The truth about weird pregnancy cravings and how to handle them

TL;DR

• Pregnancy cravings are common and usually triggered by hormones, emotional comfort, or occasional nutrient needs.

• Cravings often start around weeks 5–8, peak in the second trimester, and may taper off in the third trimester.

• Common cravings for Indian moms include pickles with ice cream, aloo paratha with ice cream, spicy chaat, golgappas, and midnight sweets.

• Not all cravings indicate nutrient deficiency, but unusual urges like ice or soil (pica) can signal low iron or other gaps.

• Managing cravings is about balance: enjoy small portions, pair treats with healthy snacks, stay hydrated, and eat regular meals.

• Emotional support, mindfulness, and prenatal yoga help reduce stress-eating and make cravings easier to handle.

Finding yourself in the kitchen at 2 AM hunting for imli or dipping a salty paratha in vanilla ice cream? 

For Indian moms-to-be, pregnancy cravings are those wild, can’t-ignore-them food urges. They feel like an urgent mission. One moment you crave tangy pickles and sweet gulab jamun, and the next you need pani puri.

But understanding why these cravings happen makes them easier to handle, so you can savor the fun without worrying. Whether it’s hormones, a hidden need for nutrients, or just a longing for childhood comfort foods, these "food moods" have a lot to tell you. 

In this blog, we’re diving into the truth behind those weird urges, what they really mean for your body, and how you can handle them while staying healthy and happy. 

What do pregnancy cravings really mean?

Pregnancy cravings are strong, sudden desires for food. It is often driven by hormones. It changes taste buds, body needs, or the simple comfort certain foods bring.

You’re suddenly craving sour things or sweet things like Rasgulla or kheer. Sometimes, spicy street food like pani puri or chaat becomes irresistible. Cravings don’t always mean deficiency. It is also related to comfort or emotional satisfaction. 

Many Indian moms notice they crave the food that they grew up loving. They are like parathas with pickles or hot masala chai. It’s okay to indulge occasionally. It's balanced with healthy meals like dal, sabzi, and fruits.

Listening to your body is key. Enjoy the cravings in moderation. They’re a natural part of your pregnancy journey, not something to feel guilty about. 

What causes pregnancy cravings?

Every Indian mom experiences pregnancy cravings. It is caused by hormones. Your hormones make your taste buds and nose go haywire. One moment everything tastes bland; the next you’re craving tangy aam panna or sweet gulab jamun. 

Studies show that over 95% of pregnant women are actually low on key nutrients. So it's important to pay attention to what your body really needs, even if some cravings feel unusual. Craving tangy, sweet, or spicy foods is normal. But you need to balance it with iron-rich, calcium-rich, and protein-packed foods. 

Low iron might make you want jaggery, while a calcium deficiency could push you toward doodh or paneer. Emotions also play a big role. Stress, excitement, or just the comfort of familiar foods can trigger cravings.

When do cravings start during pregnancy?

Most Indian moms-to-be start noticing those strange food urges toward the end of the first trimester, usually around week 5 to 8. It is right when the first wave of morning sickness hits, and your hormones start going into overdrive. Suddenly, dal-chawal might make you queasy, but a bowl of spicy Maggi or tangy golgappas feels irresistible.

Cravings usually peak during the second trimester. In this phase, pregnancy nausea settles, and your appetite really kicks in. You might even wake up your partner at midnight just to grab a cold lassi or some sweets. 

By the third trimester, cravings tend to slow down. Because there isn’t much room left in your stomach. Even so, small comforting snacks like a piece of gud (jaggery) or a few salty biscuits often stick around until the very end. Every pregnancy is different, so don’t worry if your "craving clock" starts a bit earlier or later than this. It’s all normal. 

How to control sweet cravings during pregnancy?

Craving sweets during pregnancy is completely normal. You can manage them while keeping your diet healthy. You don’t have to cut out sweets entirely. Instead, try healthy options and enjoy them in moderation. 

You can have a piece of dark chocolate, some fruit chaat, or a small portion of kheer to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing it. It’s all about balance and listening to your body while still taking care of your nutrition.

Do cravings mean my body lacks nutrients?

No, cravings don’t always mean your body is running low on nutrients. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are usually the real culprits, heightening your senses and making sweets, chaat, or spicy snacks suddenly irresistible, even if your diet is already balanced.

Sometimes there’s a real signal, though. Are you craving ice or mud (pica)? That can point to low iron, which affects 40–50% of pregnant women in India. Not enough palak, paneer, or jaggery could be the reason. 

Salty snacks might hint at your body needing sodium after first-trimester changes, or a sudden desire for milk and paneer could be a calcium nudge. But in most cases, craving for mithai is just comfort or habit, not a deficiency.

You need to take your prenatal vitamins, enjoy balanced meals with dal, sabzi, and curd. Keep an eye on unusual cravings and talk to your gynae if needed. You’re nourishing two, so trust the process. 

What are some weird yet common food cravings in pregnancy?

#1 Non-food craving 

Some pregnancy cravings go beyond food. Non-food cravings, known as pica, are when you might suddenly crave things like ice, chalk, or even soil. In India, it’s not uncommon for moms-to-be to nibble on ice cubes or crave chalky substances. 

It is a sign of low iron or other nutrient gaps. While it might feel strange, it’s your body signaling that something is missing. Always check with your doctor if you notice these cravings. Simple fixes, like adding more palak, jaggery, or iron-rich foods to your diet, usually help, making sure both you and your baby stay healthy.

#2 Pickles and Ice cream

Pickles and ice cream are a classic combo many Indian moms know well. One moment you might be craving the tangy, spicy bite of mango pickle with your roti, and the next, a creamy scoop of vanilla or kulfi suddenly feels irresistible. 

These cravings aren’t just random. They’re your taste buds reacting to hormones, comfort, or sometimes even nutrient needs. Some moms crave salty snacks, others want sweets or frozen treats at odd hours. Whatever you crave, it’s okay to enjoy in moderation while keeping your meals balanced with dal, sabzi, and fresh fruits.

#3 Aloo Paratha with Ice cream

For many Indian moms, spicy, buttery paratha paired with cold, sweet ice cream is the best combination. Sounds odd, but many Indian moms swear by it. Other common cravings include golgappas with extra tang, mango lassi at midnight, or even pickles straight from the jar. 

These cravings mix comfort, nostalgia, and the body’s changing signals. Enjoy them in moderation, and pair them with balanced meals like dal, sabzi, and fresh fruit so both mom and baby stay happy and healthy.

How to handle pregnancy cravings? 

Managing cravings is about listening to what your body and mind are really asking for. When that sudden urge emerges, balance is key. Ignoring it often backfires, so try the "portion trick": enjoy a small bowl of what you love and pair it with something healthy, like roasted makhana or nuts. 

Emotions play a big role in cravings. Feeling stressed, tired, or lonely can push you toward comfort foods. That’s where support from Rita's Pregnancy 101 really helps. Their prenatal yoga and meditation sessions teach calm and mindfulness, so those stress-eating urges naturally settle. 

Trimester-specific guidance helps you understand why your body craves certain foods, making it easier to manage. You can also connect with other moms and share laughs about weird food habits that make the journey feel lighter. With emotional support and self-awareness, cravings become just a small, manageable part of your pregnancy story.

Final insights 

At the end of the day, those sudden urges are just fun little chapters in your pregnancy story. Sometimes your body is asking for a nutrient; other times your mind is just craving comfort food. Either way, there’s no need to feel guilty.

Staying mindful through pregnancy yoga, and listening to your body’s signals can make these nine months much easier to navigate.