The term pica is used to describe the craving and compulsive consumption of non-food substances for greater than one month (2010 Annu. Rev. Nutrition). The exact percentage of pregnant woman with pica world-wide is unknown largely because it goes unreported. It is estimated to be one fifth of all pregnant women but can be as high as 60% in some cultures. For example, in Kenya eating soil is a female practice for fertility and reproduction.
There are different classifications of pica depending on the substances ingested. The main groups include:
The exact cause of non-food cravings during pregnancy is unknown. The most common theory suggests a nutritional deficiency especially for minerals (iron, zinc and calcium) but whether this is a cause or a consequence is undetermined. Another theory suggests pica is a response to stress and anxiety, a nervous habit much like how some people bite their nails.
There are many risks associated with pica and a few include:
Inform your healthcare provider if you are craving or consuming a non-food substance or something that you or others find strange. Keep in mind that you are not alone — it is more common than most people think!
Click here for more on food cravings and what they can mean in pregnancy, and how to best satisfy them.
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