Think Pregnancy is Just About Cravings?

Pregnancy comes with many expected symptoms—but did you know it can even cause toenails to fall off? Our Medical Director, Dr Sami Almusawa was featured in this article published by ‘Newsweek, explaining some of the most curious pregnancy symptoms that might surprise you!

Why do toenails fall off during pregnancy?

Dr. Sami explains: “Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and fluid retention can lead to unexpected changes in the body—including nail health. While it may seem alarming, it’s often harmless and temporary.”

From food cravings to surprising body changes

From morning sickness to strange cravings (and now toenail surprises!), pregnancy can be a wild ride. Cravings during pregnancy are among the most common experiences, but they aren’t always predictable. Research from the University of Albany (2014) found that about 68% of women reported pregnancy food cravings, with sweet foods being the most frequent choice.

But it’s not just cravings—pregnancy and food aversion can also occur. Food aversions, especially to strong smells or cooked meats, affect up to 60% of expectant mothers. This makes “when do food cravings begin in pregnancy?” and “what causes pregnancy cravings?” very common questions. Most cravings start in early pregnancy (around weeks 5–8) and can last into the third trimester.

Sneezing sprees: what’s happening?

Dr Sami explains: “If you find yourself sneezing more often, you’re not alone. Up to 39% of pregnant women experience pregnancy rhinitis, typically appearing between the 13th and 21st week of gestation. This condition, caused by hormonal changes and increased blood volume, can lead to nasal congestion, mild discomfort and frequent sneezing.”

Superhuman sense of smell: blessing or curse?

“Many pregnant women report a heightened sense of smell, likely due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow during pregnancy. This enhanced olfactory ability can be both a blessing and a curse, making some women more sensitive to various smells.”

This heightened sense of smell is often linked to food aversion in pregnancy, explaining why some women suddenly cannot stand foods they once enjoyed.

Skin tags and skin surprises

“Skin tags are another common but often unexpected skin change during pregnancy. These small, harmless growths often appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, and beneath the breasts.”

What other unusual symptoms should you expect?

Pregnancy brings unique changes at every stage. Along with typical pregnancy cravings, some women report pizza cravings during pregnancy, while others experience no cravings during pregnancy at all. Both scenarios are normal. Studies from the National Institutes of Health (2021) confirm that not craving food while pregnant does not indicate a health problem.

If you are wondering “When do you start getting cravings while pregnant?”—they usually start in the first trimester, peak in the second, and fade by the third. Most women find pregnancy cravings stop around week 36–38, although some persist until delivery.

For related reading, see how folic acid helps foetal development or explore uncommon fertility challenges such as endometriosis.