Pregnancy cravings can range from the typical to the downright bizarre. Here are some of the craziest pregnancy cravings, along with guidance on when you should be concerned.
Crazy Pregnancy Cravings:
- Pickles and Ice Cream:
- The classic odd combo. The tangy-salty pickles paired with sweet, creamy ice cream is one of the most well-known pregnancy cravings.
- Chalk or Dirt (Pica):
- Some pregnant women crave non-food items like chalk, dirt, or clay. This is known as pica and is one of the more unusual cravings.
- Toothpaste:
- The minty freshness of toothpaste can become appealing, leading some women to crave it.
- Soap:
- A desire to eat soap or taste soapy water might sound strange, but it’s another example of a pica craving.
- Burnt Matches or Charcoal:
- The smell or taste of burnt matches or charcoal can become oddly appealing during pregnancy.
- Spicy Foods with Chocolate:
- Combining spicy foods like hot sauce with sweet treats like chocolate can become an irresistible craving.
- Pickle Juice:
- Drinking straight pickle juice, without the pickles, is another odd but common craving.
- Vinegar or Vinegar-Based Foods:
- Craving acidic foods like vinegar, or even drinking vinegar straight, is another unusual but reported craving.
- Ice (Pagophagia):
- Constantly craving and chewing on ice cubes, a condition known as pagophagia, can sometimes be a sign of iron deficiency.
- Raw Pasta or Rice:
- Craving and eating uncooked pasta or rice, which have a crunchy texture, can be a form of pica.
- Fruity Scented Cleaning Products:
- The smell of fruity cleaning products may lead to a desire to taste or consume them.
- Cigarette Ashes:
- Some women have reported cravings for cigarette ashes, another form of pica that is particularly concerning.
- Paper or Cardboard:
- Craving paper, cardboard, or even pages from a book can be another unusual manifestation of pica.
- Canned Tuna with Jam:
- Mixing canned tuna with sweet toppings like jam or jelly is an odd but reported craving.
- Potato Chips Dipped in Chocolate:
- The combination of salty and sweet can become irresistible, with some women dipping potato chips in melted chocolate.
When to Be Concerned:
- Pica: Craving non-food items like dirt, chalk, soap, or ashes is known as pica. This can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, particularly iron or zinc. It can also pose health risks depending on what’s being consumed, so it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider if you experience these cravings.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Constant cravings for ice (pagophagia) or other non-food items can indicate an underlying nutrient deficiency, such as anemia. Blood tests can confirm if you need supplements or dietary changes.
- Harmful Substances: Cravings for substances that are harmful or non-edible, such as cleaning products, toothpaste, gasoline, or paint chips, should be taken seriously. Consuming these can be dangerous to both you and your baby.
- Excessive Cravings: While most cravings are harmless, excessive cravings for high-sugar, high-fat, or overly processed foods can lead to unhealthy weight gain and other complications. Moderation is key.
What to Do:
- Consult Your Doctor: If you experience cravings for non-food items or substances, or if your cravings seem extreme or concerning, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and check for any underlying issues.
- Focus on Nutrition: Ensure you’re getting a balanced diet with all necessary nutrients. Sometimes cravings can be your body’s way of signaling a need for certain nutrients.
- Safe Alternatives: If you’re craving something non-edible, try finding a safe alternative that might satisfy the craving, such as chewing gum instead of craving ice.
Most pregnancy cravings are harmless and simply a quirky part of the pregnancy experience. However, when they involve non-food items or potentially harmful substances, it’s important to seek medical advice to ensure both you and your baby stay healthy.
