My pregnancy wasn’t the glamorous, glowing kind you see in movies. I didn’t wake up at midnight craving ice cream or pickle jars. Honestly, it was pretty normal — no over-the-top cravings, no weird combinations (at least, not in the beginning). I thought maybe I was one of those lucky moms who just didn’t get them. But as the weeks passed, things started to change — slowly, funnily, and sometimes surprisingly.
Like most pregnant women, I learned that cravings have their own timing. You can’t predict them, and you definitely can’t ignore them. And trust me, weird pregnancy cravings can make you do things you never imagined.
My Weird Pregnancy Cravings Stories
1. My First Weird Craving: The Nimbu Story
I’m from Uttarakhand, and one of our favorite local things to eat is Nimbu — a big lemon that we usually mix with curd, salt, and fruits. It’s tangy, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.
But during pregnancy, my taste buds started acting really strange. I started eating Nimbu all by itself — no curd, no fruit, nothing. Just me, my Nimbu, and a spoon. My husband would just watch me, both surprised and a little shocked. He’d ask, “How can you eat that like this?” And honestly, I didn’t know either. It just felt right at that moment.
That’s the thing about weird pregnancy cravings — logic doesn’t apply. One day you want something sour, the next day it’s spicy, and sometimes, it’s both together!
2. The Spicy Non-Veg Phase
I left non-veg long back before getting pregnant and I was very clear about one thing — I wouldn’t eat non-veg again. I told everyone, and for the first few months, I actually stuck to it. But by the time I reached my seventh month, my body had other plans.
I started craving spicy food — the kind that makes your eyes water and nose run. I wanted chicken curry, tangy chutneys, and hot snacks. At first, I tried to resist. I felt guilty, thinking I shouldn’t give in. But soon I realized — these pregnancy cravings weren’t something I could control.
So yes, I gave in. I ate chicken a few times, and it was heavenly. That first bite felt like pure satisfaction. And you know what? The guilt faded away, replaced by laughter and acceptance. Because sometimes, that’s what pregnancy teaches you — to go easy on yourself.
P.S: I again left non-veg now and I don’t think I would eat it ever.
3. My Momo Madness
Then came the momo phase. One day, out of nowhere, I just really needed to eat momos. I actually liked momos even before, but during the end of my pregnancy, this craving became much stronger. One evening, I had already finished dinner and my tummy was full, but I still couldn’t stop thinking about momos. So, we went out to the market, and I ate them like I had never eaten before!
4. Pani Puri Phase
Then came my pani puri phase. I’ve always loved golgappas, but after my 8th month, I started craving them almost every other day. The pani puri vendor even started recognizing me! I wouldn’t call this a really weird craving, because a lot of pregnant women crave pani puri, but it was definitely strong and hard to resist. Sometimes I made a lighter version at home, but nothing tasted as good as the real street pani puri. It became a little fun routine and a memory I still laugh about.
Why Do Weird Pregnancy Cravings Happen?
Most pregnant women—almost 9 out of 10 in the United States—develop strong cravings for particular foods during pregnancy. Cravings for non-food items, known as pica, are much less common, affecting only around 1 to 4 percent of expectant moms.
And there’s no one reason behind these cravings. Some say it’s hormonal changes. Others say it’s your body’s way of asking for nutrients it needs. And sometimes, it’s just emotional comfort.
Cravings can start as early as the first trimester. In my case, I noticed mine showing up around the fifth or sixth week. So if you’re wondering, “When does pregnancy cravings start?” — the answer is, pretty early! But it can vary for every mom-to-be.
And if you’ve ever found yourself googling things like “What is the most weird pregnancy craving?”, just know — you’re not alone. From toothpaste to pickles dipped in ice cream, I’ve heard it all from my mom friends.
Common vs. Weird Cravings
Every mom experiences cravings differently. Some go for the classics — chocolates, ice cream, and mangoes. Others end up with combinations that make no sense to anyone else.
I once met a friend who swore by peanut butter with raw onions. Another loved eating rice with ketchup. I thought my Nimbu-only phase was bad until I heard these!
Here’s the thing — whether you crave spicy, sour, or sweet, it’s all part of the adventure. If you’re curious, you can even find a pregnancy cravings list online and laugh at how many of those you’ve checked off.
Can You Ignore Pregnancy Cravings?
I tried — and failed miserably. Ignoring weird pregnancy cravings is like ignoring an itch you really need to scratch. The more you resist, the stronger it gets.
But here’s what I learned: it’s okay to give in once in a while, as long as it’s safe and healthy. Cravings don’t always mean your body needs that food — sometimes it’s just your hormones playing tricks.
Still, I always wondered — “What happens if you ignore pregnancy cravings?” Well, for most women, nothing serious. But emotionally, it can make you feel frustrated. And pregnancy already gives us enough emotions to juggle, right?
Craving Sweet Things? Here’s What Helped Me
I had my fair share of sweet cravings too. Sometimes I wanted gulab jamuns, sometimes chocolate. But instead of going overboard, I found ways to satisfy those sweet cravings during pregnancy without feeling guilty later.
Fruits with honey, dates, yogurt with berries — simple, light, and delicious. These little swaps kept my cravings in check and my energy up.
Are Pregnancy Cravings What the Baby Wants?
Ah, the most asked question! My relatives used to joke, “You’re craving spicy food — it must be a boy!” or “Sweet cravings? Definitely a girl!”
While it’s fun to guess the gender, there’s no real science behind it. Whether you’re craving spicy, sour, or sweet, it doesn’t say much about your baby’s gender. Still, those old wives’ tales do make pregnancy more entertaining, don’t they?
What Helped Me Cope with My Weird Pregnancy Cravings
Looking back, I think what helped me most was not overthinking. I stopped feeling guilty about wanting that one bite of chicken or that extra spoon of Nimbu. I tried to listen to my body and enjoy the experience — weirdness and all.
Cravings are temporary, but the stories they leave behind? Those last forever. Even today, when my husband teases me about the Nimbu phase, I can’t help but laugh. It’s part of our pregnancy story — raw, real, and unforgettable.
How to Satisfy Sweet Cravings During Pregnancy
Sweet cravings were another big part of my pregnancy journey. If you’re struggling with them too, here’s what helped me:
- Go for natural sugars like fruits or dates instead of processed sweets.
- Try homemade desserts with jaggery or honey.
- Keep small portions of chocolate handy to avoid overdoing it.
- Drink water first—it sometimes helps reduce false cravings.
Learning how to satisfy sweet cravings during pregnancy in a balanced way made a big difference for me.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is full of surprises — and weird pregnancy cravings are one of the most memorable parts. Whether it’s pickle and ice cream or just plain Nimbu, every craving tells a story.
So, if you’re going through your own funny food phases, don’t stress. Enjoy the moment, take a bite (or two), and remember — it’s all part of the journey to motherhood.
