Pica: Pregnancy Cravings Gone Wrong

Who in their right mind would deny a pregnant woman when she has a craving? Well, in some cases, it is NECESSARY. Pickles and ice cream and chocolate are nice, but did you know that some pregnant woman crave dirt, laundry soap, and matches? Yup, you heard right.

Pica is a condition where people will crave/consume non-edible substances. No one is sure why pregnant woman will develop pica cravings, but it is thought to be due to nutrient-deficiencies, particularly iron.

Giving in to pica cravings can be harmful to both mommy and baby, especially due to toxic-nature.

What sorts of substances do pregnant woman crave most?

Some of the most popular pica cravings include:

• Dirt
• Clay
• Laundry Soap
• Sand
• Stones
• Matches
• Moth balls
• Ice
• Plaster
• Cigarette Ashes
• Coffee Grounds
• And more…

What can I do to stop it?

First and foremost, it’s important to speak with your doctor about your cravings. He or she can help you best. They may want you to monitor the vitamins and minerals that you are getting, to ensure proper nutrition.

It is also a good idea to find a substitute for these cravings, such as a stick of gum or calling a close friend to talk you through it.

Remember: pica cravings are not out of the ordinary. You may feel weird craving moth balls, but you are not the first! Speak with your doctor and they will help you to get the nutrients that you need.

Have you ever experienced a weird craving? Share your experience with us in the comment section.