Pregnancy cheese craving

9 common pregnancy cravings: When do they start?

Have you discovered a sudden desire for pickles and a pint of ice cream during your pregnancy, even though these foods have never been your go-tos before? If so, you are not alone. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of pregnancy cravings!

But what exactly is a food craving? If you’re experiencing a strong urge to eat a specific type of food and finding it very hard to resist that desire, you’re probably experiencing a craving. But we don’t just get cravings during pregnancy. In fact, studies show that 68% to 97% of college-aged men and women reported experiencing food cravings.

So why do we experience cravings during pregnancy, and what are some of the most common pregnancy food cravings? Here, we break down the research and speak to registered dietician Marcela Fiuza to uncover everything you need to know about pregnancy cravings, including a pregnancy cravings list of the most commonly craved foods.

When do pregnancy cravings start?

If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, or you’re expecting but haven’t experienced any specific hankerings yet, you might be wondering if pregnancy cravings are likely to kick in.

“Cravings can occur at any point during pregnancy,” explains Fiuza. “Typically, they tend to start at the end of the first trimester and intensify during the second trimester.” For some women, pregnancy food cravings could start as early as five weeks into pregnancy.

How long do pregnancy cravings last?

You might also be wondering when you can expect your pregnancy cravings to subside. Research suggests that they will become less intense during your third trimester, and Fiuza adds that “they tend to disappear after the birth of the baby.”

How common are pregnancy cravings?

If you’re experiencing pregnancy food cravings, then you’re now part of a very large club, as pregnancy cravings are extremely common. In fact, Fiuza says that anywhere between 50% to 90% of pregnant people in the United States will experience them.

What causes pregnancy cravings?

Good question! Unfortunately, researchers haven’t determined an answer for this just yet. “There is not much research into the causes of food cravings during pregnancy, so we don’t fully understand why they happen,” explains Fiuza.

There are a number of theories about what causes pregnancy cravings, but Fiuza adds that these are “unproved,” so we can’t take them as fact just yet. One theory is that the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy could have an impact on our sense of smell and taste, which “could be linked with food preferences and cravings,” says Fiuza.

“Another theory is that increased nutrient requirement or nutritional deficiencies could lead to craving of certain foods,” she adds. “However, research is lacking, and available findings do not support these hypotheses. ”

While cravings during pregnancy are totally normal, Fiuza reminds us that they “should not be the sole indicator of nutritional needs in pregnancy.”

The 9 most common pregnancy cravings

As you reach for the jar of pickles for the third time in a day, you might be wondering which foods are most common for pregnancy cravings. There is limited research available to help pinpoint these, although one study that analyzed blog posts about pregnancy cravings found that sweets, carbohydrates (including chips and pizza), animal proteins, and fruits were often reported as cravings. Other studies suggest that pregnancy cravings for savory foods are strongest in the first trimester, while cravings for sweet foods are strongest in the second trimester, and cravings for salty foods are strongest in later pregnancy.

Fiuza has used the data available, combined with her own clinical experience, to highlight the following nine food groups as some of the most common pregnancy cravings.

Sweet cravings during pregnancy

You don’t need to be pregnant to find yourself craving chocolate. Research has shown that it’s actually the most common food craving in the United States for all individuals, whether they’re expecting or not. But if you’re really craving sweets during your pregnancy, it could be due to pregnancy food cravings, with Fiuza naming chocolate and candy as two of the most commonly craved sweet foods.

While it’s OK to indulge your sweet cravings during pregnancy, it’s recommended that you don’t reach for sweets too often and that you only do so as part of a healthy diet. Research has found a link between increased intake of sugary foods and a risk of gestational diabetes, and excessive weight gain during pregnancy can be problematic.

If you’re worried about your cravings for sweet foods, you could try swapping candy and other sweet treats for fruit or substituting a few squares of milk chocolate for dark chocolate instead, as it’s considered a healthier alternative and contains heart-healthy flavonoids.

