PREGNANCY AND PICA
Pica is a practice of craving substance with little or no nutritional value. Most pregnancy and pica related craving involve non-food substance such as dirt, chalk etc.
WHAT CAUSES PICA IN PREGNANCY
The main cause of pica in pregnancy is not known for certain, however there may be a connection to;
- lron deficiency
- Body attempt to obtain vitamins and minerals that are missing through normal food consumption.
- lt may be related to physical or mental illness.
COMMON PREGNANCY AND PICA CRAVING
Clay, dirt, laundry starch, burnt matches, stones, charcoal, ice, toothpaste, soap, sand, baking soda, cigarette ashes.
ARE THERE RISK TO THE BABY?
Eating non-food substance is potentially harmful to both you and your baby, eating non- food substance may interfere with the nutrient absorption of healthy food substance and actually cause a deficiency.
WAYS TO HELP YOU DEAL WITH PICA
- inform your health care provider and review your Prenatal health records.
- consider potential substitute for the craving such as chewing sugarless gum.
-Monitor your iron status along with other vitamin and mineral intake.
-lnform a friend of your craving, who can help you avoid non-food items.
MANAGING PICA
Don't panic, it happens and is not abnormal. The most important thing is to inform your health care provider to make sure you have a complete understanding of the specific risks associated with your cravings, and try to manage the cravings appropriately.

#sweetmotherhood#

MOTHERS IN THE HOUSE WHAT WAS YOUR PREGNANCY CRAVINGS??