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:

• Geophagia – earth (clay, dirt, stones, sand)
• Pagophagia – ice or freezer frost (most people wouldn’t consider this craving to be harmful but pagophagists typically consume anywhere from one cup to one kg of ice per day which can lead to adverse health concerns)
• Amylophagia – raw starches (corn starch, laundry starch)
• Other – anything from paint chips, hair, wax, to burnt matches and charcoal.

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:

• Intestinal upset, constipation, bowel obstruction
• Electrolyte imbalances – can lead to edema, heart and kidney issues
• Dental concerns such as cracked teeth
• Gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain – specifically with the amylophagia
• Toxic metal ingestion – lead poisoning is very dangerous for the kidneys and brain
• Infection – especially with geophagia as many organisms live in the soil including parasites like toxoplasmosis which can damage your baby’s nervous system.

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.