Fruit cravings during pregnancy

If you have fruit cravings during pregnancy, then that’s great, as this is a delicious and healthy snack to enjoy throughout your pregnancy and beyond. If you’re craving fruit, you could try making a delicious fruit smoothie or grab an orange to satisfy your cravings. Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) general guidelines recommend that pregnant people over 19 consume 85 mg of vitamin C per day, or 80 mg per day if you’re younger than 19.

Carbohydrate cravings during pregnancy

Pregnancy cravings for carbohydrates such as bread, cereal, and crackers are also common. If you find yourself craving these, Fiuza recommends opting for healthier, whole grain varieties that contain more nutrients, like fiber and vitamins, instead of processed varieties that may have added sugar, fats, and salt. As an added bonus, fiber can help to keep you full while also working to fight constipation, which is particularly common in the second trimester.

Fast food cravings during pregnancy

Does a gooey slice of pizza or a plate of salty, crispy chips sound particularly delicious right now? This could be due to pregnancy cravings, with both the aforementioned blog post study and Fiuza naming pizza and chips as two of the most commonly craved junk foods during pregnancy. As with sweets, it’s OK to indulge these cravings occasionally, but try to eat them as part of a healthy, balanced diet. You could also opt for a healthier alternative such as homemade sweet potato fries or go for a slice of pizza loaded with fiber and vitamin-rich vegetables.

Dairy cravings during pregnancy

Dairy cravings during pregnancy, such as a craving for milk, are also common. The good news is that this is generally a healthy craving, too. This is because dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese all contain calcium, a mineral that helps the fetus to develop healthy bones and teeth and helps to keep your own bones and teeth healthy and strong. ACOG’s general guidelines recommend that pregnant women aged 19 and older consume 1,000 mg of calcium per day or 1,300 mg per day for those aged 18 and under.

Just be sure to opt for dairy made with pasteurized milk and avoid any cheeses or foods that have been made with unpasteurized milk. These products may contain Listeria bacteria, which could lead to a potentially harmful infection. For more specific information on dairy products that you can and shouldn’t eat during pregnancy, you can read this article on planning a healthy pregnancy diet.

Spicy food cravings during pregnancy

If all you can think about is ordering the spiciest takeout you can find, then yes, you guessed it; you could be experiencing a pregnancy food craving. Spicy cravings in pregnancy are also normal, so if you suddenly find yourself wanting to order a spicy curry when previously your go-to was something milder, then don’t worry. It’s fine to indulge this craving, although you might want to steer clear of spicy foods if you’re experiencing heartburn or stomach issues (which are common during pregnancy), as there is evidence to suggest that they can aggravate these.

Pickle cravings during pregnancy

Pickles are a classic pregnancy food craving, and again, it’s generally OK to indulge it. It is absolutely fine to satisfy your pickle craving, but be mindful of quantities, as too much salt can worsen water retention in pregnancy and increase the risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, which may have negative health effects for your baby.

Animal protein cravings during pregnancy

Fiuza says pregnancy cravings for animal protein, such as steak and chicken, are also normal, but they could be a sign that you are experiencing iron deficiency anemia, as these foods are rich in iron. Anemia is common during pregnancy, affecting between 20% and 80% of pregnant women. That’s often because iron needs increase during pregnancy, from 18 mg per day to 27 mg per day. If you suspect you may have anemia, speak with your health care provider about figuring out a solution.

It’s also worth noting that ACOG suggests avoiding all undercooked and raw meat, eggs, seafood, and poultry during pregnancy, as these could contain Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli.

Cold food cravings during pregnancy

Do you have a sudden desire to eat cold and chilled foods? Pregnancy cravings for foods such as ice cream and popsicles are also normal, says Fiuza. As with sweets, it’s fine to indulge this craving, but try to do so as part of a healthy, balanced diet. You could also try an alternative option, such as frozen yogurt or a homemade fruit smoothie.

What happens if you ignore pregnancy cravings?

