From Catherine Zeta Jones’ fondness for Branston Pickle to Nichole Richie’s desire for doughnuts, pregnancy cravings affect most mums-to-be. Here’s the lowdown.

Why?

Despite much research and the experiences of millions of mums-to-be, it is still unclear exactly why we crave certain foods or even non foods - called pica - during pregnancy (Davina McCall had an urge to chew on bath sponges...). Some say hormonal changes are responsible, or a need for certain nutrients. There’s no scientific evidence to back these theories up though, so we know cravings happen but don’t know the reason for them.

When?

Pregnancy cravings can strike at any stage, but are common in the early weeks and can change throughout your pregnancy. They may even be a sign you’re expecting. London mum, Ali, knew she was pregnant second time around because of her cravings: ‘I had a thing for sucking lemon quarters and drinking spicy tomato juice (not at the same time!) in the early weeks of my first pregnancy, so when I craved them again, I knew I was pregnant.’

What?

Sour and spicy foods are popular craves, along with pickles, red meat, dairy products and chocolate. But it could be anything , as a quick look at Bounty’s pregnancy cravings forums reveals:

Bounty mum starhelper08 is loving ‘tuna, curry and bacon sandwiches’, while Lisa2672 prefers to smell rather than taste her cravings (some cravings, often non-food ones, are satisfied by sniffing rather than eating): ‘At the moment I am loving bad smells, petrol fumes, the garden shed - which smells kinda mouldy, but oh so good that I feel high on it! The shoe repairer’s shop also smells fantastic.’

How?

Cravings can be mild or intense, but however they strike you, try and keep the rest of your diet as well-balanced as you can to help keep you and your baby healthy. You only need about another 300 calories a day when you’re pregnant, so make them as healthy as possible. Take a look at the Bounty Your Pregnancy guide for healthy eating information.

Who says?

Doctors and health experts advise that as long as what you really, really want isn’t harmful and is in moderation, pregnancy cravings are not a problem: ‘As long as you stick to a healthy food intake and don’t eat too much of something unsuitable, like foods that are high in fat or sugar, don’t worry: you’ll find that your craving will pass,’ says paediatric dietician, Lucy Findlay. But always discuss it with your midwife or doctor if you are in any way concerned.