If you’re expecting a baby, you’re probably reading this while dunking pickles in ice cream or contemplating whether barbecue sauce on watermelon might be your new favourite snack. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Pregnancy cravings are one of the most mystifying, amusing, and occasionally alarming parts of growing a human. And while your sudden desire to eat raw spaghetti or chew ice cubes might raise eyebrows (even your own), there’s often more to it than just hormones going haywire.
But what do these strange cravings mean? Are they just a quirky part of pregnancy, or could your body be trying to tell you something more? Grab your wasabi-topped chocolate pudding (no judgment here!) and let’s take a closer look at the science, psychology, and sheer weirdness of pregnancy cravings.
Why Pregnancy Cravings Happen: What Do Those Weird Pregnancy Cravings Mean?
Let’s start with the basics: pregnancy cravings are a real thing. They’re not just about indulgence or “eating for two”—there’s a strong mix of biology and psychology at play.
Hormones like estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) surge during pregnancy, impacting your taste, smell, and how your brain perceives hunger and satisfaction. Combine that with increased blood volume, higher nutritional demands, and emotional shifts, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for craving combinations no one could see coming.
So, when you start daydreaming about eating a banana dipped in mustard or can’t stop thinking about licking chalk (more on that later), it’s your body’s way of adapting to pregnancy’s physical and emotional rollercoaster.
Craving Ice, Toothpaste… and Other Non-Foods? Welcome to Pica
Let’s talk about one of the strangest (and potentially most serious) types of pregnancy cravings, pica. This condition refers to the urge to eat non-food substances like ice, chalk, clay, coffee grounds, ash, or even toothpaste.
One of the most common forms of pica in pregnancy is ice chewing, and oddly enough, it might be more than a nervous habit. Chewing ice has been linked to iron deficiency anemia. Scientists believe it can help increase alertness in people with low iron levels. So, if you’re finding yourself crunching ice constantly, it might be worth a quick check-up and blood test.
More extreme cases, like cravings for chalk, soil, or soap, should be brought up with your doctor. While pica is still not entirely understood, it’s thought to be your body’s desperate way of signalling a nutritional imbalance. And needless to say, eating inedible items can be dangerous for both you and your baby.
When Vegetarians Crave Burgers (And Other Identity-Shaking Moments)
One of the more amusing stories we hear from pregnant mums is the sudden, overwhelming craving for foods they swore off years ago. Case in point: the lifelong vegetarian who finds herself making a detour through the McDonald’s drive-through.
It might sound bizarre, but it’s not uncommon. During pregnancy, your protein and iron needs skyrocket, and your body knows it. So, even if you’ve been meat-free for a decade, your pregnant self might suddenly find the idea of a cheeseburger… irresistible.
One mum shared: “I hadn’t eaten meat for nearly 10 years. Then one evening, I smelled grilled meat and couldn’t resist. The next thing I knew, I was devouring a cheeseburger in my car, and honestly—it was amazing.”
Of course, a good prenatal vitamin should cover most of your nutritional needs. But when the craving is that strong, it could be your body’s very primal way of waving a little flag that says, “Hey, I need something in that!” Just be kind to yourself. Pregnancy isn’t the time to beat yourself up over a burger.
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Spice Up Your Life – Are You Having a Boy?
Some women start pouring hot sauce over everything during pregnancy, reaching spice levels they wouldn’t normally touch. If you’re suddenly stocking up on jalapeños and chilli flakes, there might be more to it than just a changing palate.
Old wives’ tales (and some preliminary studies) suggest that women carrying boys are more likely to crave spicy or savoury foods, while those pregnant with girls lean towards sweet treats like chocolate. Of course, this isn’t a scientific fact, and the only guaranteed way to find out your baby’s sex is through a scan or genetic testing. But it’s fun to guess, and who knows, maybe that craving for Sriracha-covered popcorn is a little clue?
On a practical note, craving spice may also be tied to your body’s need for stimulation, especially if morning sickness has dulled your taste buds. Just be cautious, too much spice on an already sensitive digestive system can cause heartburn, something most pregnant women are all too familiar with.
