FamilyFoundry

Have you ever wondered what your pregnancy cravings really mean?

Pregnancy cravings are notoriously mysterious and often downright bizarre. Recently, Nara Smith, who is expecting her fourth child with husband Lucky Blue Smith, shared her unconventional cravings — all made from scratch. This candid glimpse into her pregnancy journey not only highlights how individual and unique cravings can be but also opens a door to a deeper conversation about nutrition’s role in fertility and pregnancy.

But what if these cravings could tell us something more? Could they be signaling nutritional needs or even hinting at how to better support conception and early pregnancy health? That’s exactly the question we’re asking today.

What Did Nara Smith Crave?

In an interview highlighted by E! Online, Nara revealed craving surprisingly specific homemade snacks — far from typical ice cream or pickles. Her approach to craving fulfillment was hands-on, choosing to create nourishing treats herself.

This raises an important point: are our cravings random whims, or has nature wired them to guide us toward supporting our body's changing needs?

The Science Behind Pregnancy Cravings

Research shows that pregnancy cravings often reflect increased nutritional demands. For example, a craving for salty or sour foods might indicate a need for electrolytes or mineral balance. Cravings for sweets could reflect energy needs or a shift in metabolism. But beyond these biochemical signals, cravings can also be influenced by cultural, psychological, and hormonal factors.

Understanding cravings through this data-driven lens can empower individuals and couples on their fertility journey to make smarter, more informed choices. Instead of viewed as mere indulgences, these cravings can be reframed as valuable nutritional signals.

Nutrition’s Crucial Role in Fertility and Early Pregnancy

Balanced nutrition before and during pregnancy is strongly linked to better fertility outcomes and healthier babies. Nutrients like folate, iron, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are especially critical. When cravings align with these nutritional needs, responding thoughtfully can support conception and fetal development.

However, if your cravings consistently lean toward empty calories or unhealthy foods, it might be time to evaluate underlying nutritional gaps or stress factors — both known to influence fertility negatively.

Bridging Cravings and Fertility Solutions: Insights from MakeAMom

At-home conception assistance has evolved remarkably, exemplified by companies like MakeAMom that provide innovative, cost-effective insemination kits tailored to individual needs. Just as Nara Smith takes control of her cravings with purposeful homemade treats, MakeAMom empowers individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey from the comfort of home.

Their specialized kits—CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility sperm, and BabyMaker for those with specific sensitivities—are reusable and discreetly shipped, offering a practical and innovative alternative to traditional clinical procedures. Impressively, users report an average 67% success rate, underscoring how personalized approaches, whether nutritional or medical, make a real difference.

What Can You Take Away From Nara’s Story?

• Listen to your body: Pregnancy cravings might be unconventional, but they often have a purpose. Use them as clues to what your body truly needs.
• Be proactive in nutrition: Homemade, nutrient-rich snacks — like Nara’s approach — can satisfy cravings while supporting fertility and pregnancy.
• Leverage modern tools: Complement your nutritional strategy with at-home fertility aids, such as those offered by MakeAMom, to increase your chances of success.

Final Thoughts: Cravings as a Window Into Fertility and Wellness

The journey to parenthood is complex and deeply personal. Whether you’re navigating the initial stages of trying to conceive or already pregnant, understanding and responding to your body’s signals—like cravings—is a crucial part of the process.

Nara Smith’s story is a refreshing reminder that cravings need not be a source of guilt or confusion but can instead be an insightful guide. Coupled with innovative, data-driven tools like MakeAMom’s insemination kits, individuals and couples have more power than ever to shape their fertility stories on their own terms.

What’s the most surprising craving you’ve had, and did it teach you something new about your body? Share your experiences in the comments below!

References: - Nara Smith’s cravings article: E! Online

Pregnancy is beautiful—but let’s be honest, it can also throw some serious curveballs your way, especially when it comes to your skin. If you’re expecting or planning to conceive soon, you’ve probably noticed a flood of advice about what’s safe and what’s not during pregnancy. But how do you cut through the noise and actually find skincare that’s both effective and safe for you and your baby? Spoiler alert: It’s more doable than you think.

I recently dove into a fascinating article from Forbes highlighting the best pregnancy skincare products recommended by dermatologists in 2025 (check it out here). Their top picks share one thing in common: they’re free of harmful ingredients and fragrance-free, making them ideal for sensitive, pregnancy-prone skin.

But before we talk products, let’s address something crucial. If you’re trying to conceive—especially if you’re on a fertility journey—you want your skin regimen to support not just your pregnancy, but also your overall reproductive wellness. That’s where thoughtful, informed choices come in.

What Makes Pregnancy Skincare Different?

Pregnancy hormones can make your skin do some wild things.

• Increased sensitivity and redness.
• Unpredictable acne or dryness.
• Heightened risk for hyperpigmentation (hello, pregnancy mask).

Because your skin barrier tends to get more fragile, what you put on your skin matters a lot more now. Dermatologists stress avoiding:

• Retinoids (yes, that means no more your old trusty anti-aging cream)
• Salicylic acid in high doses
• Fragrances and artificial dyes
• Harsh chemical treatments

Instead, the focus should be on hydration, gentle cleansing, and safe sun protection.

So, What Are the Go-To Ingredients?

Here’s a quick rundown of favorites that keep both skin and baby safe:

• Hyaluronic acid: A hydration powerhouse
• Vitamin C (in safe concentrations): For brightening and antioxidant protection
• Azelaic acid: Fights acne without irritation
• Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide: Mineral sunscreens that won’t stress your skin or your little one

But What About Fertility and Conceiving At Home?

If you’re on this journey, you might already know about at-home insemination options like the kits from MakeAMom. Their uniquely designed, reusable insemination kits help individuals and couples conceive from the comfort of their homes, offering a blend of privacy, convenience, and a solid success rate.

What does that have to do with skincare? When you’re preparing your body for pregnancy—whether naturally or via assisted methods—feeling good in your skin is a huge confidence booster. Safe skincare routines shield you from stress-related breakouts or irritations that crop up with hormonal shifts. And taking that extra self-care step helps you tune into your body’s needs, creating a nurturing environment for conception and beyond.

Tips for Combining Skincare with Your Fertility Journey

• Start gentle. Switch to pregnancy-safe products early, even if you’re just planning your family.
• Patch test new products. Pregnancy can make your skin unpredictable.
• Hydrate inside and out. Drink plenty of water and use moisturizers suited for sensitive skin.
• Manage stress. Self-care isn’t just about products—it’s about how you treat yourself overall.

Bonus: The Importance of Privacy and Comfort

Many people pursuing fertility treatments or at-home insemination appreciate discretion during this deeply personal time. That’s why companies like MakeAMom ship their products in plain packaging—no labels, no fuss. It’s all about comfort and respect for your journey.

Ready to Take Charge of Your Pregnancy Skincare?

Navigating pregnancy skincare amid fertility concerns can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By choosing dermatologist-approved, pregnancy-safe products and embracing supportive tools like at-home insemination kits, you’re setting yourself up for a holistic, empowered experience.

If you want to explore more about safe, effective ways to care for yourself during this special time, and even take a peek at some innovative conception kits that are changing the game, MakeAMom’s website is a fantastic resource.

What’s your go-to pregnancy skincare tip? Or have you tried at-home conception methods? Share your story or questions below—let’s support each other on this amazing path to parenthood!

For more expert picks on pregnancy skincare, check out the full Forbes article here: The Best Pregnancy Skincare Products, According To Dermatologists.