So… I Ate Pickles and Ice Cream for Dinner. And I Regret Nothing.
Let me set the scene:
It was one of those evenings—feet up, cozy blanket, a good show on, and suddenly… BOOM.
A craving hit me like a freight train.
Not just any craving, though.
I needed pickles. And vanilla ice cream. Together.
And you know what? I went for it. No regrets. Just slightly raised eyebrows from my partner.
If you’re in Week 15 and finding yourself standing in front of the fridge with an open jar of olives or googling “Can I eat hot sauce on watermelon?”—welcome. You are not alone.
Pregnancy cravings are wild, unpredictable, and oddly fascinating.
And while they might seem totally random, there’s actually some pretty cool stuff happening behind the scenes.
In this post, we’ll explore:
✅ Why cravings happen during pregnancy
✅ What your cravings might really mean
✅ Common (and weird!) cravings in the second trimester
✅ How to handle cravings without guilt
✅ And when to listen—and when to say “nah, not today”
Ready to decode those midnight food urges? Let’s dig in (pun totally intended).
1️⃣ Why Do Pregnancy Cravings Happen in the First Place?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s what science and real moms have figured out so far:
🧠 Hormones Are Messing With You (Lovingly)
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone surge during pregnancy and can affect your sense of smell, taste, and appetite. That’s why something you used to love might suddenly make you gag… and something you never cared for now tastes like heaven.
🩺 Your Body Is Asking for Something It Needs
Sometimes, cravings are your body’s way of shouting, “Hey! We need more of this!”
Like:
- Craving red meat? You might need iron
- Craving citrus fruits? Your body could be low on vitamin C
- Craving carbs? You’re not alone—your body wants quick fuel for baby’s rapid growth
😅 Comfort Cravings Are Real
Sometimes it’s not about nutrients at all. It’s emotional.
You’re tired. You’re overwhelmed. You want something familiar and comforting. Enter: mashed potatoes. Or cookies. Or a drive-thru milkshake.
2️⃣ The Most Common Pregnancy Cravings (and What They Might Mean)
Here are some cravings you might experience now—and what your body could be trying to tell you:
🍟 Salty Foods (Chips, Pickles, Fries)
You may be craving salty snacks due to increased blood volume and changes in your sodium balance. Just don’t overdo it—too much salt can lead to swelling or higher blood pressure.
🍫 Sweets & Chocolate
Craving sugar? You might be tired, needing a mood boost, or just looking for quick energy. Chocolate also contains magnesium, which your body uses more of during pregnancy.
📌 Pro tip: Try dark chocolate or pair something sweet with protein (like apples & almond butter) to keep blood sugar steady.
🧀 Cheese or Dairy
Cheese, yogurt, or milk might mean your body wants calcium and protein—two super important nutrients for baby’s bone and tissue growth.
🍋 Citrus & Sour Foods
These cravings are common in early pregnancy (hello, morning sickness!) and may point to your need for vitamin C. Sour flavors can also help tame nausea.
🍞 Carbs on Carbs (Bread, Pasta, Bagels)
Don’t fight it—your body needs energy, and carbs are your quickest source. Just mix in whole grains when you can for longer-lasting fuel.
3️⃣ Weird (But Totally Normal) Pregnancy Cravings
Let’s get real. Some cravings are just… strange. Here are some real-life cravings from moms that’ll make you feel better about your pickle-ice-cream combo:
- Spaghetti with ketchup and peanut butter
- Watermelon sprinkled with chili powder
- Frozen peas straight from the bag
- Mustard on everything
- Ice cubes (more on that in a sec)
If it’s safe, go ahead and enjoy! Pregnancy is weird, and your cravings don’t have to make sense to anyone else. 😊
4️⃣ What If You’re Craving… Non-Food Items? (Pica)
Here’s something important:
If you ever crave non-food substances like ice, clay, dirt, chalk, soap, or paper, talk to your doctor. This condition is called Pica, and it could be linked to nutrient deficiencies—especially iron.
Craving ice is actually the most common Pica craving and may signal anemia.
📌 Don’t panic—it’s common and treatable. Just let your OB know.
5️⃣ How to Handle Cravings Without Guilt (Or Overdoing It)
Cravings don’t have to be all-or-nothing. You can satisfy your body and stay balanced. Here’s how:
🍪 1. Follow the 80/20 Rule
Eat mostly nourishing foods (80%) and leave a little room for treats (20%).
Had a big salad and protein for lunch? Enjoy that cookie after dinner. No guilt.
💬 2. Ask: “What Am I Really Needing?”
Sometimes it’s emotional hunger. Ask yourself:
- Am I actually hungry?
- Am I tired?
- Am I bored or stressed?
You might find a walk, a nap, or a vent session with a friend helps more than a fourth cookie.
🥄 3. Satisfy Cravings in Smart Ways
- Craving ice cream? Try frozen Greek yogurt with fruit.
- Craving chips? Go for popcorn or roasted chickpeas.
- Craving soda? Try sparkling water with lemon or a splash of juice.
It’s all about balance, not restriction.
6️⃣ What If You Don’t Have Any Cravings?
No cravings? Totally fine. Not every pregnant person experiences cravings—and it doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
You might feel neutral toward food, or even still a little meh from lingering nausea. Just focus on getting the nutrients you need and trust your body.
7️⃣ Cravings & Gender: Old Wives’ Tales (For Fun!)
Ever heard these?
- Craving sweets? It’s a girl.
- Craving salty/sour? It’s a boy.
While there’s zero scientific proof, it’s always fun to guess. Just know your cravings are more about hormones than baby’s gender.
Still fun to play the game while you wait for your anatomy scan. 😉
8️⃣ What Other Moms Say About Their Wild Cravings
“I ate hot Cheetos with sour cream for a month straight. No regrets.” – Sasha
“My husband had to hide the pickles or I would finish the jar before noon.” – Leah
“I never liked peanut butter before pregnancy. Now I can’t go a day without it.” – Mia
“I legit cried when the store was out of lemon popsicles. Hormones are real.” – Grace
Final Thoughts: Listen, Laugh, and Love Your Cravings
Pregnancy cravings can be funny, intense, annoying, and totally magical all at once. But here’s the truth:
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to justify your weird food mashups.
And you absolutely don’t have to feel guilty for honoring what your body is asking for.
This is part of the journey. A delicious, messy, human part.
So whether you’re sipping pickles or blending banana smoothies with cereal (yes, it happens), just know:
You’re doing amazing, mama. Keep feeding your body and your heart.
