to a newfound obsession with carbs or citrus, these cravings can feel intense and out of the blue. But when do pregnancy cravings start, and what causes them in the first place? 

Below, we’ll break down the typical timeline for cravings, explore why they happen, and answer what your cravings might be trying to tell you.

What Are Pregnancy Cravings?

Pregnancy cravings are strong, often sudden urges to eat specific foods, and sometimes even non-food items. These cravings can range from familiar favorites, such as chocolate or salty snacks, to more unusual choices, like pickles with peanut butter or even crushed ice. 

While they might seem strange or unpredictable, cravings are a normal part of pregnancy for many people. Research shows that 50-90% of women in the U.S. experience weird pregnancy cravings. 

However, not everyone experiences cravings during pregnancy. Instead, they might experience food aversions, which often occur during the first trimester. 

Do pregnancy cravings mean my baby needs specific nutrients?

Pregnancy cravings are more likely to reflect your body’s needs than your baby’s specific nutritional requirements. That said, because your body is working hard to support your baby’s growth, your dietary demands increase, which may trigger particular food cravings.

10 Most Common Pregnancy Cravings

Pregnancy cravings can be unique, but certain foods tend to show up frequently. Many of these are rich in carbs, sugar, salt, or flavor, which may help ease nausea, provide quick energy, or offer emotional comfort.

Here are 10 of the most commonly craved foods during pregnancy and why:

1. Ice cream

Ice cream’s texture and flavor may provide comfort. Vanilla ice cream is mild and less likely to trigger nausea, making it easier to tolerate in early pregnancy.

2. Pickles

Pickles, which are typically packed in a brine solution of salt and vinegar, appeal to the heightened sense of taste and smell many pregnant women experience. The sourness can help alleviate nausea, while the salt may help regulate fluid levels or address low blood pressure.

3. Chocolate 

Chocolate is a top pregnancy craving because it's sweet and boosts mood by triggering the release of dopamine. Chocolate also evokes comfort and pleasure.

4. Fruits

Naturally sweet fruits, such as berries, watermelon, and apples, often satisfy sugar cravings and are a good source of fiber and key nutrients, such as vitamin C and folate.

5. Starchy carbs

Bread, pasta, cereal, and other easy-to-digest foods are often craved in the first trimester when morning sickness is at its worst. Starchy carbs also help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide quick energy, especially for people with a low appetite.

6. Cheese

Cheese is rich in calcium, protein, and fat, which are essential during pregnancy. The savory flavor and satisfying texture of many dairy products make this food group popular among expectant parents.

7. Potato chips or French fries

Crispy, salty, and high in carbohydrates, these are classic comfort foods that hit multiple craving points. The salt can help replenish electrolytes, while the carbs offer quick energy.

8. Citrus

Pregnant people turn to citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, for their bright, tangy flavor. They can help combat nausea, refresh the palate, and deliver a boost of vitamin C.

9. Fast food

Fast food typically combines high amounts of fat, salt, and carbohydrates. These are three things many pregnant people crave simultaneously. It’s also convenient when energy is low or cooking is not on the menu.

10. Spicy foods

Some people find that bold, spicy flavors become more appealing during pregnancy, especially when other foods seem bland. Spicy foods may also help alleviate nasal congestion and stimulate the appetite.

Pregnancy Cravings: A Timeline

While every pregnant person is different, cravings tend to follow a similar timeline alongside hormonal changes. For some, cravings build gradually in the first few weeks and peak during the second trimester, while others might not have any cravings at all. 

Here’s a general timeline of what cravings to expect during pregnancy and when. 

Do cravings go away after the baby is born? 

Generally, pregnancy cravings fade shortly after giving birth as your hormone levels return to normal. However, if you're breastfeeding, you may still experience increased appetite or cravings, especially for calorie-dense or hydrating foods.

What Causes Pregnancy Cravings?

The exact cause of pregnancy cravings isn’t fully understood. However, the consensus among experts is that pregnancy food cravings stem from:

• Hormonal changes 

• A nutrient deficiency

• Emotional or sensory triggers

During the first trimester, higher levels of estrogen and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) can affect taste and smell, making certain foods more appealing or suddenly intolerable. These changes can create strong urges for odd combinations of specific flavors, textures, or comfort foods.

Cravings are also a way for your body to signal what it needs. For example, if you crave red meat, it may indicate low iron levels. Additionally, if you want nothing but cheese or ice cream, it might be tied to a need for calcium. 

Besides nutritional needs, many pregnant individuals crave foods that bring comfort or help alleviate nausea and fatigue, such as carbohydrates, salty snacks, or something familiar from their childhood.

Can they happen later in pregnancy? 

Yes, pregnancy cravings can happen later in pregnancy. While many pregnancy food cravings start in the first trimester, some pregnant women experience cravings in the second or third trimester. 

As the baby grows and the body prepares for childbirth, food cravings may shift toward more comfort foods or energy-dense snacks. Appetite changes, stress levels, or physical discomfort can all influence late-pregnancy cravings.

Are Pregnancy Cravings Linked to the Baby’s Gender? 

Many people have heard the old wives’ tale that cravings can predict your baby’s gender. For example, if you’re craving sweets, you’ll have a girl and craving salty, savory foods for a boy.

While entertaining, there’s no scientific evidence to support them. Studies have found no evidence linking cravings for specific foods during pregnancy to gender. 

For accurate gender prediction, medical tools like an ultrasound or genetic testing are the only trusted options.

Can Food Aversions Happen Instead of Cravings?

Yes, food aversions are as common as cravings during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. While cravings make you want specific foods, aversions make certain foods suddenly repulsive. Common aversions include:

• Raw and undercooked meat

• Fish

• Eggs

• Coffee

• Tea

• Onions

• Garlic

• Spicy foods

• Fried foods 

• Milk

Like food cravings, many pregnant women can experience food aversions due to hormonal shifts and an easing up in the second and third trimesters.  

When to Worry About Pregnancy Cravings 

Most pregnancy cravings are entirely normal, even if they seem a little strange. However, there are times when cravings may signal something more serious. 

Do you find yourself craving non-food items, such as dirt, clay, chalk, or ice? It may be a sign of pica. This disordered eating condition is often associated with iron or mineral deficiencies, and you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.

You should also be cautious if your cravings are leading to excessive sugar, salt, or fast food intake, especially if you have conditions like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Overeating of these foods could lead to excessive weight gain.

Intense, uncontrollable cravings during pregnancy that interfere with a healthy diet or your emotional well-being are worth bringing up at a prenatal visit. Listening to your body is essential, but so is ensuring that both you and your baby are getting the necessary nutrients.