Ever find yourself at midnight wanting to devour a jar of pickles with ice cream? Maybe not that extreme – but anyone who’s been pregnant knows that pregnancy can come with some weird cravings, right!? I have talked to soo many pregnant women as a Orange County Baby and Pregnancy Photographer.

But could those cravings actually mean something?

Today I’m sharing 6 surprising insights into what your cravings might mean.

The insights in this post are gathered from various online sources and are intended to be taken with a grain of salt. While some moms swear by the truth behind these cravings, it’s essential to remember that they are mostly for fun and general curiosity. Your body, your cravings, and your pregnancy are unique, so always consult with your healthcare provider about your diet and any unusual cravings! 

Sweet Cravings

Got a sweet tooth during pregnancy? You’re not alone! Sweets could mean you need more energy.

I love brownie, but here are some healthier alternatives: 

• Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The fresh strawberries provide vitamins and fiber, and a thin layer of dark chocolate adds that sweet touch.

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of granola, and a drizzle of honey. It’s sweet, satisfying, and packed with protein.

• Frozen Banana Pops: Dip bananas in dark chocolate and freeze them. You can even roll them in crushed nuts or granola before freezing for extra texture.

• Baked Apples: Core and slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of sugar, then bake until tender. They’re like a healthy apple pie without the crust!

• Smoothie Bowls: Blend your favorite fruits with some yogurt or milk (even almond or oat milk) and top with granola, nuts, or seeds. It’s like ice cream, but better for you!

• Dark Chocolate Bark: Melt dark chocolate and spread it thinly on a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle with nuts, dried fruit, and a pinch of sea salt, then chill until set. Break into pieces and enjoy!

• Homemade Fruit Sorbet: Blend frozen fruit like berries or mango with a little honey and lemon juice. It’s a refreshing alternative to ice cream with no added sugar.

When I was pregnant with surrogate baby #2, I couldn’t stop thinking about cinnamon rolls. Not just any kind—those soft, gooey, bakery-style ones.

One night, I finally gave in and drove 25 minutes just to get one. I ate it in the car, frosting everywhere, totally satisfied.

After that? Craving gone. Pregnancy is wild like that.

Salty Cravings 

Craving salty chips or pretzels? It might be your body’s way of asking for more sodium. How about switching to some homemade salty snacks?

Here are some healthier alternatives to chips if you’re craving something sweet:

• Nuts: A handful of lightly salted almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts can be a satisfying and nutritious snack. They’re packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

• Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain and can be a healthier alternative to chips. Sprinkle with a little salt or nutritional yeast for flavor.

• Edamame: Steamed and lightly salted edamame is delicious and provides protein and fiber.

• Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Slice up some carrots, celery, or bell peppers and dip them in hummus. A pinch of sea salt on top, and you’ve got a crunchy, salty treat.

• Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Slice sweet potatoes into fries, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and bake until crispy.

• Crackers with Cheese: Look for crackers made with whole grains, and pair them with a slice of cheese for a satisfying salty snack.

• Roasted Chickpeas: Toss chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite savory spices, then roast until crispy. They’re a crunchy, salty snack full of protein and fiber.

• Greek Yogurt Dip with Pita: Mix Greek yogurt with herbs and a touch of salt, and dip whole grain pita or cucumber slices.

• Rice Cakes with Avocado: Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain rice cakes and sprinkle with a little sea salt.

• Seaweed Snacks: These are light, crispy, and salty, and they come in handy snack-sized packages. Plus, they’re low in calories!

During my first pregnancy, I went through a serious pickle phase. And not just eating them—I’m talking drinking the juice straight from the jar.

It started with one little craving during lunch, and by week 20, I had a backup jar in the fridge just in case. Salty, sour, crunchy—nothing hit quite like it.

Spicy Cravings

This probably the most common craving I hear about! Spicy foods!

The reason? Fluctuating hormones which can mess with your taste and smell. I don’t like spicy food not pregnant and defiantly not when I am pregnant.

Sour Cravings

If lemons and sour candies are your go-to, you might be worried you’re deficient in vitamins, but according to pregnancyfoodchecker.com – that usually isn’t the case.

Sour cravings are more rare and could possibly be a result of nausea or morning sickness … or just because you love the tart flavor! 

Random Combo Cravings

Yes, pickles and peanut butter can be a thing. Unusual combinations might just be your unique pregnancy signature. Embrace it! (And it’s fun to take maternity photos with your unusual cravings to memorialize this time in your life!) 

Oh, I’ve heard some good ones over the years—photographing hundreds of mamas means I’ve heard all the craving confessions!

Here are a few of the most unusual ones I’ve heard about:

• Spicy Cheetos dipped in cream cheese. A past client swore by it. She even brought them to her maternity session and offered me some like it was totally normal.
• Frozen peas straight from the bag. One mom said she’d snack on them like candy while watching Netflix. No salt, no butter—just frosty peas.
• Toothpaste. Yes, seriously. A surrogate friend once told me she had to stop herself from eating toothpaste because she loved the minty texture and smell so much. (Don’t worry—she talked to her doctor.)
• Sour gummy worms wrapped in seaweed. A mix of sweet, sour, and salty. I didn’t try that one, but I’ve never forgotten it either.
• Ice. I had one pregnancy where I needed hospital ice. Like… Sonic ice was the best ice ever!

Pregnancy cravings are wild, funny, and kind of amazing. They make for the best stories.

Embracing your cravings? Let’s capture those unique moments in a maternity photoshoot! View my portfolio here.

I hope reading Unusual Pregnancy Cravings and What They Reveal About You | Orange County Baby and Pregnancy Photographer has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Orange County Baby and Pregnancy Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of Maternity images.