Weirdest Pregnancy Cravings From Real Women

The awe-inspiring miracle of pregnancy, with all the amazing transformations a woman’s body goes through to give birth to a new life, is truly incredible. Even more surprising is the strange side effect of pregnancy: the emergence of those weird and wild pregnancy cravings! It seems that expecting mothers just can’t get enough of their favorites – whether it be pickles, ice cream, cheese, or anything else they desire – pregnant women are full of unexpected cravings!

Most of these peculiar cravings usually arise in the early stages of pregnancy, usually at 4-6 weeks of gestation. It’s these same intense cravings that have everyone going, “huh?” Let’s explore some of the strongest and most bizarre cravings pregnant women report to experience.

From Vegetarian to Meat Eater

A mother has shared that despite being a vegetarian for 27 years, she started consuming meat when she became pregnant. According to her, it was her baby’s desire that led her to make this shift in her diet. Although meat cravings can be a strange aspect of pregnancy, it’s usually related to the heightened nutritional requirements of expecting mothers, specifically the need for iron. This craving is not limited to only vegetarian mothers; it is common for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian women to crave meat during pregnancy.

Iron, a vital nutrient required for red blood cell formation and oxygen transportation, is abundantly found in meat products. During pregnancy, iron deficiency can cause complications like anemia and preterm birth, making it essential to fulfill the increased iron demands of the body. Hence, craving for meat during pregnancy can indicate the body’s need for essential nutrients, and it is recommended to include a balanced diet to support the healthy growth of the baby.

Hot Pickle PB & J Sandwich

Pregnancy cravings are known for their oddness, and pickles are one of the most common cravings amongst pregnant women. However, some expectant mothers experience even weirder cravings, such as combining pickles with other unconventional foods like peanut butter, ice cream, and even drinking pickle juice straight from the jar.

One mother recently shared a funny incident where she realized she must be pregnant when she made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich immediately after eating a hot pickle. She found herself irresistibly drawn to the combination, even licking her fingers (which she had yet to wash after eating the pickle) in delight.

These unusual cravings can be attributed to a combination of hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, and psychological factors that can alter a woman’s taste preferences during pregnancy. For example, pickles are high in sodium, which can lead to a salt craving during pregnancy. Similarly, peanut butter is a good source of protein, and the body may crave it to fulfill its protein needs. However, the reason behind such bizarre combinations is still not entirely understood and varies from woman to woman.

Dairy, Please

It is not uncommon for expectant mothers to experience a significant shift in their dietary preferences during pregnancy. Some women report despising milk and other dairy products before pregnancy, only to find themselves craving it incessantly during pregnancy. One mother even shared that she went from not drinking milk at all to drinking a cup of chocolate milk daily.

As a mother myself, I can personally attest to experiencing this shift in taste preferences during pregnancy. With my first pregnancy, I went from drinking milk occasionally to craving it so much that I could drink a gallon a day. It was one of the few things I could tolerate in the first trimester.

However, it’s essential to note that not all women experience the same cravings or aversions during pregnancy. It’s essential to listen to your body and talk to your healthcare provider about any changes in your diet to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs for a healthy pregnancy.

Canned Fish

The recent revelation by a mother about her love for a combination of cottage cheese, jarred herring, and potato chips is an example of how pregnancy cravings can lead to unusual food combinations. While some may find this particular combination odd or unappetizing, it’s essential to remember that every woman’s pregnancy experience is unique. What one woman craves may not be the same for another.

It’s worth noting that these cravings are not necessarily random or irrational. They may be the body’s way of signaling a nutrient deficiency or responding to hormonal changes. For example, craving salty foods like herring or potato chips may indicate a need for sodium, while cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium.

Take Me Back to My Childhood

During pregnancy, many women experience cravings for foods they haven’t eaten in years, particularly those they enjoyed in childhood. These cravings are thought to be linked to feelings of comfort and nostalgia, as well as the changes in hormones and nutrient requirements that occur during pregnancy. While these cravings may seem random or unusual to some, they are entirely normal and often a source of amusement for expectant mothers.

One mother, for instance, recently shared her pregnancy cravings for hard shell tacos with ground beef, snack plates consisting of cheese, crackers, and lunch meat, as well as string cheese. These foods may seem mundane, but to the expectant mother, they hold significant emotional value, reminding her of childhood memories and experiences.

From Arch Nemesis to Favorite

Pregnancy is a time when many women experience a range of food aversions and cravings. While some expectant mothers may find themselves unable to eat some of their favorite foods, others may discover that they suddenly crave foods they typically dislike.

One mother recently shared her experience of developing a strong craving for root beer, a drink she usually dislikes, during pregnancy. This sudden shift in taste preferences is not uncommon and can be attributed to hormonal changes and other physiological factors during pregnancy. Cravings for specific foods may also indicate nutrient deficiencies, and some women find that they crave certain foods as a way of fulfilling these needs.

Mashed Potatoes and Chocolate

A mother recently shared an embarrassing confession about her unusual food combination of mashed potatoes and chocolate donut holes. Although hesitant to admit her unusual food pairing, she revealed that she eats the two together by using the donut holes as a vehicle to eat the mashed potatoes. Some might find this combination unappetizing, but it’s not uncommon for people to experiment with unconventional food pairings or indulge in comfort foods.

While it’s important to maintain a balanced diet, allowing oneself the occasional indulgence can be a great way to relieve stress and boost mood. In conclusion, the mother’s unique food combination might not be for everyone, but it’s a reminder that everyone has their own quirky food preferences, and it’s okay to indulge in guilty pleasures once in a while.

