Opinions are often split on whether pregnancy cravings are due to emotional or physical needs. Hormonal changes often cause a heightened sense of taste and an urge for strong flavors during pregnancy. Yet there is also an emotional need being met, too (via Healthline).
Registered dietitian Diane Javelli tells UW Medicine, “Research suggests that specific areas of the brain may be responsible for memory and associating certain foods with a reward. Food cravings often occur to help satisfy emotional needs.”
So while we may go to ice cream because it stirs up soothing feelings inside, we do get a biological perk from doing so.
“It’s common to crave sugar and sweets in times of stress,” says Javelli. “Often those sweets are sources of fats, and that sugar-fat combination may help increase serotonin, a brain chemical that acts to help calm us.”
In addition, being pregnant often gives people the “allowance” to enjoy the food they previously became used to avoiding or restricting. During pregnancy, you’ll require about an extra 500 calories per day (via VeryWellFamily).
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