Why Am I Craving That? A Surrogate’s Guide to Pregnancy Cravings

You’ve made the incredible decision to become a surrogate. You’re giving the ultimate gift to intended parents (IPs) while also receiving compensation that acknowledges your time, physical changes, and emotional investment.

But now you’re experiencing cravings that seem to come out of nowhere – pickles at midnight, ice cream for breakfast, or a sudden need to chew on ice cubes. What’s going on?

These new food urges can feel confusing and even a little stressful. Are they normal? Do they mean something is wrong? When you’re carrying a child for someone else, you want to do everything right, and sudden, intense cravings can feel like a curveball.

The good news? Your cravings aren’t random pregnancy quirks – they’re actually your body’s way of communicating important needs.

Here at Physician’s Surrogacy, we want to help you decode these signals so you can have a healthier, more comfortable surrogacy journey.

Key Takeaways

• Pregnancy cravings are often your body’s way of signaling specific nutritional needs, driven by hormonal changes.
• Common cravings can be decoded: a desire for ice may signal low iron, while a need for pickles can point to low sodium.
• Manage cravings by eating small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, and planning for healthy snacks, while still allowing for occasional indulgences.
• Contact your doctor if you crave non-food items (pica) or have excessive sweet cravings, as these could indicate an underlying health issue.

Why Do I Have These Intense Cravings? Understanding the Science

If you’ve suddenly found yourself dreaming about foods you never cared for before, don’t worry – you’re in good company. About 50% of pregnant women report experiencing food cravings during pregnancy. While researchers haven’t pinpointed one definitive cause, there are several factors that help explain what’s happening:

Hormonal Changes: The flood of pregnancy hormones, especially progesterone, can dramatically change how things taste and smell to you. What once tasted bland might now seem delicious, or foods you loved might suddenly turn you off.

Your Body’s Nutritional Needs: When you’re a gestational carrier (GC), your body is working overtime to support both you and the baby. Those cravings might be your body’s clever way of asking for specific nutrients it needs more of right now.

Emotional Factors: Let’s be real – the surrogacy journey comes with unique emotional experiences. As one surrogate shared, “it is a lot mentally and emotionally.” Sometimes cravings can be your body’s response to stress, fatigue, or the need for comfort during this special but demanding time.

A Surrogate’s Guide to Decoding Common Cravings

Wondering what your specific cravings might be telling you? Here’s your practical guide to understanding the most common pregnancy cravings and what to do about them:

Craving Ice

What it might mean: A strong urge to chew ice (called pagophagia) could signal iron-deficiency anemia, which is common during pregnancy. Your body might also be trying to cool down, as pregnancy often raises your body temperature.

What you can do: Mention this craving to your doctor, who might recommend checking your iron levels. In the meantime, try frozen fruit as a nutritious alternative that satisfies both the craving and gives you valuable vitamins.

“I constantly wanted to chew ice during my second trimester,” shares Maria, a two-time surrogate. “My doctor found I was slightly anemic, and after taking iron supplements, the craving actually went away.”

Craving Pickles & Salty Snacks

What it might mean: This classic pregnancy craving might indicate your body needs more sodium, especially as your blood volume increases during pregnancy. It can also simply reflect your changing taste preferences.

What you can do: While the occasional pickle won’t hurt, try healthier salty alternatives when possible. Lightly salted nuts provide protein along with that salty fix, or try kale chips for a nutritious crunch. Adding a squeeze of lemon to your water can sometimes help balance sweet and salty urges too.

Craving Sweets (Ice Cream, Chocolate)

What it might mean: Sweet cravings often point to fluctuating blood sugar levels or a need for a quick energy boost. Chocolate specifically contains magnesium, which can help with mood regulation and may be what your body is actually seeking.

What you can do: For chocolate cravings, opt for dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) which has more beneficial nutrients and less sugar. For ice cream cravings, try Greek yogurt with honey and fruit as a healthier alternative some of the time.

