Are pregnancy cravings real or are they just attention-seeking behaviour?

Pregnancy is a magical yet overwhelming journey for women. On the one hand, there is this miraculous feeling of a life growing within, and on the other, the mama-to-be doesn’t understand the million changes that her body and mind are going through.
Among these changes are the common symptoms that almost every pregnant woman experiences: nausea, vomiting, mood swings, disrupted sleep, and a fluctuating appetite.
Many of us have heard stories from our moms about the strange or intense cravings they had while pregnant.
However, on actor Debina Bonnerjee’s podcast, certified neuro coach and motivational speaker Saloni Suri claimed that pregnancy cravings are a ‘technique to attract attention’. A clip of the same has gone viral on Instagram.
But do experts agree with this notion? Are pregnancy cravings real, or are they linked to attention-seeking behaviour?
“Pregnancy cravings refer to a strong desire to eat certain foods, which can range from spicy and tangy items to sweet and fried foods. Sometimes, the cravings can be for unusual items that weren’t part of the diet before,” Dr Sowmya KN, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, tells India Today.
The doctor goes on to explain that these cravings typically stem from hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, or even emotional factors that arise during pregnancy.
“No research confirms that these cravings are essential for fetal development or necessary for a healthy pregnancy. In fact, many cravings are often for foods that are not nutritionally beneficial,” states Dr Sowmya KN.
Adding to this, Dr Kinjal Avdhut Kothari, associate consultant OBG, Manipal Hospital, Goa, shares that the majority of pregnant women experience food cravings during the second trimester, which spans from weeks 13 to 27.
However, the cravings can begin as early as 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy and may continue up until delivery.
Meanwhile, according to Dr Astha Dayal, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, the body undergoes significant hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can affect the senses of taste and smell, leading to unusual food preferences.
Additionally, cravings may be linked to the body’s need for specific nutrients, such as iron or calcium. Some women may also crave non-food items; this is called ‘pica’.
Some of the most common cravings include pickles, chips, fried foods, bananas, nuts, ice cream, potatoes, bread, pasta, crackers, and spicy dishes.
On the other hand, some women experience cravings for non-food items like chalk, clay, mud, or even paper due to deficiencies.
Sharing her experience, Dr Dayal says, “I’ve noticed women usually have cravings for things we tell them to restrict, like spicy food, caffeine, and street food.”

Pregnant women can crave food and non-food items (Photo: Getty Images)

Dr Sowmya KN mentions, “Pregnancy cravings are real and are commonly driven by hormonal imbalances or deficiencies, but in some cases, they may also be influenced by emotional factors.”
“While some believe that eating disorders, including cravings, can be to seek attention, this is subjective. Cravings are not universal and are often more common among emotionally sensitive individuals. Social and familial pressures might amplify the experience of cravings, leading pregnant women to feel they must act on them,” she adds.

According to the doctor, while cravings are a natural part of pregnancy for many women, it’s important to remember that they don’t define the overall experience. Pregnant women should focus on building their own emotional strength rather than relying on others to maintain their happiness.
This self-reliance can help them better manage emotional disturbances that might amplify cravings.
Sharing her opinion, Dr Dayal says, “Pregnancy cravings could be influenced by physiological and psychological factors, and hormonal changes. While some cravings might be linked to attention-seeking behaviour or emotional factors like stress, anxiety, or even cultural influences, we should not ignore underlying conditions (pica, for example).”
The doctor says that cravings should be considered a common and normal part of pregnancy.

Cravings are real, but can be influenced by stress and anxiety (Photo: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Dr Nikhil Nayar, psychiatrist at Sharda Hospital, NCR, states that not all food cravings are attention-seeking behaviour. There have been many cases of depression with reverse vegetative signs, such as increased appetite, intense craving for food, increased libido, and increased sleep. So, excessive craving is also related to underlying stress that must be ruled out, rather than always labelling it as attention-seeking.
“These behaviours could be a subconscious response to stress or emotional imbalance, meaning that before assuming someone is craving attention, it’s essential to explore the possibility of underlying mental health conditions that could be driving these behaviours,” adds Dr Nayar.
Dr Kothari adds that rather than resisting the urges, pregnant women should embrace the cravings. But this doesn’t mean that they should let unhealthy cravings overpower their need for nutritious food. It is advised to pay attention to the cravings and indulge them in moderation.
Consuming foods with a low glycaemic index (GI), such as unsweetened rolled oats (porridge), whole-grain bread, baked beans, fresh fruits, and dairy products, can be good substitutes as they keep you full for longer.