Ramen and Waffles

According to one new mother, nothing hits the spot quite like ramen and waffles… combined! Her recipe includes cooking the ramen normally and then devouring a waffle with a generous spread of peanut butter and maple syrup. If she’s feeling extra adventurous, she likes adding the peanut butter to the ramen. While this might seem like an unusual pairing, it’s not uncommon for people to experiment with unconventional food combinations or indulge in comfort foods.

All in all, the mother’s unique take on food pairings serves as an important reminder that people have their own individual tastes and preferences when it comes to food. At the end of the day, everyone should have the freedom to explore the diverse range of cuisines out there, and if that means experimenting with unusual flavors or comforting themselves with a dish of ramen, waffles, peanut butter, and maple syrup, then why not?

Turn Up the Heat

One woman confessed that during her third trimester, she developed a strong desire for extra hot ramen, so hot that she couldn’t even taste it. This was unusual for her since she didn’t typically enjoy spicy food. Many pregnant women could relate, sharing that they loved adding hot sauce or other random sauces to weird food combinations or indulging in spicy snacks like hot Cheetos.

While these cravings might seem strange to some, they’re a common part of pregnancy and can be attributed to hormonal changes and nutrient deficiencies. It’s important for pregnant women to listen to their bodies and indulge in cravings within reason while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. The woman’s desire for extra hot ramen during her third trimester might have been unusual, but it’s a reminder that pregnancy can cause unusual cravings and a heightened sense of taste, leading to unconventional food pairings.

Ketchup On Everything

A recent online discussion centered around bizarre food pairings and pregnancy cravings included a bizarre post about Beyoncé’s love for dipping bananas in ketchup. While ketchup is a common condiment, the idea of pairing it with bananas is undoubtedly strange and does not appeal to everyone. However, pregnant women can experience heightened senses of taste and cravings for weird food combinations due to the rampant hormonal changes during pregnancy.

As researchers have noted, cravings during pregnancy are very normal. Around 50-90% of expectant mothers have these cravings, regardless of their peculiarity. Though indulging in them from time to time is alright, pregnant women must remember to stick to a well-balanced diet for their and their baby’s sake.

Everything in Excess

While some expectant mothers experience strange and unconventional cravings, others report having strong food cravings for a particular type of food. Many women have reported cravings that are so intense that they feel compelled to eat massive amounts of one particular food.

Salt and vinegar chips are a crowd favorite among pregnant women, and many report that they couldn’t get enough of them during their pregnancy. Oranges are another common food craving, likely due to their high vitamin C content, which is essential during pregnancy. Baked goods and sweets are also popular cravings, and expectant mothers often indulge in things like cake, cookies, and ice cream.

In addition to these more traditional cravings, some women also report strong cravings for vegetables like asparagus. This could be due to a nutrient deficiency, as asparagus is high in folic acid, which is crucial during pregnancy.

Cheez-Its with Cream Cheese

A recent online discussion about pregnancy cravings featured a post from a new mother who had been dipping cheese crackers in cream cheese. This unusual food pairing immediately caught the attention of other pregnant women in the thread.

The idea of combining the salty crunch of cheese crackers with the creamy tang of cream cheese intrigued many women, and they expressed their excitement about trying this strange food combination. The delicious and satisfying flavor of this unconventional pairing seemed like a perfect match, and it inspired other women to think outside the box and experiment with their own food cravings.

While pregnancy cravings can sometimes be outright bizarre, they can also be an opportunity to explore new tastes and expand one’s culinary horizons. Whether it’s dipping cheese crackers in cream cheese or trying other unconventional food combinations, pregnant women can satisfy their cravings while also discovering new flavors and textures.

Ice Chips- Anything Cold

One common aspect of pregnancy cravings is that expectant mothers tend to crave cold foods or drinks. This preference for cold foods may be due to the fact that the body temperature of pregnant women tends to be slightly higher than usual, which can cause them to feel overheated and uncomfortable. Cold foods such as iced soda, milkshakes, vanilla ice cream, and ice chips can help to cool the body down, providing relief from discomfort and nausea.

In addition, staying hydrated is crucial during pregnancy, and consuming cold foods and drinks can help pregnant women to meet their daily hydration needs. Many pregnant women struggle with drinking plain water due to nausea or aversions to certain flavors or smells. However, they might find it easier to consume cold liquids or foods, especially if they add flavor or sweetness to them.

Non-Food Cravings

Some women experience cravings that go beyond food. These cravings can be for non-food items such as clay, laundry starch, chalk, soil, paint chips, and plaster, which is known as Pica.

Cravings for non-food items can be concerning as these substances provide little to no nutritional value and can be potentially harmful to both the mother and the unborn baby. In most cases, these cravings are associated with mineral deficiencies, particularly in iron and zinc.

It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider if experiencing Pica cravings to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. The doctor may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or medication to address any nutrient deficiencies and help alleviate cravings for non-food items.

I Don’t Want Any of It

Pregnancy is no easy feat – it often comes with unexpected and uncomfortable dietary restrictions. For some women, intense food cravings drive them to explore cuisines and recipes that are new and exciting. Other women experience strong food aversions, meaning the favorite meals and snacks of pre-pregnancy life become far less appealing. These taste changes and intense cravings and aversions often take women by surprise and can result in feelings of frustration.

The challenge of finding palatable meals during pregnancy can leave many women feeling completely at a loss. Trying to figure out which foods they can tolerate and actually enjoy becomes an exhausting and sometimes fruitless effort. And unfortunately, these aversions can prevent women from getting the essential nutrients their body needs, leaving them vulnerable to additional health complications.