Most moms have a strange pregnancy craving or two. If you're experiencing a craving during pregnancy, learn why this might happen and why it's okay to indulge every once in a while.

Why You Might Have a Pregnancy Craving

It's unclear why women might experience a craving during pregnancy, even though millions of moms have been a part of research studies on cravings. Some doctors and scientists suspect that hormone changes are to blame, but others think the body is looking for a specific nutrient. There's no definitive answer, but people the world over have accepted that a craving during pregnancy is normal and expected.

When Will Cravings Happen?

For some moms, a craving during pregnancy is one of the first symptoms of being pregnant and these cravings are common during the first few weeks. However, a pregnancy craving can happen at any time.

A Pregnancy Salt Craving? Or Sugar?

A pregnancy salt craving is normal, but some moms find that they crave sour and spicy, as well as sweet foods. Other moms crave red meat.

Giving in to a Pregnancy Craving

There's nothing wrong with giving in to a pregnancy craving, especially if it's intense, as long as the food won't harm your baby. If you're craving ice cream, for instance, try to keep the rest of your diet as healthy as possible to make sure that your baby is receiving proper nutrition. It's important to remember that while you're eating for two, you only need about 300 extra calories each day, so make it a point to eat healthy foods while indulging your craving during pregnancy. Try to limit foods high in fat and sugar and you'll find that your pregnancy craving will pass.

Strange cravings aren't anything to worry about, as long as you're craving foods. Pica, a condition where you crave non-foods like charcoal and dirt, should be discussed with your doctor.