WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Food aversions

Food aversions
A pregnancy food aversion is a condition in which a person experiences an aversion to certain foods or tastes during pregnancy.

This can result in a strong dislike or disgust towards certain foods and can cause difficulties in eating and a reduced appetite.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Food aversions during pregnancy are a totally normal and common experience for many women.

They are believed to occur as a result of hormonal changes and may be the body's way of avoiding harmful substances.

For example, during pregnancy, women may develop aversions to strong-smelling foods or drinks that are high in caffeine, sugar, or artificial flavors.

This is because the body is working to protect the developing fetus from exposure to potentially harmful substances.

Additionally, some women may experience morning sickness, which can cause aversions to certain foods.

The exact causes of food aversions during pregnancy are not fully understood, but they are a common experience for many women.

So don't worry, this is just a temporary stage that you'll be able to overcome soon.

Just listen to your body, eat what you can and try not to stress about it too much.
Prevent and care
Food aversions are a common symptom of pregnancy, but they can interfere with maintaining a healthy diet.

Proper management of food aversions is important to ensure you're getting the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy.
  • Food aversions are often hormonally driven and can't be entirely prevented.
  • Listen to your body and try to find alternative foods that are easier to tolerate.
  • Maintain good nutrition by taking prenatal vitamins if necessary.
While they can be challenging, it's important to listen to your body and find alternative foods that are easier to tolerate.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
If you're feeling distressed or concerned about your eating habits and nutrition, it's always a good idea to reach out to your doctor, a nutritionist or a dietician.

They can help you find solutions that work best for you and ensure that you and your baby are getting all the nutrients you need.
Top Asked Questions
Why do food aversions occur during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes can lead to heightened senses and make some foods less appealing.

Are there specific foods that are commonly aversive during pregnancy?

Food aversions vary from person to person, but some common aversions include strong-smelling or spicy foods.

Should I be concerned if I have food aversions during pregnancy?

Food aversions are usually a normal part of pregnancy, but if they lead to severe dietary restrictions, consult with a healthcare provider.

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Breeane
6 Feb 2024

Who is dealing with food aversions that don’t make sense? Bacon smells like hot garbage to me right now 🤮 tuna is really grossing me out too but I feel like that one is less weird lol. Also, butter 🤢

11 comments
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Miranda
Same girl. Driving me nuts
27 Mar 2024

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Caroline Young
That’s happening to me with chicken 🤮🤮
27 Mar 2024

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Pinksparkle
20 Dec 2023

Having some weird food aversions. Example Sprite . The vitamin B6 is helping my nausea, so I am not throwing up anymore just feel like it sometimes which is fabulous. Also I find out the gender of the baby next week 🎀👔

1 comments
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Casey
Can't wait for gender !!!
27 Mar 2024

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Jasmine
12 Jul 2023

Food aversions kicked in heavy this week. CANNOT eat tomatoes in anyway... Pizza, spaghetti, chili. I just throw it up 🤮 anybody else experience this?

3 comments
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jaida
I can’t eat anything except fruit. I just can’t.
27 Mar 2024

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Tanasia
Something bout anything red can’t do it .
27 Mar 2024

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Robbie
1 Jul 2023

How did you guys get through food aversions ??? I’m literally sick at the smell of meat

7 comments
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Rosario Rodriguez
I love red meat, but since I got pregnant, I can't stand the smell or taste, so I try not to cook that food that much
27 Mar 2024

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Jennifer
Never be around meat. Avoid it at all costs, lol. My husband is not allowed to buy or cook certain things right now, and I really don't care how he feels about it because I'm the one with the head in the toilet every time I smell something I can't stand! 😊
27 Mar 2024

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Olivia
4 May 2023

Anyone else having food aversions? I'm struggling to eat meat, cooked vegetables and sometimes egg 😒 #8w5d

5 comments
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kaylee 💕🫶🏻
yess i dont wanna eat meat right now idk maybe its been the texture of chewing it but all of it has made me sick 😣
27 Mar 2024

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Alicia
I could barely eat anything until like 12 weeks, but when it was hard to eat regular food grits, buttered toast and peanuts were my best options. Also, if you stay nauseous throughout the day definitely try lemon ginger tea
27 Mar 2024

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Colleen
17 Feb 2023

Okay ladies last night there was a cravings post. So today I’d love to know your food aversions.. Mine is BEEF of all sorts. Can’t smell it ,look at it or taste it with out my stomach doing flops and nausea

4 comments
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Jay
i cant smell anything too long or ill no longer want it so if i cook it has to be fast meals or its like smelling is the same as tasting and I cant even eat it
27 Mar 2024

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Dominique
I dont have any!
27 Mar 2024

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Lex
19 Dec 2022

Curious as to what y’all’s food aversions have been? So far mine has been any form of egg and also Salisbury steak which I used to really like. Pregnancy is so interesting lol

17 comments
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Kaitlin
So far I cannot handle bacon or onion
27 Mar 2024

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Lex
Oooo yeah bacon is a no go for me too. It’s so weird how our bodies are just like ‘NOPE’
27 Mar 2024

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kylie
12 Jul 2022

anyone else have REALLY bad food aversions? i swear almost everything i used to like, i cannot stand now.

6 comments
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Olivia💕
I’m still able to eat a lot of things from pre-preg and from 1st tri. But I still completely avoid eggs and chicken for some reason. I literally can eat beef/cow tongue, sometimes pork. But NO chicken or eggs and I’ve no idea. I used to eat a lot of it before my pregnancy and hopefully I’m able to eat it again afterwards
27 Mar 2024

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kylie
see i’m having so much trouble with meat lately. i absolutely love me some texas roadhouse steak.. went the other day and really the only thing i could stand was the potato 🙄
27 Mar 2024

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kaycee
28 Apr 2022

Any tips appreciated. Over the last week or so my food aversions have become worse and worse to where I honestly dont want to eat anything. I'm eating small bits here and there just forcing myself, but it's really bugging me.

5 comments
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Shé
me too...I can't seem to enjoy anything. I'm hungry every two hours and foods I once loved especially veggies taste and smell horrible. I eat in small increments and scarf the food down to get past the taste but also bc I know I need to eat. I feel like I'm wasting money and eating healthier items right now arent ideal bc of the aversions. Im worried the baby isn't getting enough or the appropriate nutrients. Im 10 weeks. I have found that smoothies work for me.
27 Mar 2024

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Haley
10 Dec 2021

I've been having some major food aversions. I can't even look at some of my favorite foods without getting nauseous. Does anyone have advice on how to get through this or tried anything that helped?

2 comments
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Alyssa
Me and you are definitely in the same boat. What helped me with my nausea was orange juice and peanut butter crackers. My doctor told me that it is normal having that appetite. She told me it is best to eat small frequent meals instead of big meals. Just to keep something on your stomach. And also drink plenty of water.
27 Mar 2024

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Haley
thank you so much
27 Mar 2024

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