When do pregnancy cravings start is a basic question every expectant woman has during her pregnancy.
Explore when do pregnancy cravings start and end, their timelines, the reasons behind the cravings, and medical professionals' guidance during this period.
When do pregnancy cravings start is a basic question every expectant woman has during her pregnancy. Cravings for chocolates, spicy foods, ice creams, and citrus fruits are the most common among expectant women. However, many don't know why the sudden urges for specific food items appear in the body.
Normally, women start to crave specific eateries during week 5, and as the weeks pass, the urge gets stronger. There are also cases of food aversions and no food cravings in women, which is practically normal. In case you are experiencing cravings for non-food items, you will have to take a checkup at your doctor.
When Do Pregnancy Cravings Start?
It's general knowledge and medically proven that women face cravings during their first trimester. According to a study conducted at the University of Leeds, 61% of women in the UK reported food cravings, while 54% reports were about food aversion. The most common food cravings were chocolate and other sweet foods, fruit and fruit juices, and dairy products.
The medical professionals estimate that women usually start craving between weeks 5 and 12. As their second trimester starts, the cravings become stronger and more rapid. Gradually, their appetite becomes normal by the third trimester, and the cravings start decreasing.
Pattern of Food Cravings in Women
| Pregnancy Stage | Intensity of Food Cravings |
Week 4-12 (First Trimester) | Beginning of food cravings and food aversions (Low to medium) |
Week 13-27 (Second Trimester) | Peak of food cravings (Medium to high) |
Week 28-40 (Third Trimester) | Decline in food cravings (Medium to low) |
The above-mentioned details are true for most women; however, some women also report that their cravings started even before the positive pregnancy test. Likewise, some women don't feel any cravings at all during their pregnancy. All such cases are normal.
If you are unsure about your pregnancy week, you can use the women's health calculators available on Panakit Women's Health Calculators. These tools are helpful and easy to use, it will help you in determining your pregnancy weeks timeline and due date.
Why Do Pregnancy Cravings Happen?
There are various causes for pregnancy cravings, including the following:
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are the biggest factor
Rapid increases in when do pregnancy cravings start and how long they last. The levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect various functions of the body, such as taste, smell, and appetite. Therefore, women feel crave certain food items over others.
Heightened Sense of Smell
Pregnant women are sensitive to smells (hypersomia)and aromas due to their hormonal instabilities. Hence, they find it irresistible to some smells while aversion to others.
I have a colleague who was expecting last year, and she started experiencing food cravings in her week 8. She was especially craving fried chicken and beef and showed high sensitivity to the smell of coffee. She loved drinking coffee in the morning; however, during her pregnancy, she developed nausea and headaches from the coffee aroma.
Nutritional Needs
Cravings can also result from certain deficiencies or body requirements for minerals. For instance, you can refer to the table below for factors that might be causing your cravings.
| Cravings | Possible Nutrient Need |
| Red meat | Iron, protein, vitamin B12 |
| Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) | Calcium, protein, vitamin D |
| Salty foods (chips, pickles) | Increased fluid needs, electrolyte balance |
| Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) | Vitamin C |
| Ice (frequent craving) | Iron-deficiency or anemia (Pica) |
| Chocolate | Magnesium |
| Eggs | Protein, choline, vitamin B12 |
| Fish or seafood | Omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, protein |
| Leafy greens | Folate, iron, magnesium |
| Nuts and seeds | Healthy fats, magnesium, protein |
| Peanut butter | Protein, healthy fats, and energy needs |
| Bananas | Potassium and carbohydrates |
| Watermelon and juicy fruits | Hydration and fluid intake |
| Beans and legumes | Iron, folate, protein, fiber |
| Potatoes or bread | Quick energy from carbohydrates |
| Yogurt | Calcium, probiotics, protein |
Effective Ways for Managing Pregnancy Cravings
Follow the 80/20 Rule
As cravings are normal in pregnancy, you shouldn't avoid those feelings. Rather, you can follow the 80/20 rule to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. When you are craving some food, you can take it in small portions and pair it with fruits, yogurt, or other nutritious foods.
Identifying the Underlying Need
Sometimes when you crave something, the underlying cause might be hunger, thirst, fatigue, or low blood sugar. Pairing up your meals with protein and fiber-rich foods can reduce the frequency of cravings.
Choose Healthier Alternatives
- You can use Greek yogurt with fruit as an alternative to ice cream
- Crisps Roasted chickpeas instead of fries or fried items
- Dark chocolate and berries instead of regular chocolates
- Sparkling water with fruit instead of fizzy drinks
Lastly, pregnant women should stay hydrated and eat regular meals.
When Should You Speak to a Healthcare Professional?
Food cravings are normal in pregnancy, and you don't need to visit any healthcare professionals. However, when your pregnancy cravings start for non-food substances, it is a sign of underlying and recurrent deficiencies. You should visit your doctor when you begin craving the following items:
- Ice
- Clay
- Dirt
- Soap
- Laundry detergent
In medical terms, you call this condition Pica, and it is a symptom of nutritional deficiencies. When we feel cravings for ice frequently, it indicates iron deficiency or anemia and requires medical assessment.
Final Thoughts
When do pregnancy cravings start is a major question every woman asks during her pregnancy. According to the medical professionals, you start to feel cravings for sweets during the first trimester. As the weeks pass by, the cravings get stronger and start to dissipate in the third trimester.
The cravings and food aversions vary from one woman to another, including fruits, tangy food items, fast food, and salty food. If you have food cravings, there is no need for any medical checkups.
You may like to read: 5 Best Pregnancy Due Date Calculators in the UK: Accurate and Trusted Tools in 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do pregnancy cravings start for most women?
On average, the pregnancy cravings usually begin in the first trimester (week 7) and last up to the third trimester.
Do craving patterns change for women during pregnancy?
Women develop cravings over time, and they vary from person to person. Usually, women show a preference towards fast food during their first trimester and fruits during the third trimester.
Can I have no cravings during pregnancy?
Yes, you can have no cravings during pregnancy, and various women reported that they didn't have any cravings until the third trimester.
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