5 Most Common Pregnancy Cravings & What They Mean

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When I was pregnant with my firstborn, I couldn’t get enough of popcorn chicken and fried okra. But with my second daughter, I craved Taco Bell and ice cream sundaes. So it's safe to say that my two experiences were very different. But even though every pregnancy is unique, there are some common cravings that most women can expect to experience!

That’s what we’ll be diving into today. We'll explore what pregnancy cravings are, which ones are most common, what they might mean, and how to deal with them in a healthy way. Let’s get started.

What Causes Pregnancy Cravings?

We don’t know exactly what causes pregnancy cravings, but three main factors seem to contribute to them:

  • Avoiding foods that trigger nausea in early pregnancy

  • Physical changes like hormonal shifts or nutritional deficiencies

  • Emotional or psychological responses to pregnancy and societal norms

We'll touch on these causes more specifically as we break down different cravings below.

What Are the Most Common Pregnancy Cravings?

1. Dairy (Especially Ice Cream)
Most pregnant women crave ice cream at some point, usually late at night. And while that may seem like just a funny stereotype, there’s actually some science behind it.

During pregnancy, your body uses more nutrients to help your baby grow. Calcium is one of those nutrients, and when your levels drop, you might crave dairy products like ice cream or milk to make up for it.

2. Sweet Foods
Craving sweets like chocolate, cake, or candy is incredibly common during pregnancy. The reasons can vary. Sometimes it’s a heightened sweet tooth due to hormonal changes. Other times, your body might be asking for more calories to support the growing baby.

Either way, sweets are one of the most typical pregnancy cravings out there.

3. Salty Foods
On the flip side, some moms-to-be gravitate toward salty snacks like chips, French fries, or pickles.

This craving can often be tied to sodium levels. During pregnancy, hormone shifts can cause your body to excrete more sodium than usual, which may trigger a craving to balance things out. Your body might also want to retain more fluid, and increasing sodium can help with that.

4. Meat
Red meat is another popular craving, especially for women who are low on iron or protein. These two nutrients are essential for creating new red blood cells, and during pregnancy, your blood volume needs to increase by nearly 50 percent!

Craving eggs is also common for similar reasons, as they’re packed with protein your body needs.

5. Fruit
Pregnant women often find themselves wanting fruit but the reason can vary depending on the fruit.

  • Craving citrus fruits like oranges? That might be your body asking for more vitamin C, which helps build your baby’s bones and teeth.

  • Wanting apples? That could be because they give a quick boost of energy when your blood sugar rises.

  • Dreaming of bananas? You may need more potassium, which helps reduce swelling and leg cramps during pregnancy.


How to Handle Pregnancy Cravings

Cravings are a normal part of pregnancy, and most of the time it's totally fine to indulge now and then. But if you're trying to keep things balanced, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Don’t let yourself get too hungry. Staying full with healthy snacks throughout the day makes it easier to resist less nutritious options.

  • Satisfy cravings in moderation. You don’t have to completely avoid what you want — just try smaller portions or healthier substitutions.

  • Talk to your doctor if cravings feel extreme. If you feel like your cravings are controlling you or causing you distress, it could be a sign that you're deficient in something. Always trust your instincts and talk to a healthcare professional if something feels off.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy cravings are nothing to be embarrassed about. Whether you’re craving something common like ice cream or something more unusual like fried okra, these urges are just your body’s way of telling you what it needs.

Sometimes cravings are physical, sometimes emotional, and sometimes a little of both. Either way, it's all part of the wild and wonderful experience of becoming a mom.

I hope this article gave you insight and maybe even helped you feel a little more normal about your cravings. And if you enjoyed reading, be sure to check out more of my motherhood content including my article on how excess sugar and carbs can affect your body during pregnancy.

You've got this, Mama!


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