Have you ever wondered if your pregnancy cravings are indications of what your body needs? The answer is maybe and sometimes 🙃

Food cravings happen for a variety of reasons. Some are physiological—based on pregnancy hormones or nutritional deficiencies. Some are emotional—when feeling bored, tired, stressed, or self-soothing. And some are behavioral—based on habits, what’s readily available, and what other people are eating. 

The other thing to know is: You tend to crave the foods that you eat most often. So you can positively influence your future cravings by reaching for foods with higher nutritional value. 

Use the chart below to help decode your cravings and give your body what it needs. Be sure to discuss any dietary changes, concerns, or symptoms with your doctor.

Learn more about the research

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2017;9:E1141.

Khaing, W., Vallibhakara, S. A. O., Tantrakul, V., Vallibhakara, O., Rattanasiri, S., McEvoy, M., … & Thakkinstian, A. (2017). Calcium and vitamin D supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Nutrients, 9(10), 1141.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Office of dietary supplements – iodine. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Office of dietary supplements – folate. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. 

Nutrition during pregnancy. ACOG. (2023). 

Sakuyama, H., Katoh, M., Wakabayashi, H., Zulli, A., Kruzliak, P., & Uehara, Y. (2016). Influence of gestational salt restriction in fetal growth and in development of diseases in adulthood. Journal of Biomedical Science, 23, 1-9.

World Health Organization. (2013). Guideline: calcium supplementation in pregnant women. World Health Organization.