It may seem odd, but there’s a reason why pregnant women seem to crave things outside of their regular palete. According to Dr. Omar Manejwala on Psychology Today, pregnancy cravings can depend on a range of factors, including culture and the sorts of food that are readily available regionally – in a study of 200 pregnant Tanzanian women, the most common cravings were meat and mangoes. On the other hand, a study of pregnant American women found that the most common cravings were for dairy and sweet foods like chocolate and fruit.

He also explained that an increase of the substance Neuropeptide Y (NPY) (an appetite stimulant) during pregnancy kick starts the cravings.

There is also a change in bitter sensitivity, meaning abnormal smell and taste perception changes. This could explain would some pregnant women crave salty foods (think anchovies).

There’s also a practice known as pica, which basically refers to cravings that serve no added nutritional value. While this usually refers to foods like ice cream and pickles, it can also explain why some pregnant women find themselves craving inedible things like dirt. If you find you are craving anything inedible, contact your doctor.

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We’ve asked our Wedded Wonderland audience what they craved the most – and what turned them off during their pregnancy.

(Note: Some of these were strictly cravings and not actually eaten).

The smell of sweat and red meat

Rice bubbles in pickle juice

Cucumber and cherry tomatoes

Guyanese Chinese food

Oregano on everything

Toothpaste

Lentils with french toast, topped with maple syrup and avocado

No meat

Watermelon

Turkey subs and chilli

Sauerkraut

Plain gravy (like soup)

Lemon juice

Pineapple

Dirt

Sour lollies dipped in lemon juice

Salt and vinegar chips mixed with vanilla ice cream

Toasted sandwich with only pickled onions inside

Ice

Smoked oyster in a can

Chilli

Hot chips mixed with spaghetti bolognese

Mustard

Cover image by Jennifer Candelier