There is no evidence to suggest that ignoring pregnancy cravings could harm you or your baby, as long as you’re eating a healthy and balanced diet. However, if you’re concerned, it’s best to speak with your health care provider. In some cases, such as with sweets and fast food, it is generally best to indulge your cravings in moderation. When it comes to nutrition during pregnancy, following a healthy diet is key. “As long as you are having a balanced diet most of the time, there is no need to completely avoid the foods that you crave,” says Fiuza.

“More rarely, some pregnant women might crave nonfood items such as soil, ice, clay, toothpaste, etc.,” adds Fiuza. “This is known as pica and needs to be assessed by a health care professional, as consuming these can be harmful to both mom and baby.” It’s worth noting that it may also be associated with a nutrient deficiency.

Is there a link between pregnancy cravings and the sex of the baby?

You might have heard that the type of pregnancy cravings you have could be linked with the sex of your baby. Specifically, the unfounded theory is that if you’re experiencing cravings for salty foods, then you’re having a boy, and if you’re experiencing cravings for sweet foods, then you’re having a girl. However, there is no evidence to suggest that pregnancy food cravings are linked to the sex of your baby. Similar to the pendulum test, it’s a fun (but nonscientific) way of trying to guess the sex of your unborn child.

No pregnancy cravings: Is this normal?

If you’ve experienced no cravings during your pregnancy, then don’t panic; this is also normal, and there’s no need to worry. We know that anywhere between 50% and 90% of pregnant people in the United States will experience food cravings, but that also means that between 10% and 50% of pregnant people will not experience food cravings. Remember that every pregnancy is different, and if you have any concerns, your health care provider should be able to provide you with tailored advice just for you.

Pregnancy cravings: Further advice

“While there is no need to be overly strict with food intake, it is important to try and be mindful of portion sizes and make healthier choices whenever possible,” recommends Fiuza. “Food cravings during pregnancy can alter dietary intake, which can potentially contribute to excess weight gain, particularly if the foods craved are high in sugar or high in fat. We know that gaining too much weight during pregnancy isn’t healthy for both mom and baby.” Your health care provider will be able to advise how much weight you should ideally gain during your pregnancy, as this varies for everyone and is dependent on factors including your prepregnancy weight, body mass index, and how many babies you are carrying.

Fiuza also offers the following advice on sticking to a healthy diet while managing pregnancy food cravings:

Eat a varied and balanced diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, some lean protein such as turkey, chicken, and fish, and dairy such as pasteurized yogurt.
Eat regular meals including lean protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and may decrease other cravings. You could also consider having one to two healthy snacks a day to avoid fluctuations in blood sugar, which could trigger cravings. Some ideas for healthy snacks include Greek yogurt with fruit, a handful of nuts, whole grain crackers with cheddar cheese, and raw veggies with hummus.
Include regular physical activity in your daily routine (unless your health care provider has advised you not to).
Be mindful of how much and how often you eat foods that are high in sugar or fat and try to make healthy swaps whenever possible. For example, you could have a homemade fruit popsicle or frozen yogurt instead of ice cream if you crave something cold and sweet. Or try a couple of squares of dark chocolate instead of a whole bar of milk chocolate.
Avoid any foods that can carry a risk for your health or the health of your baby. These include raw and undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood; unpasteurized dairy; alcohol; and excessive amounts of caffeine.

Pregnancy cravings: The takeaway

As we’ve seen, pregnancy food cravings are incredibly common. Equally, there’s no need to worry if you don’t experience any cravings at all, and they’re not associated with excessive gestational weight gain, maternal glycemia, or offspring outcome measurements. For those who do experience pregnancy cravings, they’re likely to kick in in the first trimester, sometimes as early as five weeks. They can then get stronger in the second trimester before slowly coming to an end during the third trimester.

There’s no exact science to tell us the most common cravings during pregnancy, but they are likely to include sweets, carbohydrates, fast food, fruit, dairy, spicy foods, pickles, animal protein, and cold foods. It’s generally fine to indulge these cravings as part of a healthy, balanced diet, but there are also some foods that it’s best to avoid, such as dairy products made from unpasteurized milk.

