Preventing Pica During Pregnancy

The word Pica comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for its voracious appetite who will eat most anything available. Pica is the practice of craving non-food items that contain no nutritional value such as dirt, clay, laundry starch, toothpaste, soap, sand, plaster, coffee grounds, cigarette ashes, charcoal, or burnt matches. Most pregnant women experience cravings but Pica cravings of non -food items are not healthy for either the mother or unborn baby. Most often the mother is under the age of 20 and suffered from Pica as a child. Symptoms of Pica usually occur in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Most often Pica symptoms tend to disappear after pregnancy, but occasionally continue even after labor and delivery.

Doctors do not know for sure what causes Pica but it is generally felt that there is a connection to a deficiency of iron, zinc, or other nutritional elements. Pica may also be a symptom of iron deficiency anemia secondary to hookworm infection. Symptoms may also include a pinkish hue to the skin, particularly around the mouth. . It can be related to undiagnosed physical or mental illness as well

Complications of Pica Cravings for you and your unborn child include malnutrition, liver and kidney damage, lead, mercury, or heavy metal poisoning, bowel obstructions, severe constipation, bowel inflammation, bowel infection, parasitic infection and disease, dental injury and gum deterioration. The baby can absorb some of these toxins and eating these nonfoods can prevent the baby from getting the proper nutrition he or she needs to be healthy. Pica cravings can also be the cause of low birth weight, preterm labor and stillbirth.

If you experience Pica cravings, make sure you contact your doctor. Your doctor will then take tests to determine if you are anemic or have other metabolic imbalances.

Make sure you begin taking a high quality prenatal vitamin with minerals. Go to a nutritionist and have your diet evaluated. More than likely, which is true of most Americans, she will find your nutrition and diet inadequate. She will then give you suggestions to incorporate more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains into your meals. She will give you instructions to reduce sugar, eliminate junk food, soda, and other foods that give you little nutritional value. You need a high quality diet for both you and your baby.

It is important for you to find alternatives or distractions to your Pica cravings. One thing you can try is chewing gum or eating nuts until the craving subsides. Distract yourself with work, playing with the children, soft music, yoga, a relaxing bath or working in the garden. Call a close friend, church friend, or go visit one of the neighbors. Take the kids and the dog for a walk or to a play ground. Join an exercise class or take up a hobby. Add one or more activities to your day that occupy your hands and mind, reduce stress, and give you peace and joy.

If none of these activities work, call your doctor. He may prescribe medication to help you control these cravings, reduce your stress level or treat you for depression. In some cases, your doctor may suggest counseling or behavior therapy. The important thing is to talk with your doctor and let him know you are having problems. Realize that Pica cravings happen to many women during pregnancy but that the cause of it needs to be addressed so you can get the proper help.