Nausea & Digestion
Food Aversions in Pregnancy
A sudden dislike of certain foods or smells, common in early pregnancy and usually easing over time.
Written and fact-checked by the ParentVibes editorial team against WHO, NHS, ACOG and peer-reviewed guidance. Not yet reviewed by a named clinician.
Quick facts
- How common
- Affects most pregnant people to some degree
- Usually starts
- First trimester, alongside nausea
- Common triggers
- Meat, eggs, coffee, strong-smelling foods
- Usually eases
- Second trimester for most people
- Mention to your midwife if
- You crave non-food items (pica)
You loved your morning coffee last month; now even the smell makes your stomach turn. Sudden, strong dislikes for foods, drinks or smells you used to enjoy — food aversions — are one of the more unpredictable early pregnancy symptoms, and they can catch you off guard.
They're extremely common, usually harmless, and tend to fade as your pregnancy progresses. This guide explains why they happen, how to still eat well when your usual foods feel off-limits, and the rare situation — cravings for non-food items — that's worth flagging to your midwife.
What are food aversions?
A food aversion is a strong dislike, or even disgust, towards a particular food, drink or smell that didn't bother you before pregnancy. They commonly appear in the first trimester alongside nausea and a heightened sense of smell, and often target foods with a strong flavour or odour — coffee, meat, eggs, garlic and fried food are frequent culprits, though the list is different for everyone.
Aversions can range from mild ('I'd rather not') to intense ('the smell makes me gag'). They often improve as the first trimester ends and your sense of smell and nausea settle, though some people notice certain aversions throughout pregnancy or even afterwards while breastfeeding.
Aversions and cravings can coexist
It's completely normal to develop a strong aversion to one food while craving another at the very same time — both are driven by the same shifting hormones and senses.
What causes food aversions?
The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but a few things are thought to contribute.
Hormonal changes
Rising hCG and oestrogen affect taste and smell perception, which is thought to be part of why certain flavours suddenly seem unappealing or overwhelming.
A heightened sense of smell
Many people become far more sensitive to odours in pregnancy, which can turn a once-pleasant smell — like coffee or perfume — into something nauseating.
Overlap with nausea
Because aversions so often appear alongside nausea, feeling generally queasy can make almost any food seem unappetising, especially rich or strongly flavoured ones.
A possible protective role
Some researchers think aversions to foods historically linked to contamination — meat, eggs, strong cheeses — may have offered some protection against foodborne illness in early pregnancy, when the immune system is naturally adjusted.
Common trigger foods
- Coffee and tea
- Meat, especially poultry
- Eggs
- Garlic and onions
- Fried or greasy food
When food aversions are normal
Food aversions are considered a normal, expected pregnancy symptom when:
- You can substitute other nutritious foods for the ones that put you off.
- You're still managing to eat a reasonably varied diet overall.
- The aversion is to real food, not non-food items.
- It eases somewhat as the weeks go on, even if it doesn't disappear completely.
It's okay to eat differently for a while
If you can't face vegetables one week but manage fruit and dairy instead, that's fine. A varied diet across weeks matters more than a 'perfect' plate every single day.
Warning signs — get medical help now
Food aversions themselves are rarely dangerous, but tell your doctor or midwife promptly if:
Seek urgent medical care if you have
- You develop a strong urge to eat non-food items such as ice in large amounts, chalk, soil, clay or soap (a craving pattern called pica).
- Aversions are so widespread you're barely eating anything at all.
- You're losing weight or feel constantly weak.
- Aversions come with severe nausea or vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down.
- You notice reduced or absent baby movements later in pregnancy — contact your maternity unit the same day.
Pica can be a sign of iron or other nutrient deficiency and needs assessment — it isn't something to feel embarrassed about mentioning.
Craving non-food items needs a conversation
If you find yourself wanting to eat ice, dirt, chalk, or other non-food substances, tell your midwife. It's more common than people think and is easily checked with a simple blood test.
Self-care & practical tips
You don't need to force down foods that turn your stomach — work around them instead.
Swap, don't force
- Replace an off-putting food with a similar nutrient — try beans, cheese or fish if meat is unappealing.
- If a hot meal smells overwhelming, try it cold or at room temperature.
- Cold or frozen foods often carry less smell than hot ones.
Manage smells
- Ask someone else to cook if kitchen smells trigger you, or cook in a well-ventilated space.
- Keep windows open and use extractor fans while cooking.
- Store leftovers away quickly to reduce lingering odours.
Keep nutrition on track
- Take your prenatal vitamin as advised, since it helps cover any temporary gaps.
- Aim for variety across the week rather than perfect balance every day.
- Speak to your midwife or a dietitian if you're worried you're missing key nutrients.
It usually passes
Most food aversions ease noticeably by the second trimester, so treat this as a temporary adjustment rather than a long-term diet change.
When to consult a doctor
Speak to your doctor or midwife if:
- You're craving or eating non-food items (pica).
- Your diet has become extremely limited and you're worried about nutrition.
- You're losing weight rather than gaining as expected.
- Aversions are tied to severe nausea or vomiting.
- You feel low or anxious about how you're eating.
Track your eating patterns
Noting which foods you can and can't manage helps you and your midwife spot nutrition gaps early.
Open the Pregnancy TrackerFrequently asked questions
Why do I suddenly hate foods I used to love?
Rising pregnancy hormones affect your sense of taste and smell, which can turn once-enjoyable foods — especially strong-smelling ones like coffee or meat — into things you can't stand. It's a very common and temporary effect.
Will food aversions harm my baby's nutrition?
Occasional, even significant, aversions to specific foods rarely cause a nutritional problem because you can usually substitute other foods. Your prenatal vitamin also helps cover short-term gaps while your diet is unpredictable.
What is pica and should I worry about it?
Pica is craving or eating non-food items like ice, chalk, soil or soap. It's uncommon but worth telling your midwife about straight away, as it can be linked to iron deficiency and is simple to check for.
Do food aversions go away?
Most food aversions ease by the second trimester as hormone levels settle, though some people notice a few aversions persisting, or new ones appearing, later in pregnancy.
Can I have aversions and cravings at the same time?
Yes, this is very common — you might be repelled by one food while craving another at the same time. Both are driven by the same pregnancy hormones and heightened senses.
Your next steps
Track your pregnancy
Log symptoms week by week, get personalised tips, and see how your pregnancy is progressing.
Open Pregnancy TrackerPregnancy week-by-week
Follow your baby's growth and your body's changes from week 1 to 40 in plain language.
Explore the guideFind a gynaecologist
Have a personal concern? Book with a trusted obstetrician or gynaecologist near you.
Find a doctorRelated pregnancy symptoms
Helpful resources
Sources
- NHS — Pregnancy: common symptoms & concerns
- ACOG — Pregnancy resources (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- WHO — Maternal health & pregnancy care
- NHS — Eating well in pregnancy
- NHS — Signs and symptoms of pregnancy
Next review due: 6 January 2027.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general information about a common pregnancy symptom and does not replace personal medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, a bad headache with vision changes, reduced or absent baby movements, breathing difficulty, fever, or you feel something is seriously wrong, contact your doctor or midwife or go to your nearest emergency department straight away. When in doubt, always get checked — it is never a waste of anyone's time.
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