Pregnant Woman Steals Coworker’s Tiramisu Because Her “Baby Wanted It”, Cries When Confronted

It’s no secret that many pregnant women are hungry lions. They’re forming a whole new human in their bellies and are eating for two, after all. Some also have cravings that didn’t exist before they were expecting. Generally, moms-to-be get quite a bit of compassion, sympathy, and preferential treatment during the months leading up to the birth. But one worker has shared how they’ve tried to be patient with a pregnant colleague and have now just about had it up to their eyeballs.

The expectant mom is constantly stealing her colleague’s food and snacks from the work fridge, despite being asked not to. When the pregnant woman recently devoured a decadent dessert that wasn’t hers and blamed it on the baby’s cravings, the co-worker lost it. They reported the woman to management but are now wondering if that was a bit too unkind.

Pregnant women need to up their calorie intake, especially as they near their due date

Pregnant coworker in a gray dress and blazer sitting at a table, talking to a colleague in an office setting.

Image credits:  annazzhuk/Envato (not the actual photo)

But one person is fed up that a certain colleague is doing it by stealing their food and snacks

Pregnant coworker upset over food issues, concerned about her cravings, and preparing for maternity leave.

Text describing a work situation about a coworker taking food, crying, and blaming cravings.

Text screenshot discussing food cravings and tiramisu taken by coworker.

Tiramisu piece on a glass plate, symbolizing food cravings at work.

Image credits: stu_spivack/Flickr (not the actual photo)

Text detailing a pregnant coworker's food cravings leading to a conflict and subsequent management meeting.

Text discussing a situation with a pregnant coworker upset over food in a shared work fridge.

Image credits: Brave-Departure-8475

Cravings are a natural part of pregnancy, but experts warn that moderation is key

Pregnant women may be eating for two, but experts say, on average, they only need to up their calorie intake by 200-300 calories during the second and third trimesters. Overeating and excessive weight gain can actually have a negative impact on both mother and baby.

“Gaining too much weight can lead to an increased risk of a cesarean delivery, delivery complications, gestational diabetes and hypertension in pregnancy,” warned Dr. Arnaldo Torres is the chair of OB/GYN at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. “The baby could be at risk for a heavy birth weight, childhood obesity, and adult obesity later in life.”

Women who begin their pregnancy at a healthy weight should gain around 25 to 35 pounds. For underweight women, the figure is 28 to 40 pounds, and those who are already considered overweight are recommended to keep weight gain between 15 and 25 pounds. Women with obesity should aim for 11 to 20 pounds.

According to the Mother Baby Center site, pregnancy cravings are very normal. They’re either a result of changes in a woman’s nutritional needs. For example, a certain nutrient deficiency like iron might cause a red meat craving. The site also suggests pickle craving and iron deficiency tend to be related. Another cause of cravings is the surge in pregnancy hormones.

Image credits: Ömürden Cengiz/Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Individual cravings vary from woman to woman and can change significantly over the course of their pregnancy. It’s okay to give into cravings, to a point. However, pregnant women should still aim to stay healthy and not overindulge too much.

“If you are craving chocolate, try small portions of dark chocolate. Aim for frozen yogurt or sherbet instead of full-fat ice cream,” suggests Dr. Torres. “Be careful with spicy foods, as heartburn could be a side effect. If you’re craving salt, try flavorful salt-free seasonings such as garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or a salt-free Italian seasoning. A good alternative to potato chips is thinly sliced roasted potatoes flavored with a salt-free seasoning.”

According to the Pampers website, some common pregnancy cravings include sweets (chocolate, candy, or tiramisu!), savory high-calorie carbohydrates (pizza, chips), animal protein (steak, chicken), fruit, savory high-calorie dairy (cheese, sour cream), carbohydrates (pretzels, cereal), fast food (Chinese, Mexican, falafel), cold foods (ice pops, slushies).

But then there are women who have off-the-wall cravings like mud, dirt, charcoal, or soap. This is a condition known as Pica and can be harmful if not controlled. “Pica is an eating disorder characterized by an appetite for substances that lack any nutritional value,” explained Dr. Torres. “Women who lack calcium or iron in their diet may feel the need to eat these non-food items. If you crave these types of items, it is best to see your doctor to rule out vitamin deficiencies.”

“Theft is theft”: many netizens felt the pregnant colleague was totally wrong

Reddit comments about a pregnant coworker and food cravings, discussing an incident with a tiramisu box.

Comment on pregnancy cravings, criticizing manipulation.

Reddit comment about handling pregnancy cravings responsibly.

Comment on a pregnant coworker's cravings and food being blamed; highlights theft suspicion.

A comment discussing pregnant coworker food cravings, mentioning tiramisu.

Comment about a pregnant coworker's actions and cravings.

Text discussing a pregnant coworker's cravings and workplace drama.

Comment saying a pregnant coworker is responsible for feeding herself.

Comment about pregnant coworker's lack of self-control regarding food cravings.

Comment advising on lockable lunch boxes to prevent food issues with pregnant coworker cravings.

Comment discussing tiramisu ingredients and pregnancy safety concerns.

Comment on a post about stealing food, mentioning pregnancy and cravings.

Comment about a pregnant coworker's food related incident, expressing anger and suggesting reporting her.

Comment expressing frustration over a pregnant coworker using cravings as an excuse for taking food.

Text from an online discussion about a pregnant coworker taking food, suggesting HR involvement.

Reddit comment discussing a pregnant coworker's food cravings and responsibility.

Comment criticizing a pregnant coworker's reaction over food cravings.

Reddit comment criticizing a pregnant coworker's behavior over food cravings.

Online comment on workplace food theft, suggesting HR involvement.

Reddit comment advising someone about a coworker's food stealing due to cravings.

Text conversation about food issues with a pregnant coworker and workplace dynamics.

Comment about pregnant coworker's food cravings and stealing.

“I’ve had 5 babies. Never once stole food”: moms weighed in

Text expressing frustration over pregnant coworkers using cravings as an excuse for inconsiderate behavior.

Text screenshot discussing pregnant coworker's actions and addressing food theft.

Comment about a pregnant coworker's cravings and behavior regarding food.

Comment addressing a situation involving a pregnant coworker's food cravings and workplace conflict.

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