Important safety tip: Avoid soft-serve ice cream during your surrogacy journey to reduce the risk of listeria, a foodborne illness that can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Craving Lemons & Citrus

What it might mean: That sudden desire for sour foods might signal your changing taste buds, but it could also be your body asking for more Vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption and immune function – both super important during pregnancy.

What you can do: This is one of the easiest cravings to satisfy in a healthy way! Add lemon or lime to your water (which also helps you stay hydrated), enjoy a fresh orange as a snack, or try a small bowl of berries for a nutrient-packed option.

Craving Dairy (Cheese, Yogurt, Milk)

What it might mean: Your body is likely signaling a need for calcium and Vitamin D, which are crucial for developing the baby’s bones and teeth.

What you can do: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk are great options. Don’t shy away from full-fat dairy either – studies have shown it can be beneficial during pregnancy and may help you feel more satisfied. If you’re sensitive to lactose, try lactose-free options or calcium-fortified plant milks.

Craving Eggs & Protein

What it might mean: During pregnancy, your protein needs increase significantly to help build the baby’s tissues and organs. A craving for eggs is often a straightforward signal that your body needs more protein.

What you can do: Eggs are an excellent source of protein and nutrients. Just be sure they’re fully cooked to avoid any risk of salmonella. Other good protein sources include lean meats, beans, lentils, and tofu if you’re looking for variety.

Smart & Healthy Ways to Manage Your Cravings

While it’s completely normal to have cravings during your surrogacy journey, finding a balanced approach will help you feel your best. Here are some practical strategies that have worked for other surrogates:

Don’t Skip Meals

“I found that if I waited too long between meals, my cravings would get so intense I couldn’t think of anything else,” shares Jennifer, a surrogate from California. “Eating small meals every 3-4 hours made a huge difference.”

Eating regularly helps keep your blood sugar stable, which can prevent those overwhelming cravings that seem to come out of nowhere. Try planning five or six smaller meals throughout the day instead of three larger ones.

Stay Hydrated

Aim for about 4 quarts (16 cups) of fluid daily, with most of that being water. Sometimes what feels like hunger or a specific craving is actually your body’s signal that you’re thirsty. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip throughout the day.

Plan for Healthy Snacks

Have nutritious options ready to go when cravings strike. Some surrogate-approved favorites include:

• Apple slices with a tablespoon of peanut butter
• A small handful of nuts and dried fruit
• Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Whole grain crackers with hummus

Include Healthy Fats

Don’t be afraid of healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fish. They’re important for the baby’s brain development and help you feel satisfied longer, which can reduce the intensity of cravings.

Practice Mindful Eating

When you do indulge in a craving, slow down and really enjoy it. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and focus on the taste and texture of your food. This helps you feel more satisfied with a reasonable portion and recognize when you’re actually full.

Allow for Some Indulgences

Remember, pregnancy isn’t about perfection – it’s about balance. As Rachel, a surrogate mother of twins, puts it: “I learned to listen to my body. Sometimes that meant having a small scoop of ice cream, and that’s OK. The goal is a healthy pregnancy overall, not a perfect diet every single day.”

When to Talk to Your Doctor: Cravings as a Red Flag

While most cravings are perfectly normal, there are a few situations where they might signal something that needs medical attention:

Craving Non-Food Items (Pica)

If you find yourself wanting to eat things that aren’t food – like dirt, clay, laundry starch, chalk, or soap – talk to your doctor right away. This condition is called pica and can indicate a serious nutritional deficiency. It requires medical attention to address both the underlying cause and to prevent any harm from consuming non-food substances.

Excessive Sweet Cravings

While craving sweets is common, if your desire for sugar seems uncontrollable or is accompanied by excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unusual fatigue, mention it to your doctor. These could be signs of gestational diabetes, which needs to be monitored and managed.

