Six Weird Pregnancy Cravings That Are Shockingly Common

Medically reviewed by Dr. Melissa Dennis, MD, MHA, FACOG

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and, for many, some rather peculiar food cravings. While it's common to hear about expectant mothers yearning for pickles, some cravings are a bit strange yet surprisingly widespread. 

We polled the Partum Health team, and ice cream was the number one craving during pregnancy. One team member suffered an aversion to chickpeas while others craved fresh squeezed orange juice and Green Apple Jolly Ranchers. Dr. Dennis, Partum’s Chief Medical Officer, craved crab legs, and she has been a vegetarian for years! “Pregnancy can make us desire some pretty interesting foods and food combinations,” she said. 

Let's delve into six of these common, weird cravings and explore what they might signify.

Weird Pregnancy Cravings List

1. Ice

Many pregnant women find themselves irresistibly drawn to chewing ice cubes. This craving, known as pagophagia, is a form of pica—a condition where individuals crave non-food substances. Chewing ice itself isn’t inherently dangerous, but it can damage tooth enamel over time, increasing the risk of sensitivity, cracks, or even broken teeth. If you find yourself frequently craving ice, it’s worth exploring potential underlying causes like iron deficiency (anemia), which may be linked to this craving.

If you can’t resist crunching on ice, try these softer ice cube alternatives to reduce the risk of dental damage:

• Nugget or Pellet ice (also called Sonic ice): Soft and chewable, this type of ice is gentler on teeth.
• Shaved ice: Fluffy and light, it’s a safer texture for chewing.
• Crushed ice: While still crunchy, it's smaller and softer than standard ice cubes.
• Ice chips: Thin and breakable, these are less likely to cause dental harm.

2. Red Meat

 A sudden desire for a juicy steak or burger is common during pregnancy—even if red meat isn’t a regular part of your diet.  Iron is crucial during pregnancy to support the increased blood volume and to aid in the baby's development, and since red meat is a rich source of iron, there is some evidence to support that having this craving means you need to increase your iron intake. 

If you’re craving red meat during pregnancy, consider both animal-based and plant-based sources of iron. In addition to red meat, these include poultry, seafood, and eggs, as well as legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), tofu, tempeh, leafy greens, quinoa, and seeds such as a pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. 

Want to learn more and get a personalized plan from a registered dietician?

3. Dairy

Many pregnant individuals develop strong cravings for dairy products like ice cream, cheese, eggs, and even sour cream. It’s theorized that dairy cravings help meet the need for extra calories, and essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and choline that help support fetal development.

A classic food combination craved during pregnancy is potato chips and ice cream, or pickles and ice cream —  so don’t be afraid to marry salty and sweet!

4. Spicy Foods

Some expectant mothers develop a penchant for hot sauce, chili peppers, or spicy noodles. While the exact cause is unclear, it's speculated that hormonal changes can alter taste buds, making spicy foods more appealing. Additionally, consuming spicy foods can trigger endorphin release, leading to feelings of happiness and relief from discomfort. A favorite of many pregnant people is Flamin Hot Cheetos. Buy a pack of baby wipes to keep your fingers clean if this craving hits!

5. Sour Foods

Cravings for tangy items like lemons, sour candies, or even pineapple are also reported. This might be linked to the body's need for certain nutrients or could be a way to combat morning sickness, as sour flavors can sometimes alleviate nausea. You could need more vitamin C which supports immune function and helps the body absorb iron. Sour cravings could also be a sign your body is trying to balance hydration and electrolyte levels and is looking for sodium and potassium. Dehydration can occur quickly if you are experiencing morning sickness. If this is the case you can indulge in your potato craving with some potato chips, fries, or a baked potato with sour cream. 

6. Non-Food Items

Beyond ice, some pregnant women experience cravings for substances like clay, dirt, or soap. This condition, known as pica, may indicate mineral deficiencies, such as iron or calcium. It's essential to consult a healthcare provider if such cravings arise to address any underlying nutritional needs and prevent adverse health consequences of ingestion. Experts suggest that pica may be related to iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, emotional stress, or an increase in inflammatory response during pregnancy. 

When do weird pregnancy cravings start?

Pregnancy cravings can begin as early as the first trimester, often intensifying during the second trimester, and may continue into the third trimester. The exact timing varies among individuals, but hormonal fluctuations during early pregnancy are believed to play a significant role in triggering these cravings.

What causes weird pregnancy cravings?

The precise cause of pregnancy cravings remains a topic of research, but several factors are believed to contribute:

• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones can alter taste buds and the sense of smell, leading to unusual food preferences. These hormonal shifts can heighten sensitivity to certain flavors or odors, making some foods irresistible while causing strong aversions to others.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Cravings might indicate the body's need for specific nutrients. For instance, a craving for red meat could signal an iron deficiency, while a sudden desire for peanut butter may point to a need for healthy fats. Ensuring a balanced diet can help reduce these cravings.
• Emotional factors: Pregnancy can bring about heightened emotions, and some women may crave comfort foods that provide a sense of well-being. Emotional stress, fatigue, or anxiety can increase the desire for familiar or nostalgic foods that offer comfort or distraction.
• Blood sugar fluctuations: Pregnancy hormones can impact blood sugar levels, potentially driving cravings for fast food, sweets, or carb-heavy foods. Managing blood sugar with regular, balanced meals can help stabilize these urges.
• Heightened sense of smell and taste: Hormonal changes can amplify taste buds and increase sensitivity to certain smells. This heightened sensory perception may make some foods intensely appealing and others unbearable.
• Cultural influences: Societal norms and cultural backgrounds can shape the types of foods women crave during pregnancy. In some cultures, certain food combinations or remedies are believed to promote a healthy pregnancy, which may influence cravings.

Are cravings different when you are pregnant with a boy or a girl?

A popular myth suggests that craving sweet foods indicates a girl, while a desire for salty or sour foods points to a boy. However, there's no scientific evidence to support this claim. Cravings are more likely related to individual physiological and hormonal changes rather than the baby's sex.

Why don't I have weird pregnancy cravings?

Not all pregnant women experience cravings, and that's perfectly normal. The absence of cravings doesn't indicate any problem with the pregnancy. Each individual's experience is unique, and factors such as balanced nutrition, hormonal levels, and personal physiology play a role in whether or not cravings occur.

Understanding these cravings can provide insight into your body's needs during pregnancy. If you experience unusual cravings, especially for non-food items, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure both your health and that of your baby.

When should I be worried about a weird pregnancy craving?

In general, cravings are a completely normal part of pregnancy, and unless you have underlying health conditions or experience cravings for non-food items, it’s nothing to worry about. If you are concerned about the frequency or intensity of cravings, have gestational diabetes, or are concerned about potential excessive weight gain, talk with your healthcare provider or consider seeing a perinatal nutritionist to help ensure that your diet is meeting all of your nutritional needs.