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Sweet, salty, sour or spicy? Which one are you?

Being pregnant and suddenly craving pizza one moment and chocolate or ice the next? You’re not alone! These cravings are perfectly normal and are all part of your incredible pregnancy journey.

Table of Contents hide
1 Food cravings during pregnancy are well-documented and extremely common.
1.1 When Do Cravings Strike?:
2 The Top Pregnancy Cravings
3 Unusual Cravings
3.1 Share Your Cravings
3.2 Photography by Valentina | Maternity Photographer London | 07577 978 246
title image - pregnant sitting on the bed with a plate of biscuits.

Food cravings during pregnancy are well-documented and extremely common.

Pregnancy cravings are not just a myth; they’re a well-documented and incredibly common phenomenon. Often, these cravings might seem random, but your body might be trying to tell you something – perhaps you need a specific vitamin. These cravings can also be attributed to the dramatic hormonal changes that your body undergoes during pregnancy. These hormones can significantly influence your sense of taste and smell, leading you to crave foods you never thought you would, and saying goodbye to some old favourites. After all, why would you choose a pickle over a piece of chocolate?

During my pregnancy, I didn’t experience wild cravings. I think I remained pretty devoted to my trusty Nutella, and honestly, I still do, even when not pregnant! 😄 Midnight kitchen raids weren’t a part of my pregnancy story.

When Do Cravings Strike?:

Surprisingly, research shows that cravings tend to strike most often in the afternoon (40%) or during the evening (38%), with only a small 8% indulging in midnight snacks.

The Top Pregnancy Cravings

I did some research and apparently, these are the top cravings in pregnancy.

  1. ICE. Really? Yes, you read that right! Ice chewing is a thing. Women with anaemia often find comfort in this because it can soothe mouth and tongue inflammation, a common symptom of anaemia. While I understand the appeal of feeling cooler, the joy of sucking on ice remains a mystery to me. Aren’t we fascinating creatures? 😄
  2. CHOCOLATE. Ah, my personal favourite! A craving for chocolate can be attributed to the increased caloric needs of a pregnant woman. If you’re reaching for chocolate, consider opting for dark chocolate – it’s said to satisfy those cravings even better. Plus, it’s great for heart health and packed with antioxidants.
  3. PICKLES. Pickles (along with olives and potato chips) are classic pregnancy cravings. The increase in blood volume during pregnancy raises the need for sodium, making these salty snacks a go-to choice.
  4. SPICY FOOD. Spicy foods, such as curry or hot red peppers, are yet another common craving among pregnant women. Interestingly enough, it’s because hot foods make the body sweat, which cools off the body. If you’re currently expecting, then you know it’s almost impossible to stay cool. Try adding some spice to your next meal to see if it helps cool you down. WOW! Can you believe it?
  5. COFFEE. Even though some doctors say, it’s a no-no, pregnant women commonly crave coffee, especially those who drank it before conceiving. Coffee makes you more alert and decreases headaches and depression.  Coffee can boost alertness and alleviate headaches and depression. As an Italian mum, I enjoyed my morning espresso and an extra one during the day. However, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with your doctor or nutritionist.
photo of top 5 pregnancy cravings: ice, chocolate, pickles, spicy food and coffee

Unusual Cravings

Now, here’s where things get really interesting! Some pregnancy cravings can be quite unusual—more so than ice, believe it or not. If you ever find yourself craving any of these, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor:

  • coal
  • toothpaste
  • sponges
  • mud
  • chalk
  • laundry soap
  • matches
  • rubber

Hormones certainly have a way of making us do some quirky things, don’t they?

Share Your Cravings

So, what about you? Are your cravings leaning towards sweet, salty, sour, spicy, or just about anything and everything? Let me know in the comments below.

For more insights on when pregnancy cravings typically start, be sure to check out this blog post.

And if you’re interested in capturing the beauty of your baby bump and those memorable cravings, remember I’m a London motherhood photographer and I’d be delighted to help you create some stunning maternity photos! 😊

Related post: Beyond the Snacks: What Pregnancy Cravings Reveal

Asian pregnant mum with white lingerie and white short open to reveal the baby belly

Feel free to take a look at my maternity photography portfolio and get in touch for a friendly chat.

Related post: Preparing for the Big Day: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Photography by Valentina | Maternity Photographer London | 07577 978 246

Resources: she knows, BBC, Baby Centre

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    I’m definitely not a poet. I’ve never called myself a writer. I’m a photographer. But these lines came out of me almost on their own during the breastfeeding project. As if they’d been waiting for a page. This is the third and last part. Thank you for reading it with me. I hope you enjoyed it. If you missed the other 2 parts check the previous reels. #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingmum #BreastfeedingUnfiltered #londonmums

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    Part two of the poem I wrote while working on Milk Tales. If you missed part one, it’s on my page, or click on the reel. It’s a raging storm,
and the calm sea at dusk.
It’s the sun that tempts you,
the rain that breaks you. 
It’s burning fire
that stirs what words can’t say.
It’s a path of discovery,
lit in your own way. 
A journey that strips you bare,
but clothes you in new grace.
Each drop of milk
a vow you won’t erase. Third and last one coming soon. Don’t miss it. Which line stayed with you? #breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney #poemsofinsta

    While I was working on my breastfeeding personal project a few years ago, a poem slowly grew in me, written in Italian.

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    While I was working on my breastfeeding personal project a few years ago, a poem slowly grew in me, written in Italian. This is the translated version, which became part of Milk Tales, a book of photography and stories from 25 mothers, including my own. I never shared the poem publicly, until now. Part one of three. Follow for more.

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    Nobody tells you that the last weeks of pregnancy are also the last weeks of being just you. You’re not quite a mother, yet. But you’re not quite yourself anymore either. Somewhere in between, carrying a whole person you haven’t met. This is the photo of the woman you were, right before. Before the sleepless nights. Before you start disappearing, just a little, into someone else’s story for a while. If you’re in it right now, I’d love to capture it for you.
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    VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

    07577 978246

    LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

    Based in Richmond, I work with families across London to capture life’s most meaningful milestones through portrait photography.