That One Itty-Bitty, Teeny-Tiny, Pesky Little Thing That Healthcare Execs Always Forget About

Everyone has heard stories of the strange and intense food cravings women get when pregnant. There's the pregnant woman who had to have dill pickles dipped in ice cream or the one who couldn't make it through the night without a bucket of a specific type of fried chicken.

Researchers have yet to lock down the exact reason why pregnant women have these seemingly unnatural cravings, but there are a few reasons that are often cited. Women who are pregnant experience heightened senses of smell and taste that can have a direct effect on their appetites.

Some researchers believe their bodies may be craving specific nutrients they need for a healthy pregnancy. Others have suggested that dietary requests at odd hours may be a way for a pregnant person to develop a supportive bond with their partner before the baby arrives.