What your pregnancy cravings really mean

Food cravings and aversions are two of the most defining aspects of pregnancy.

While aversions are most common in the first trimester when morning sickness is generally at its worst, food cravings can last for the duration of your nine months.

It may seem when you're dreaming about eating soil or watering at the mouth looking at your dog's food that there's no rhyme or reason to your pregnancy food cravings.

Food cravings explained

But, according to the experts, there are particular reasons why you might crave a particular food over another.

And here are some examples:

1. Red meat: If burgers, jerk beef, roast dinners or spaghetti bolognese are on your mind, it could mean your body is low on iron. Iron is an essential nutrient especially during pregnancy when many women suffer from low levels as blood volume increases by up to 50%. While your growing baby won’t suffer, pregnant women with low iron can experience tiredness, breathlessness and heart palpitations. Eat iron-rich foods and see your doctor as you may need a supplement.
2. Strawberries or citrus fruits: These contain high levels of vitamin C so if you find yourself craving these foods, your body is probably trying to get what it’s lacking. Vitamin C is also essential for the absorption of iron from food and can help improve sperm quality.
3. Salty foods: Maybe it's fries or chips or bacon, and it’s quite common to crave salty foods during pregnancy. Your body may be low in sodium, which is essential for keeping fluids running from the mother to her developing baby. Instead of adding salt to your food or eating lots of fried foods, try olives, pickles or vegetables roasted and seasoned with sea salt instead.
4. Sushi: You shouldn't eat raw fish during your pregnancy as your immune system is naturally weaker and more susceptible to bacteria which can cause food poisoning. If you feel like you simply must have sushi, it’s probably because your body is craving the seaweed paper used to make maki rolls. This can mean an iodine deficiency, a mineral that is helped regulate the hormones needed for the development of the fetal brain and nervous system. Iodine is also hugely important prior to conception as it helps regulate your thyroid and metabolism.
5. Dairy products: If you’ve been eyeing up ice-cream, milkshakes or yogurts more often lately, it could be down to a calcium deficiency. While ice-cream in particular can also provide relief from the heat during the summer months, try adding yogurt to the mix as it contains probiotics which are anti-inflammatory, great for the digestive system and can ease the symptoms of heart burn in late pregnancy.
6. Pear: If this is what you're dreaming of, your body may be low in potassium, which can cause leg cramps in the third trimester. Avocados contain healthy fats, B12 (folate), vitamins C and E, magnesium and potassium so are a great source of nutrition and one craving that should be indulged!