Most importantly, enjoy your pregnancy, and if you have any questions or concerns, always speak to your health care provider.

Craving Cheese During Pregnancy? What it Means (or Not)

Last Updated on September 24, 2022

Have you been puzzled by your cheese craving during your pregnancy? What does it mean?

Craving cheese during pregnancy may mean you are deficient in specific nutrients it contains, including calcium or protein. However, craving cheese can also simply be due to hormonal changes that naturally occur during pregnancy.

Much information surrounding cheese cravings during pregnancy is misleading or flat-out false. So let’s dive into the truth surrounding craving cheese during pregnancy!

Covered in this Article:

Why am I Craving Cheese During Pregnancy? Is it Normal?

Craving cheese is very common during pregnancy and is not a cause for alarm or worry. In fact, 50-90% of women experience a craving for a specific food during their pregnancy (Source: Frontiers in Psychology).

They can be caused by hormone shifts, deficiencies in specific nutrients that the craved food contains, sociocultural factors, and more.

When it comes to craving cheese, it often indicates a lack of essential nutrients in the diet, including calcium. This food craving makes sense as calcium needs are very high during pregnancy to support strong bones, nerves, muscles, and much more (source: American Pregnancy Association).

Calcium works together with vitamin D, found in dairy products as well, to prevent the parathyroid gland from releasing a hormone that works to weaken and soften the bones (source: Johns Hopkins Medical School). This weakening of the bones is called osteoporosis and can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures.

Cheese cravings in pregnancy may also indicate a lack of adequate protein in the diet. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women consume between 75 and 100 grams of protein daily.

Protein plays a role in the function of every body system from the muscular system to the immune system to the urinary system. Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy, such as cheese, and some vegetable sources, such as tofu.

Does Craving Cheese Mean I’m Having a Boy or Girl?

It is a common myth that craving cheese during pregnancy may indicate whether or not you are having a boy or a girl. However, it is simply that – a myth! While it can be a fun guessing game of sorts, there is no scientific evidence that craving cheese means anything more than a nutritional deficiency or hormonal changes.

Is Craving Cheese an Early Sign of Pregnancy?

Similarly to indicating whether you are having a boy or girl, many believe that craving cheese can be an early sign of pregnancy even before testing positive on a pregnancy test. Yet, this is a myth, and unfortunately there is no evidence to support it.

If you crave cheese before being pregnant, it may again be due to nutrient deficiencies — or maybe you simply love cheese, and that’s okay too!

How to Safely Satisfy Cheese Cravings When Pregnant

When you crave cheese during your pregnancy, there are many safe options to help satisfy you. Cheese made with pasteurized milk is safe to consume during pregnancy. Pasteurization is the process of heating to high temperatures to kill bacteria and viruses that may be present.

Cheeses made with pasteurized milk include American cheese, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, and other hard cheeses. Thankfully, most of your favorite cheeses on the grocery store shelves are made from pasteurized milk.

Unfortunately, soft cheeses are best avoided during pregnancy since they are often made with unpasteurized milk and have an increased risk of Listeria, though improbable (source: American Pregnancy Association).

Soft cheese include Brie, Camembert, feta, and gorgonzola. Additionally, avoid Queso Fresco and Queso Blanco as they are often made with unpasteurized milk. The exception is that soft cheeses and Queso cheeses are safe for pregnant women if the packaging specifically states that they are produced with pasteurized milk.

We’ve put together a huge list of pregnancy-safe (and unsafe) cheeses for you to refer to, if you’re a cheese fan.

Additionally, it is essential to note that while cheese is high in calcium, it is also very high in fat. Consuming excess amounts of fat, even during pregnancy, is not recommended as it can lead to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other chronic health conditions. Therefore, enjoy your cheese in moderation!

I hope you found this article helpful in learning more about your cheese cravings and how to safely satisfy these common pregnancy cravings. If you’re craving dairy in general, then you might also be interested in our dairy craving explanation, too.