Fruit Frenzy: Can You Eat Too Much Watermelon?
Fruit is arguably one of the healthiest cravings you can have during pregnancy. And while no one raises an eyebrow when you say you’re craving oranges, it’s the volume that can surprise even the most seasoned mums.
We’re talking full watermelons demolished in one sitting. Dozens of apples. Grapes by the kilo. The craving for fruit might stem from your body needing more hydration, vitamin C, or natural sugars for energy. Citrus fruits, in particular, are popular among mums battling nausea in the first trimester.
One expectant mum shared, “There were nights I’d go through six pears and still feel like I could eat more. My partner had to start buying fruit in bulk like we were running a smoothie bar!”
If you’re craving fruit, go for it. Just be mindful of moderation with high-sugar fruits, especially if you’re managing gestational diabetes.
Raw Spaghetti: Crunching for Energy?
Raw spaghetti might not be a staple in most people’s snack drawer, but for some pregnant women, it hits the spot. That crisp snap, the pure carb hit—it’s strangely satisfying.
This type of craving could be your body’s signal that it needs more energy, especially during the second and third trimesters when your baby is doing serious growing. That said, it’s probably tastier (and safer on your teeth) to cook it and add a sauce. Or better yet, go for a hearty pasta dish loaded with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats to really satisfy your cravings.
Forbidden Fruit: Why You Suddenly Want What You Can’t Have
There’s something uniquely frustrating about pregnancy food restrictions. You never really cared for sushi, brie, or wine before—but the second they’re off-limits? You’re consumed by a burning desire for them.
It’s the classic “you want what you can’t have” scenario, but it’s amplified by pregnancy hormones. Psychologists call it “reactance,” and it means your brain rebels when you feel restricted. In pregnancy, this is often seen with cravings for alcohol, soft cheeses, deli meats, or runny eggs—all on the no-go list due to potential risks like listeria.
So if you find yourself longing for a glass of red wine or a triple-cream camembert platter, know you’re not alone and that there are safe alternatives to scratch the itch. Pasteurised cheeses, alcohol-free wines, and well-cooked versions of your favourites can still make their way onto your plate.
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Ice Cream… With Pickles, Wasabi, and Barbecue Sauce?
We’d never question your love of ice cream (pregnant or not), but when the toppings start to include pickles, wasabi, olives, or barbecue sauce, it’s time to pause and marvel at just how creative pregnancy cravings can get.
These combos might sound appalling to everyone else, but to the pregnant woman eating them, they’re exactly what hits the spot. Some experts believe it’s the intense contrast of hot vs cold, sweet vs salty that satisfies the overstimulated pregnancy palate.
There’s even a theory that these cravings represent the body’s effort to cover all nutritional bases in one dish. Salt for sodium, dairy for calcium, sugar for energy, though science hasn’t confirmed this theory, it makes an oddly convincing case when you’re staring at a bowl of sardines and peanut butter ice cream.
The good news? All that dairy is rich in calcium, which supports your baby’s growing bones and teeth. So indulge away (within reason), and enjoy having the best excuse in the world for your culinary creativity.
The Bottom Line on Bizarre Pregnancy Cravings
Pregnancy cravings are unpredictable, often hilarious, and occasionally a little concerning. But in most cases, they’re completely normal. Whether it’s a yearning for chocolate-covered pickles or an obsession with oranges, these urges are your body’s way of coping with the massive changes it’s going through.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Listen to your body, but check with your doctor if you start craving non-food items or if something feels off.
- Don’t feel guilty if your cravings clash with your usual eating habits. Pregnancy is a season, not forever.
- Enjoy the journey—document your weird combos, laugh about them later, and maybe even try recreating your favourites (minus the wasabi) for your baby shower.
And finally, remember: you’re not alone in your cravings. Our beloved Babyologists have shared some of their most outrageous ones, from ice cream with anchovies to cheese toast dipped in Milo. So next time you’re hit with a craving that makes your partner do a double-take, embrace it. This wild, wonderful ride of pregnancy is full of surprises—and often, they’re delicious.
