The craving: Toothpaste and sponges
The problem: Baby blues
We all know that emotions and food are closely linked and this doesn't change when you're pregnant! A mum-to-be may crave a special food or object that reminds them of their childhood, for emotional reasons.

Women who crave non-food items like coal during pregnancy could be suffering from a condition called Pica. This is the name used to describe cravings to eat household items such as toothpaste, laundry detergent, and even cigarette butts.

The craving: Chocolate
The problem: Low vitamin B levels
Some experts believe that a craving for chocolate may be because of a shortage of B vitamins - these help control your metabolism. Chocolate is full of B vitamins and some women may need more essential fatty acids, like chocolate, in their diet.

Sadly, this doesn't mean you should splurge every day. Studies have shown that women get the same goodness that chocolate provides with flax seed oil, even though it isn't as tasty!

The craving: Baking Soda and laundry soap
The problem: digestive discomfort
Some cravings come from the simple bodily instinct to fight off all pregnancy symptoms. Morning sickness may be the reason for Pica cravings such as the desire to eat baking soda and fabric detergent, because they are well known for being able to fight off dodgy tummy aches and pains.

Be warned: pica isn't good for you. As the American Pregnancy Association says: 'Eating non-food substances is potentially harmful to both you and your baby... The most important thing is to inform your health care provider.' So, basically, don't give in and talk to your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.

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