This article has been reviewed and approved for publication in line with our editorial policy.

is it possible to cheese during pregnancy

Elena Mazitova

Some pregnant women refuse cheese, believing that this product contributes to weight gain. And this is true if you use it a lot. But what about a small amount of product? What types of cheese can expectant mothers eat?

Why do you want cheese during pregnancy?

A strong need for a piece of hard cheese may be due to the body's desire to diversify the diet. In addition, cravings for a product often indicate a lack of protein and calcium, which are part of it. There is another theory, but it still has no scientific evidence. According to her, when a woman leans on cheese during pregnancy, it means that she will have a boy.

Is it safe to eat cheese during pregnancy?

Quite good if we are talking about solid products. Such types of cheese contain a small amount of listeria bacteria, which do not affect the health of mother and baby. The same cannot be said about soft cheeses, especially blue cheeses. Passion for such a product can lead to a dangerous disease called listeriosis.

What types of cheese can pregnant women eat?

If you are expecting a baby, you can safely include hard cheeses (cheddar, emmental, halloumi, manchego, pecorino, parmesan, etc. ) in the menu. They are made from pasteurized milk, which means that the content of listeria in the product is minimal.

Soft cheese lovers can also breathe a sigh of relief as it is safe to eat ricotta, mozzarella, cream cheese and mascarpone during pregnancy. With such a variety, you will pamper yourself and your baby with delicious and original dishes every day.

What cheese should expectant mothers not eat?

For at least 9 months, you will have to forget about blue cheeses, which contain a huge amount of listeria bacteria (brie, camembert, cambozola, etc.). Soft types of unpasteurized cheeses, such as feta, chabishu, also fall under the ban.

Why is it dangerous to eat these types of cheese? The main reason is listeriosis, which can cause premature birth or miscarriage. At the initial stage, the disease has typical symptoms of a cold or flu, but over time, the condition of the expectant mother and child may worsen. That is why with a sharp change in well-being, you should immediately seek medical help.

Pregnancy Cheese Guidelines:

Choose only hard cheeses.
If you can't get over your craving for soft cheeses, you can eat a small amount of it by pre-heating the cheese in a bain-marie. After all, as you know, at high temperatures, Listeria bacteria die.
Buy only pasteurized dairy products.
Observe the rules for storing food in the refrigerator. Regularly review and dispose of low-quality or stale food.

Photo: Shutterstock

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What does the craving for certain foods during pregnancy indicate? But still, we remember the best way to treat friends, and we can talk about the gastronomic preferences of family members for hours. However, all this does not apply at all to future mothers, whose desires and preferences can change, like the weather in April or October, ten times a day. Moreover, no pregnant woman will ever be able to predict what she will want to eat in an hour. Where does the incomprehensible craving of pregnant women for completely unexpected products come from and how to deal with it? And is such a struggle really necessary?

Why pregnant women may have strange taste preferences

Indeed, pregnant women very often do not just change their taste preferences, but show truly fantastic ingenuity. How do you, for example, beer with marshmallows? Or clay with mayonnaise?

When interviewing pregnant women about their food preferences, it turned out that about 40% of the women surveyed constantly wanted sweets, about 33% preferred something salty, 17% of the respondents chose spicy dishes, and 10% - sour foods.

Some researchers who observed the eating habits of pregnant women came to the conclusion that the unusual desires of pregnant women associated with food appear only because the expectant mother’s body may be deficient in any necessary micro or macro elements or vitamins, and the body tends to replenish the missing resources from any sources.

Other scientists believe that some of the strangeness in the changed taste perception of pregnant women can be explained by hormonal changes that accompany every pregnancy. And since the work of the endocrine system is still insufficiently studied, such changes are neither predictable nor correctable.

Scientists note the so-called nostalgic factor. If a pregnant woman is far from her parental home or far from the places where she grew up or with which she has very positive memories, then she may subconsciously want something that will remind her of her childhood or some pleasant moments.

