What causes food cravings in pregnancy?

My elders at home keep saying cravings happen because the baby needs specific nutrients, like wanting spicy things means some deficiency. But my wife's gynecologist explained it is mostly because of rapid hormonal changes changing the taste buds. We just follow what her doc says and keep things in moderation.

It was so hard for me because I felt so guilty every time I craved chocolate, thinking I was ruining my baby's health. The mood swings and the intense pressure to eat 'perfectly' made me cry so many times. Please don't be hard on yourself, your body is doing a lot of work right now.

I am just in my first trimester and started having these sudden cravings for sour things. I was feeling a bit shy to ask anyone about it. Is it true that these cravings can change every week, or does it stay the same throughout the pregnancy?

Sometimes those sudden food urges are just our body asking for quick energy due to the metabolic load. I always suggest keeping up with light evening walks if your gynecologist has cleared you for exercise. It really helped my partner manage her sweet cravings and kept her energy levels quite stable.

I got so scared when I suddenly started craving weird spicy pickles late at night, thinking something was wrong with my diet. I literally called my clinic crying! Turns out it is completely normal and almost every pregnant woman goes through this emotional roller coaster with food.