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Published on: 4/7/2025

What Are Some Examples of Weird Food Cravings During Pregnancy?

Some unusual food cravings during pregnancy include odd combinations like pickles with ice cream, strong tastes such as raw onions or hot peppers, and even non-food items like clay or dirt (known as pica).

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Explanation

During pregnancy, many women experience cravings that can seem quite strange to others. For example, some women report craving unusual food pairings like pickles and ice cream, which mix salty and sweet flavors in a surprising way. Others might crave very strong or pungent foods such as raw onions, spicy foods like hot peppers, or sour foods like lemons. In some cases, women develop cravings for non-food items—a condition called pica—where items like clay, dirt, or laundry starch are desired. These unusual cravings are believed to be linked to the hormonal and physical changes that occur during pregnancy, and they can be influenced by cultural and individual factors. While these cravings might sound odd, they are a common experience for many expectant mothers. If your cravings involve non-food items or if you have any concerns about your eating habits during pregnancy, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure your health and the health of your baby.

(References)

  • Hook EB. Dietary cravings and aversions during pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr. 1978 Aug;31(8):1355-62. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/31.8.1355. PMID: 277064.

  • Nyaruhucha CN. Food cravings, aversions and pica among pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tanzan J Health Res. 2009 Jan;11(1):29-34. PMID: 19445102.

  • Blau LE, Lipsky LM, Dempster KW, Eisenberg Colman MH, Siega-Riz AM, Faith MS, Nansel TR. Women's Experience and Understanding of Food Cravings in Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study in Women Receiving Prenatal Care at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2020 May;120(5):815-824. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2019.09.020. Epub 2019 Dec 6. PMID: 31813756; PMCID: PMC7186144.

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