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Sweet, salty, sour or spicy? Which one are you?

Being pregnant and suddenly craving pizza one moment and chocolate or ice the next? You’re not alone! These cravings are perfectly normal and are all part of your incredible pregnancy journey.

Table of Contents hide
1 Food cravings during pregnancy are well-documented and extremely common.
1.1 When Do Cravings Strike?:
2 The Top Pregnancy Cravings
3 Unusual Cravings
3.1 Share Your Cravings
3.2 Photography by Valentina | Maternity Photographer London | 07577 978 246
title image - pregnant sitting on the bed with a plate of biscuits.

Food cravings during pregnancy are well-documented and extremely common.

Pregnancy cravings are not just a myth; they’re a well-documented and incredibly common phenomenon. Often, these cravings might seem random, but your body might be trying to tell you something – perhaps you need a specific vitamin. These cravings can also be attributed to the dramatic hormonal changes that your body undergoes during pregnancy. These hormones can significantly influence your sense of taste and smell, leading you to crave foods you never thought you would, and saying goodbye to some old favourites. After all, why would you choose a pickle over a piece of chocolate?

During my pregnancy, I didn’t experience wild cravings. I think I remained pretty devoted to my trusty Nutella, and honestly, I still do, even when not pregnant! 😄 Midnight kitchen raids weren’t a part of my pregnancy story.

When Do Cravings Strike?:

Surprisingly, research shows that cravings tend to strike most often in the afternoon (40%) or during the evening (38%), with only a small 8% indulging in midnight snacks.

The Top Pregnancy Cravings

I did some research and apparently, these are the top cravings in pregnancy.

  1. ICE. Really? Yes, you read that right! Ice chewing is a thing. Women with anaemia often find comfort in this because it can soothe mouth and tongue inflammation, a common symptom of anaemia. While I understand the appeal of feeling cooler, the joy of sucking on ice remains a mystery to me. Aren’t we fascinating creatures? 😄
  2. CHOCOLATE. Ah, my personal favourite! A craving for chocolate can be attributed to the increased caloric needs of a pregnant woman. If you’re reaching for chocolate, consider opting for dark chocolate – it’s said to satisfy those cravings even better. Plus, it’s great for heart health and packed with antioxidants.
  3. PICKLES. Pickles (along with olives and potato chips) are classic pregnancy cravings. The increase in blood volume during pregnancy raises the need for sodium, making these salty snacks a go-to choice.
  4. SPICY FOOD. Spicy foods, such as curry or hot red peppers, are yet another common craving among pregnant women. Interestingly enough, it’s because hot foods make the body sweat, which cools off the body. If you’re currently expecting, then you know it’s almost impossible to stay cool. Try adding some spice to your next meal to see if it helps cool you down. WOW! Can you believe it?
  5. COFFEE. Even though some doctors say, it’s a no-no, pregnant women commonly crave coffee, especially those who drank it before conceiving. Coffee makes you more alert and decreases headaches and depression.  Coffee can boost alertness and alleviate headaches and depression. As an Italian mum, I enjoyed my morning espresso and an extra one during the day. However, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with your doctor or nutritionist.
photo of top 5 pregnancy cravings: ice, chocolate, pickles, spicy food and coffee

Unusual Cravings

Now, here’s where things get really interesting! Some pregnancy cravings can be quite unusual—more so than ice, believe it or not. If you ever find yourself craving any of these, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor:

  • coal
  • toothpaste
  • sponges
  • mud
  • chalk
  • laundry soap
  • matches
  • rubber

Hormones certainly have a way of making us do some quirky things, don’t they?

Share Your Cravings

So, what about you? Are your cravings leaning towards sweet, salty, sour, spicy, or just about anything and everything? Let me know in the comments below.

For more insights on when pregnancy cravings typically start, be sure to check out this blog post.

