Pica in Pregnancy - What is Pica and What Can I Do?

We have all heard the old saying you'll eat a pound of dirt growing up as a kid. Many of you with young children may have a smile lingering on your lips as you read that all too true statement. Even the Latin based name Pica is a little amusing, it means magpie, a bird that eats just about everything it can find. The fact is though that PICA is no laughing matter. Especially not during pregnancy. Pica is the desire or strong urge to eat things that are not really food items, and not really good for you.

Pica has puzzled scientist for some time now. It was thought to affect mainly children, and there have been a lot of studies done within that group, but statistics for pregnant women need more input. There is some of the opinion that the cravings are based on a need, connected with a possible vitamin deficiency. According to the Journal of American Dietetic Association there may be a connection to an iron deficiency.

Pregnant women have been known to crave things like mothballs and cornstarch to sand and soap .

Some women have even reported craving things like laundry starch, and baking soda. The list is long and most give no real clues as to a root cause for the craving. Some women eat these strange non food items during pregnancy because of medicine based cultural influences. In Nigeria some women break up and eat clay pots because they believe it will act to fight diarrhea.

What Should I Do?

While it is well known most women will experience cravings while they are expecting, always be aware of the need for proper and adequate diet during your pregnancy. Also be sure to take a good vitamin supplement.If you are having strange cravings for non food items it is important to let your doctor know. In case there is substance to the theory that the cravings are a result of low iron, or vitamin deficiency routine blood work can be done to rule out this possibility. The best thing you can do is be informed. At least being armed with the information about what PICA is you can be aware, and watch for any strange non food desires, and act accordingly.

It is important to understand eating non food items can hurt you, or your baby. Immediately let your doctor know if you are craving non nutritious substances. Keep hard candy and gum close by at all times to help fight the urge. You can also start a support network among family and friends to help you fight the cravings. As strange as the condition may seem, it is real. So if you are an expecting mom, having the weirdest cravings ever, you are not alone. You are also not crazy or imagining these possibly harmful pregnancy cravings that may have you confused. If this is you, talk to your doctor about Pica.