As an OBGYN and mother of three, I've both treated and experienced the strange phenomenon of pregnancy aversions. While we often hear about pregnancy cravings, aversions can be just as powerful - and sometimes even more disruptive.
I want to share my own experience: For some of us, pregnancy is not marked by drastic cravings but rather drastic aversions - things we hate. During my pregnancies, I developed intense aversions to my house (yes, my entire house!), my dogs, water, any kind of meat or fish, and even being around groups of people. All I wanted was to be under my covers in a cabin in the woods until delivery day.
These sudden and sometimes bizarre aversions are completely normal, even when they feel overwhelming. They're primarily driven by the hormonal tsunami happening in your body, particularly in the first trimester. Your heightened sense of smell, changing taste buds, and your body's protective mechanisms all contribute to these strong reactions.
What makes aversions particularly challenging is their unpredictability. You might suddenly find yourself unable to stand the smell of coffee you previously couldn't live without, or develop an aversion to your partner's cologne, or even certain people in your life.
To cope with aversions:
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Identify specific triggers and avoid them when possible
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Eat small, frequent meals to ease nausea
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Create a cozy space at home where you can escape overwhelming stimuli
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Remember that most aversions improve as pregnancy progresses
The good news? These feelings are temporary. While they can be intense and sometimes even make you feel guilty (especially if you've developed an aversion to your partner or other children!), they typically ease up as your pregnancy progresses.
If you're experiencing strong aversions, know that you're not alone. This is your body's way of navigating pregnancy, and while it might not make logical sense, it's a normal part of the journey for many pregnant people.
