17/02/2026
I have had severe cravings for sugar during pregnancy (and breastfeeding) e.g. as I write this I'm scoffing a chocolate biscuit (I don't even like chocolate biscuits). Apparently it's not my massive lack of willpower...
1. Basically you are running an energy deficit i.e. growing (and then feeding) a human is basically akin to trotting an ultra. Pregnancy consumes roughly 300 extra calories a day and breastfeeding burns around 500. Sugar is the body's idea of rocket fuelling the tank.
2. Hormones are all over the place i.e. Oxytocin, the good old “love hormone” meddles with insulin, causing sugar crashes similar to hitting the proverbial race wall. At the same time prolactin and neuropeptide Y crank up your appetite like that hyperactive personal trainer you can't avoid at the gym.
3. Sleep? What does that mean? A Lack of sleep hikes up ghrelin (the hunger goblin) and cortisol (the stress gremlin), turning your brain into a sugar-seeking race pace just to stay on your feet.
4. Nutrient SOS i.e. cravings can flag that you’re running low on key minerals like magnesium, chromium, or zinc which are essential for keeping blood sugar steady (but confusingly found in chocolate,high carbs and sweets)
Bottom line: those sweet cravings are your body whispering “Help me, I'm too poor to afford a surrogate or nanny!"
