Buzz
Many expecting mothers can relate. Around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, when the baby bump begins to show and the challenging first trimester is behind you, things start to change. The morning sickness, food aversions, and heightened sensitivity to smells might still linger. Suddenly, even your partner’s cologne might seem unbearable, reminiscent of something unpleasant. While not everyone experiences this, those who have been through pregnancy know the second trimester marks the beginning of a thrilling, sometimes overwhelming, and food-centric journey.
Especially when it comes to food.
Between 50% and 90% of women report experiencing food cravings during pregnancy. Some crave familiar favorites, while others develop a taste for things they’d never normally consider. For me, it was an enormous cupcake piled high with strawberry buttercream frosting—a craving that sadly went unfulfilled. However, some cravings are so bizarre, so unexpected, and, frankly, so unappetizing that only science might offer an explanation. Pregnancy can bring out the unexpected, and without judgment—despite the article’s title—here are the top 10 most peculiar pregnancy cravings.
10. Dirt
Craving dirt during pregnancy is more common than you might think. However, just because the urge arises doesn’t mean women start scooping soil from their garden. The brain might whisper, “Why not give it a try?” but thankfully, most resist. Consuming dirt is far from beneficial for health.
Pica refers to the intense craving for non-food items that provide no nutritional benefit. The term originates from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for eating almost anything—much like some pregnant individuals. Those with pica may crave ice, dry starches like cornstarch, dirt, paper, clay, laundry detergent, or even charcoal. While the exact cause remains unclear, experts believe iron deficiency may play a significant role.
Between 27% and 68% of pregnant individuals experience pica, and its harmful effects are well-documented. Consuming dirt or other non-food substances can expose both mother and baby to toxic materials. While the idea of someone eating potting soil might seem amusing, the reality is far from funny—it’s a serious health risk.
9. Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile household item, perfect for cleaning windows, eliminating odors from containers, crafting salad dressings, or pickling cucumbers. It’s even used in some health routines. Yet, drinking vinegar straight is rare—unless you’re at a bar late at night, doing picklebacks with friends. Pregnant women, however, might happily skip the whiskey and enjoy vinegar on its own, proving they’re both adventurous and easier to handle.
While it may sound unappetizing, pregnant individuals craving straight vinegar might be onto something. Morning sickness, often described as relentless nausea, is a common pregnancy symptom. For many, it eases after the first trimester, but for some, it persists throughout. Since over-the-counter medications are off-limits, many turn to natural remedies like apple cider vinegar for relief.
Apple cider vinegar helps balance the stomach’s pH levels, reducing excess acid and easing discomfort. While some brave souls drink it straight, mixing it with water and honey makes it far more palatable.
Then there are those who simply crave the pickle juice straight from the jar—no nausea, just pure desire. Absolute legends.
8. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Dipped in Lemon Meringue Pie
This combination isn’t just a random shock-value creation—it’s a real craving experienced by someone we know. The pairing of spicy, artificially dusted crunchy snacks (who even knows what they’re made of?) with the smooth, vaseline-like texture of lemon meringue pie has two key appeals: the heat of the spice and the sweetness of the dessert.
Both spicy and sweet foods stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones. For pregnant individuals dealing with hormonal fluctuations, any source of happiness is a welcome relief—even if it comes from indulging in spicy snacks or sugary treats. However, spicy foods can irritate the stomach, particularly during the third trimester, so it might be safer to stick with the lemon meringue pie.
7. Onions
Have you ever been tempted to bite into a raw onion just to see what it’s like? I have, and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. While I didn’t go through with it, some pregnant individuals have! Craving onions, whether raw or cooked, isn’t inherently strange, but their strong aroma can lead to lingering bad breath. This isn’t the kind of smell that disappears with a quick toothbrushing—once it’s there, it’s there to stay.
Despite the smell, onions offer significant benefits for pregnant individuals. They’re packed with quercetin, which supports the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Onions are also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, B6, and folate, making them a natural multivitamin of sorts.
So, if you see a pregnant person munching on a raw onion like it’s an apple, hold back any judgment. They’re essentially fueling their body with a unique, nutrient-packed snack—even if it comes with some seriously strong breath.
6. Hot Dogs Straight from the Package
Hot dogs, much like bologna, are heavily processed meats encased in a synthetic or natural casing. Typically enjoyed hot, nestled in a soft bun, and garnished with mustard or ketchup, they’re a classic comfort food. However, during pregnancy, some crave them cold, straight from the package. The body’s demand for iron, protein, and B-vitamins can override the usual preference for preparation, even if the texture is less than appealing.
