Pregnancy brings about all sorts of unusual cravings, and those cravings can be far more than just culinary delights. If you haven’t yet experienced these yourself, you’ve likely heard tales from friends or family. Ever thought about ice cream paired with pickles?
However, there are also lesser-known cravings that can arise during pregnancy—cravings that aren’t related to food at all. As my pregnancy progressed, I realized my sense of smell was undergoing some unexpected changes.
What’s happening with my sense of smell?
During pregnancy, many women experience heightened sensory perceptions, thanks to the surge in hormones like estrogen. For some, these changes are subtle; for others, they can be quite pronounced. If the aroma of cooking meat sends you running for fresh air, rest assured, you’re not alone.
As I navigate my fourth pregnancy, I’m somewhat accustomed to these odd sensory shifts. But recently, things have taken a particularly strange turn.
You see, I’ve developed a craving for the smell of gasoline. Yes, you read that correctly. Somewhere around the midpoint of my second trimester, I noticed that not only was my sense of smell sharper, but I also began to enjoy scents that are typically considered less than pleasant—like wet paint, cleaning supplies, and yes, gasoline.
My partner often works on projects in the garage, filling the air with familiar scents of sawdust, oil, and metal. These smells, previously unremarkable to me, began to take on a welcoming quality as I walked through the breezeway to grab a pair of shoes. Then came the gasoline. My partner had started a major overhaul on our tractor, and every visit to the garage was filled with that intoxicating smell.
So, what’s going on with me?
The phenomenon of craving certain smells is known as desiderosmia. Yes, there’s a term for it! While it often connects with pica—where individuals crave non-nutritive substances—desiderosmia can occur during pregnancy too.
Pica is more common in children, but pregnant women can experience it as well. The causes of pica and desiderosmia are still debated among doctors, but it’s generally believed to be linked to conditions like anemia or nutrient deficiencies. If you mention your unusual cravings to your healthcare provider, they might conduct blood tests to ensure everything is normal. But don’t panic if your results are fine; not all cravings stem from nutritional issues.
So, what do cravings look like for those with pica or desiderosmia?
Common cravings for pica might include:
- Soap
- Clay
- Dirt
- Chalk
- Cigarette ash
- Paint
And for those experiencing desiderosmia, smells might include:
- Nail polish
- Gasoline
- Leather
- Bleach
- Mothballs
Ingesting these substances is definitely not safe, and inhaling them can pose risks to both you and your baby.
You’re not alone in feeling this way!
Both pica and desiderosmia are more prevalent during pregnancy than many realize. If you’re experiencing unusual cravings, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor—they’re there to help! They’ve likely encountered all sorts of unique cravings before, so you won’t be the first.
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To summarize, pregnancy can lead to some pretty bizarre cravings, extending far beyond just food. It’s essential to communicate any unusual cravings with your healthcare professional to ensure you and your baby stay healthy.