Who else has had to get their husband to go out to Spar at 2 o’clock in the morning? Pregnancy cravings just won’t go away until they’re satisfied, unlike other cravings, which can often go away, especially if we train our minds. And while your hubby and others around you who haven’t been pregnant, may think you’re mad as a brush, you know that you just need to have that particular brand of ice cream, and you need to get it now!

From red hot chilli peppers, to chocolate, and from fruit and veg, to coal, dirt and stones – pregnant women experience plenty of cravings that they have in common, and some extra weird ones, that are more unique. Apparently a woman in England craved furniture polish! Here’s a list of some of the top pregnancy cravings, which I like to call the good, the bad and the ugly!

1. Pickles

Pickles are perfect for providing a great combination of a tart and sour taste, with a crunch. Luckily they are quite low in calories, and vinegar may seem like a refreshing taste to you.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate tops the list for many women, as it helps release feel-good hormones, and let’s face it, lots of us love chocolate – pregnant or not. If you’re normally somebody who enjoys a glass of wine, or some other alcoholic drinks, chocolate can also seem like a good replacement treat.

3. Fruit

Fruit is another pregnancy craving, and of course it should be embraced, as it is very healthy. It could be that your subconscious mind wants a healthy baby, so therefore adopts a healthy food craving.

4. Vegetables

Vegetables are also a common pregnancy craving, and just like fruit are healthy and therefore should be enjoyed.

5. Ice cream

Ice cream is a big pregnancy craving. A survey was carried out on around 2000 pregnant women, of which 15% of them confirmed having a craving for ice cream.

6. Ice

Ice all by itself is also a craving. Lots of pregnant women love to chew on ice, and for those women who are suffering from inflammation in the gums and mouth, it can relieve this.

7. Curry

Curry is another top pregnancy craving, that 5% of women in a survey said they craved. It could be the spicy ingredients, but some people also consider curry to be a comfort food.

8. Hot wings

Hot wings are craved by some pregnant women, pretty much for the same reasons as some women need to eat curry.

9. Raw lemons

Raw lemons are another pregnancy craving, normally you would want to avoid.

10. Red hot chilli peppers

Red hot chilli peppers are a similar type of craving, that some pregnant women like to eat raw, and bring tears to their eyes.

11. Sweets

Sweets and sweet things are one of the unhealthier pregnancy cravings, because they are full of empty calories and sugar.

12. Coffee

Coffee is another one of the more dangerous pregnancy cravings, which can be because you feel low in energy and you’re hoping to get a boost. However caffeine can be dangerous especially in the first trimester.

13. Caffeinated drinks

Caffeinated drinks and sodas also fall into the less desirable pregnancy cravings.

And now for some of the non-food pregnancy cravings:

14. Sponges

Sponges – which Davina McColl has chewed throughout her pregnancies.

15. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is unfortunately a relatively common pregnancy craving, but do be aware that it’s not healthy even though you may think it is okay because it leaves you with fresh breath.

16. Soap

Soap is another non-food pregnancy craving, also best avoided.

17. Toilet paper

Toilet paper is not an uncommon craving, and some women will eat sheets of toilet paper.

18. Newspaper

Newspaper is also eaten by some pregnant women.

19. Stones, dirt and coal

Stones, dirt and coal can be a powerful craving for some women, most likely because of the texture and crunch factor. Obviously it goes without saying that this is not a healthy pregnancy craving …

The post 19 Pregnancy Cravings-The Good, The Bad & The Ugly appeared first on Merrion Fetal Health Blog.