Many women experience cravings for certain foods when they’re expecting. But is there a health-related reason why this occurs?
Food cravings during pregnancy are normal, although there is no widely accepted explanation for why they occur. According to WebMD, almost two-thirds of all pregnant women have some type of food craving. 
If you develop a sudden urge for a certain food, go ahead and indulge your craving if it provides energy or an essential nutrient to you and the baby. But, if your craving persists and prevents you from getting other essential nutrients in your diet, try to create more of a balance in your daily diet during pregnancy.
Be aware that during pregnancy, your taste for certain foods may change and you may suddenly dislike foods you were fond of before you became pregnant.
Non-Food Cravings:
Some women feel strong urges to eat non-food items such as ice, laundry starch, dirt, clay, chalk, ashes, or paint chips. This is called pica, and it may be associated with an iron deficiency, such as anemia.
Do not give in to these non-food cravings. They can be harmful to both you and your baby. Tell your gynecologist if you have these non-food cravings and ask for advice.
There are also nutrition advisors that can help and advice you on how to maintain a healthy and balanced nutrition and gaining weight properly.