However, sometimes the taste preferences of pregnant women extend to completely inedible substances: chalk, soap, clay, coal, toothpaste, sand, earth. It can be assumed that chalk can become a source of calcium. But where does the desire to eat the earth come from? Doctors believe that any case of such strange food desires should be a reason to see a doctor, because this can hide not only a lack of any substances, but also serious problems, including with the psyche.

According to sociological surveys conducted among pregnant women, the strangest desires were soap, plaster and cigarette ash. Of the foods common to the human menu, the cravings for hot peppers, raw onions, moldy cheese (even if it is not a noble variety, but an ordinary piece moldy in the refrigerator), raw potatoes, horseradish, pickled apples and other products that share one feature - a pronounced sharp taste.

Endocrine causes of changes in food preferences

Researchers and practicing gynecologists believe that one of the reasons for the change in the dietary preferences of a pregnant woman is the production of progesterone by the body of the expectant mother. The hormone progesterone is necessary to keep the fetal egg, which has just attached to the wall of the uterus, and later - to avoid possible spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) or premature birth.

Active production of progesterone in the body causes some biochemical changes, as a result of which the expectant mother's sense of smell, taste perception and even lability (mobility) of the nervous system change. It is progesterone, which protects the fetus, controls how the developing body is supplied with the necessary vitamins, micro- and macroelements, and in the event of any deficiency, it immediately begins to signal, which manifests itself in food preferences and even cravings for certain foods.

What do the taste oddities of pregnant women indicate?

Unfortunately, science cannot yet explain the reason for all unusual or uncharacteristic food desires for a woman. However, the appearance of some desires is quite understandable, and their appearance can, and sometimes should be the reason for going to the doctor.

1. Pregnant women often show a desire to eat something salty. Such a desire can be caused by some kind of inflammatory process that develops in the body. It is necessary to check the possible danger. In addition, it is known that toxicosis often develops in the initial stages of pregnancy, which causes dehydration. This is what can cause cravings for salty foods - salt retains water in the body, and the necessary water-salt balance is maintained.

2. Often expectant mothers want to eat something sour. If this desire is not associated with the onset of early toxicosis, then it may be caused by a reduced level of gastric acidity or insufficient production of gastric juice. Thus, the pregnant woman has a reason to visit a gastroenterologist.

3. One of the reasons for the irresistible desire to eat more sweets can be stress or overstrain (mental, psychological or even physical), in which the body requires more carbohydrates for a full and quick recovery. However, dental problems can also be the cause of such cravings. Cravings for sweets can also be caused by the fact that a woman was unnecessarily thin before pregnancy - nature is trying to make up for the lack of weight.

4. It is quite common for pregnant women to express their desire to chew or chew on regular chalk. According to practitioners, this desire may arise due to a lack of calcium or vitamin D in the body, the need for which in the body of a future mother increases greatly due to the active formation of the skeletal system of a growing and developing fetus.

5. Sometimes a pregnant woman crave bananas unbearably. Most often, this does not indicate capriciousness, but about insufficient intake of potassium into the body.

6. If there is an irresistible desire to constantly eat cranberries and lemons, this may indicate a lack of vitamin C and / or potassium.

7. The desire to constantly eat seaweed may indicate an iodine deficiency in the body, which is dangerous both for the mother's thyroid gland and for the normal formation of the fetal thyroid gland. In addition, iodine is necessary for many other metabolic processes.

8. A lack of sodium in the body may indicate a constant desire to eat more hard cheese. To make sure that the body lacks exactly sodium, it is necessary to conduct the necessary tests. How to make up for the missing minerals, the doctor must definitely advise.

9. If folic acid and ascorbic acid do not enter the body in sufficient quantities, this can manifest itself in a constant craving for green vegetables.

10. Some pregnant women report wanting to drink beer, even though they are aware of the negative effects of any alcohol on the fetus. Such a desire may indicate insufficient intake of vitamin D, which is practically not produced by the body.

11. Deficiency in the body of pregnant iron and even iron deficiency anemia may be indicated by the desire to chew clay or ice, and even more strange attempts to drag cigarette butts or washing powder into the mouth. As you know, iron is necessary for proper hematopoiesis.