Why vegetarian women may crave meat during pregnancy: Doctor explains

Meat cravings in vegetarian pregnancy: What’s behind it
Meat cravings in vegetarian pregnancy: What’s behind it

Remember the time when Phoebe Buffay (from Friends) was pregnant and started craving meat? Despite being a true-blue vegetarian, she almost snatched Joey’s bologna sandwich from the shower. She had a strict rule of not eating ‘food with a face’, and yet the pregnancy cravings got the better of her, and she ended up eating meat, including steak, meat lasagne, and whatnot! It’s played for laughs, but it turns out this unusual craving is as real as it gets. Dr Myro Figura, a board-certified anaesthetist based in Los Angeles, California, explains the solid science behind it.

Why meat matters

Dr Figura was reacting to a video of a pregnant woman who spoke about unusual meat cravings. “You start a pregnancy as an 11-year vegetarian. Now you're nine months pregnant and eating steak in bed,” the woman said.

According to the doctor, the implications of avoiding meat during pregnancy are significant. “If you're pregnant and not eating meat, you're putting your baby at a disadvantage. Seriously, meat intake during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of preterm birth, a lower risk of low birth weight, and even a lower risk of neonatal mortality. And there's more,” he said in a video shared on Facebook.

Choline: The brain-building nutrient

The doctor also explained one of the most underrated benefits of meat during pregnancy — its abundance of choline, a nutrient that is critical for foetal brain development. “Meat is the highest-quality protein you can get, packed with nutrients like choline, and 90% of pregnant women do not get enough choline. And that's important, because mums who get enough choline in pregnancy have smarter kids seven years later,” he explained.

The role of iron absorption

Eating meat is also crucial during pregnancy, as plant-based iron sources fall short. “40% of you have low iron stores. Iron requirements increase significantly in pregnancy. And you say, ‘Oh, I take iron supplements or I get iron from plants.’ Well, guess what? That type of iron is blocked from being absorbed by things like coffee, tea, legumes, calcium, and whole grains. Yes, all of those block the absorption of iron from supplements and plants. Meat, on the other hand, is not blocked and is five times more absorbable,” the doctor added.

So, the cravings some vegetarian women experience during pregnancy may be their body’s attempt to signal nutritional needs. It could be your body’s way of signalling something important. Rather than viewing such urges as a betrayal, try to understand the reason behind them. For those who are strictly vegetarian, it is important to consult healthcare providers to understand whether supplementation or temporary dietary modifications are required during this period.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dietary needs during pregnancy can vary widely; individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making any changes to their diet or supplementation.