Despite the intensity of the craving, consuming uncooked hot dogs is a strict no. Pregnant individuals face numerous dietary restrictions for good reason, and raw hot dogs are a prime example. They are notorious for harboring Listeria, a bacteria that poses serious risks to both mother and baby if contracted.
While hot dogs are precooked before packaging, this doesn’t eliminate the risk. Listeria can still thrive in processed and packaged meats, making them unsafe. This is why deli meats are also off the menu during pregnancy. Listeria contamination is an unfortunate reality of modern food processing, and indulging in such cravings simply isn’t worth the danger.
5. Mayonnaise on Everything
For the “five golden rings” category, mayonnaise takes the spotlight. While I don’t consider mayonnaise cravings problematic, and store-bought mayo is generally safe for pregnant individuals, many find the condiment downright unappetizing.
Maybe it’s the combination of oil and eggs, its thick, gloopy texture, or the odd squelching sound it makes when spread on bread. Perhaps it’s the inherently suggestive nature of mayo—who can say? But when the craving hits, and you’re eating it by the spoonful or slathering it on everything edible, it can seem a bit extreme.
One of the more common uses of “pregnancy mayo” is as a dip for french fries. Some even enjoy it on pizza. But why? Why put mayo on everything? This craving might signal the body’s need for additional fat and calories, as pregnant individuals require an extra 500 calories daily on average.
It could also indicate a need for vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and safe labor. A single serving of mayonnaise provides 25% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K.
4. A Mashed Potato Sundae
At first glance, this might sound appealing—until you realize it’s not. Instead of swapping chocolate sauce for gravy or topping it with cranberry sauce, this dish pairs mashed potatoes with caramel sauce. Yes, you read that right: mashed potatoes and caramel sauce.
This unusual combination originates from a book designed to cater to the peculiar cravings of pregnant individuals. Mashed potatoes alone are a frequent pregnancy craving, offering a comforting, carb-heavy option that’s easy on a queasy stomach. Potatoes are also rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin C and B, which are vital during pregnancy.
However, any nutritional benefits from the potatoes are likely outweighed by the excessive sugar in the caramel sauce. But hey, you’re pregnant—if you want caramel sauce on your potatoes, go for it!
3. Hot Sauce and Milk
The idea of craving milk reminds me of the iconic scene from “Anchorman,” where Ron Burgundy strolls through San Diego on a scorching day, sipping milk and lamenting, “Milk was a bad choice!” Hot sauce, in this context, is like that sweltering heat—intense and unexpected.
A woman on a forum shared her unusual habit of visiting Roy Rogers to collect hot sauce packets, which she’d pour over everything. Alongside this spicy indulgence, she consumed half a gallon of milk daily, likely to counteract the heat. The combination of endorphins from the hot sauce and the calcium and fat from the milk must have perfectly satisfied her cravings.
However, the thought of these two mixing in her stomach is enough to make mine ache.
2. Mustard
Mustard is in a league of its own. While eating it straight might seem unappetizing, some pregnant individuals do just that—craving it intensely. Despite its occasional pairing with less appealing ingredients, mustard offers several benefits for expectant mothers.
Mustard seeds are rich in essential minerals like iron, copper, and manganese, which support immune health. They also contain sulfur, a natural antibacterial agent, along with anti-inflammatory properties and metabolism-regulating vitamins, including folate.
The prenatal vitamins prescribed by your OB/GYN are packed with folate, a vital nutrient for your baby’s brain development during pregnancy. Incorporating a bit of mustard into your meals can complement this process. However, pairing it with cottage cheese might just make the internet collectively queasy.
1. A Cottage Cheese Swirl
An Instagram user once shared a photo of her pregnancy craving that sparked widespread discussion. It featured a bowl of cottage cheese with a swirl of yellow mustard. While unconventional, it’s worth exploring why this combination might appeal, starting with the benefits of cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese, as a dairy product, is an excellent source of calcium. Pregnant individuals need at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily, the recommended minimum for everyone. While missing this target occasionally isn’t catastrophic, growing a new set of bones inside you makes it essential. The body prioritizes the baby’s needs, so ensuring adequate calcium intake is crucial for both mother and child.