Other Warning Signs to Watch For

Beyond cravings, be aware of these symptoms that warrant a call to your medical team:

• Severe vomiting that leads to dehydration
• Intense dizziness or fainting
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Sudden swelling in your hands, feet, or face

This is where being part of an OB-managed agency makes a world of difference. Here at Physician’s Surrogacy, you’re not just relying on internet searches when something feels off – you have direct access to medical professionals who understand the unique aspects of surrogate pregnancy.

You’re Not Alone: Support for Cravings and More

Remember that cravings are just one of many pregnancy experiences you’ll have during your surrogacy journey. Here’s how to handle some other common symptoms:

Nausea/Morning Sickness

“During my first surrogate pregnancy, I was surprised that morning sickness hit me differently than with my own children,” says Tanya, a three-time surrogate. “Keeping bland snacks by my bed and sipping ginger tea really helped.”

Try keeping simple crackers by your bed to eat before getting up, sip ginger tea throughout the day, and experiment with lemon water, which many surrogates find helpful.

Fatigue

“The tiredness caught me off guard,” admits Samantha, who carried twins as a surrogate. “I learned to prioritize rest without feeling guilty about it.”

Listen to your body and rest when you need to. Short naps can be refreshing, and gentle exercise like a 10-minute walk can actually boost your energy. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with daily tasks when needed.

Mood Swings

The hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy are real, and they can affect your emotions. Many surrogates find that open communication with their support system, including their coordinator and the intended parents, helps manage these changes.

“I was worried about how the IPs would react to my mood swings,” shares Melissa, a surrogate from Texas. “But being honest about what I was feeling actually brought us closer together. They were so understanding.”

Leaning on Your Support System

At Physician’s Surrogacy, every surrogate is matched with a dedicated coordinator who’s available to answer questions and provide support throughout your journey.

Our OB-managed approach means you have 24/7 access to medical guidance – whether you’re wondering about a strange craving or need advice on managing symptoms.

“Having a medical team who understood the unique aspects of being a surrogate made all the difference,” says Catherine, who completed her surrogacy journey in 2022. “I never felt like I was bothering anyone with my questions, even the small ones.”

Trust Your Body, Enjoy the Journey

Your pregnancy cravings aren’t random—they’re signals from your body. A desire for ice might point to low iron, while a need for pickles can mean you’re low on sodium.

The best way to manage them is with balance: eat small, frequent meals and allow for the occasional indulgence without guilt. For your next craving, try one healthy swap first!

FAQs

Why am I craving weird foods as a surrogate?

Cravings during your surrogacy are normal and are often your body’s way of signaling nutritional needs due to hormonal changes. For example, a craving for pickles could mean you need more sodium.

Are pregnancy cravings different for surrogates?

Pregnancy cravings for surrogates are biologically the same as in any other pregnancy. They are driven by hormonal shifts and your body’s increased nutritional demands to support the growing baby.

How can I manage my pregnancy cravings in a healthy way?

You can manage pregnancy cravings by eating small, frequent meals to stabilize blood sugar and staying hydrated. Planning for healthy snacks and allowing occasional indulgences helps create a healthy balance.

What does it mean if I’m constantly craving sweets like chocolate?

Constantly craving sweets like chocolate could mean your blood sugar is fluctuating or your body needs a quick energy boost. It might also signal a need for magnesium, which is found in dark chocolate.

Does craving salty foods like pickles mean something is wrong?

Craving salty foods like pickles usually isn’t a sign that something is wrong. It often indicates your body needs more sodium to support increased blood volume during pregnancy.

When should my surrogate pregnancy cravings be a cause for concern?

Your cravings may be a concern if you want to eat non-food items (pica) or have uncontrollable sweet cravings. These can signal underlying issues like nutrient deficiencies or gestational diabetes, so you should talk to your doctor.

What should I do if I crave non-food items like ice or dirt?

If you crave non-food items, you should contact your doctor immediately. This condition, called pica, can indicate a serious nutritional deficiency like low iron and requires medical attention.