Do pregnant women really get unusual food cravings?
A sudden urge for unusual foods at the beginning of pregnancy is quite common and may lead women to modify their eating habits. A former favorite treat may now cause her nausea, while, in extreme cases, she may feel an urge to eat things like chalk or charcoal [1].
The causes behind these cravings and aversions are not completely known. Previously, it was thought that it was a way for the pregnant female body to compensate for a lack of vitamins and trace elements in the diet, but that hypothesis has been refuted. Today, scientists are more inclined to believe that the phenomenon has a psychological explanation [2].
Regardless of the reasons behind them, strange food cravings are normal at this time. If your partner suddenly wants a side of pickles with her ice cream or some jam with her burger, there is no cause for alarm, it will pass. Needless to say, it's a good idea to avoid getting carried away with fast food and instead favor a healthy and balanced diet. But being overly restrictive is not necessary.
To keep safe, some foods should be avoided during pregnancy. These include undercooked meats, foods made with raw fish (like sushi), soft cheeses with mold (like brie or camembert), anything containing raw eggs, and all unpasteurized milk or milk products. These foods can cause bacterial infections that can harm the baby. Washing all fruits and vegetables well is also important [3].