And if you’re interested in capturing the beauty of your baby bump and those memorable cravings, remember I’m a London motherhood photographer and I’d be delighted to help you create some stunning maternity photos! 😊

Related post: Beyond the Snacks: What Pregnancy Cravings Reveal

Asian pregnant mum with white lingerie and white short open to reveal the baby belly

Feel free to take a look at my maternity photography portfolio and get in touch for a friendly chat.

Related post: Preparing for the Big Day: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Photography by Valentina | Maternity Photographer London | 07577 978 246

Resources: she knows, BBC, Baby Centre

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    Newborn sessions with siblings, especially toddlers, can be unpredictable. Some days they are all in. Other days they aren’t. And that’s okay. This big sister wasn’t very keen on being in the photos. So instead of forcing it, I gave her a different role. She became my assistant. She helped me photograph her baby brother and her parents. Suddenly, she felt special. She was part of the process. And Mum still got the beautiful family photos she wanted. I find that involving toddlers and giving them a job to do works magic. It shifts their energy from resistance to collaboration. Everyone feels seen. Everyone gets their moment. This is what 15 years of experience looks like. Knowing when to adapt. Knowing how to make it work for every member of the family. If you’re expecting a second baby and worried about how your toddler will handle a newborn session, don’t be. We’ll find a way to include them that feels right for everyone. Want to chat about your family’s newborn session? Let’s talk about what this could look like for you. DM me. #londonnewbornphotographer #newbornphotoshoot #newbornbaby #newbornphotos

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    Through motherhood, we go through job titles quicker than in an entire career I personally went from Mamma → Mummy → Mum → Vale… and now I’m just Bruh or Buddy. 🙈 They grow up fast and one day they won’t even want to be in the photo! So let’s make the most of these Mummy years! What’s the funniest name your kids have called you? Come on let’s have a laugh in the comments #motherhood #mumhumour #mumlifebelike #parentlife #londonmums #photographybyvalentina

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    You come to my studio. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re overwhelmed. Maybe you’re wondering if this is worth it. Maybe all of the above!

    You arrive, I welcome you in, offer you tea, and we slow down.
    I guide you gently through everything, so you can just be present with your baby.

    I capture the tiny details. The yawns. The way your family looks at this new little person. The love that’s already there.

    And then picture this! A few weeks later, something arrives at your door.

    Not just digital files. Not just photos on a screen.

    But a beautiful album, designed for you, ready to hold and show your child one day.

    That’s the difference between a photo session and what I create.

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    Ready to create your family’s heirloom?

    #londonnewbornphotographer #londonmums #newbornshoot #newbornphotographertwickenham

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    This is what happens when you book a newborn session with me. You come to my studio. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re overwhelmed. Maybe you’re wondering if this is worth it. Maybe all of the above! You arrive, I welcome you in, offer you tea, and we slow down. I guide you gently through everything, so you can just be present with your baby. I capture the tiny details. The yawns. The way your family looks at this new little person. The love that’s already there. And then picture this! A few weeks later, something arrives at your door. Not just digital files. Not just photos on a screen. But a beautiful album, designed for you, ready to hold and show your child one day. That’s the difference between a photo session and what I create. It’s not just about capturing moments. It’s about preserving them in a way that lasts. Your newborn days are fleeting. But this? This stays forever. Ready to create your family’s heirloom? #londonnewbornphotographer #londonmums #newbornshoot #newbornphotographertwickenham

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    If you need a soft space today, it’s waiting for you on Amazon.

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    Open post by by_valentina with ID 18008290475804903
    Today is World Mental Health Day, and I want to say this gently: you don’t have to have it all together to be worthy of care, love, or rest. Motherhood, creativity, business. They all carry invisible weights sometimes. It’s okay to set them down for a moment. It’s okay to just be. There’s real courage in that stillness. PS. If this resonates, you might find comfort in my book Milk Tales. A collection of stories about the emotional side of motherhood, and the courage it takes to be honest about how we really feel. If you need a soft space today, it’s waiting for you on Amazon.
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    07577 978246

    LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

    BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM