Pica In Pregnancy – Causes, Complications & Remedies

Commonly, pregnancy has a lot of challenges that you need to overcome. One of the most common ones is the fight against cravings. As your body changes, so do your hormones, and this can lead to extreme cravings which are not always healthy. Overeating can be a challenge but so can a condition where unusual cravings bother you, this condition is called Pica. Pica goes beyond the typical desire for chocolate or pickles; it involves cravings for non-food items like dirt, clay, chalk, or even ice. These cravings aren’t just harmless quirks; they can affect your health and your baby’s development if left unchecked. Read everything about pica in pregnancy here in this article.

What Is Pica?

Pica is a prevalent condition during pregnancy where you feel like eating non-food items. These include dirt, clay, coal, wood chips and steel (1).

These cravings can be hard to fight against but are known to be indicators of a deficiency of vitamins or minerals in your body. It is more commonly known to manifest in young children between the ages of 6 months to 11 years old. These cravings affect up to 30% of children; it is considered normal for pregnant women to have such cravings as well (2).

Causes of Pica During Pregnancy

While the exact causes of pica in women who are pregnant are unknown, it is assumed by doctors that this is a natural way of your body telling you that you need vitamins, minerals or other nutrients. Doctors also assume that unnatural cravings in pregnant women could be an indicator of an underlying physical condition or a form of mental illness that is triggered due to hormones (1) (2) (3).

Most Common Pregnancy and Pica Cravings

Pica can lead to numerous cravings; some of the most common ones are (1) (3):

• Dirt
• Soap
• Sand
• Clay
• Faeces
• Paper
• Hair
• Toothpaste
• Plastic
• Wood Chips
• Nails
• Porcelain
• Coal
• Plaster of Paris
• Kids Plaster

Pica when pregnant can cause cravings that are specific to you when you get the uncontrollable urge to eat something that isn’t purely edible. Mindful eating is required through the term to ensure your and your baby’s health. Therefore, if you do experience such cravings, it is advisable to talk to your primary care physician. But before that, let’s read through some common concerns about pica.

Will It Affect Your Baby?

Pica can affect your baby if you give in to your cravings. Eating anything non-edible is considered harmful as this can lead to malnutrition because of issues with nutrition-absorption in your body. The urges can also be for items like plastic or paint, which have toxic properties. It can be extremely harmful to both your baby and you (2) (4) (5).

Complications of Pica While Pregnant

Pica and pregnancy are a concerning combination that may affect maternal health. It can lead to food absorption disabilities that eventually lead to malnutrition. It also can lead to infections due to the consumption of non-edible items that are hard to digest. For example, in the case of glass or wood chips, there is a high risk of digestive tract injuries and internal bleeding. The complications are specific to the cravings you have. It is essential that you understand what the cravings are and what risks are associated with them (4) (5).

How to Deal With Pica Cravings in Pregnancy?

It is most important not to panic as pica is considered a typical craving. It can be managed and usually goes away after a short spell. Here are a few important things to note while dealing with pica food cravings (4) (6) (7):

• Have an open and honest conversation with your doctor. Share everything about your cravings no matter how unnatural or embarrassing they seem to you.
• Inform your caregivers, and ensure they are aware of the risks and ramifications of giving in to your urges. Having loved ones help will make fighting the urge easier.
• Ask your doctor if there is a need to review your prenatal records, and perform the required tests.
• Monitor your nutritional levels, and keep an eye on your vitamin and mineral counts.
• Monitor your iron and zinc intake, and keep an eye on your body’s magnesium. Take supplements regularly if they are low.
• Distract yourself, watch TV or do something productive to keep your mind off the urges.
• Try using substitutes like chewing gum or sugarless candy as they are similar too.

FAQs

1. Are certain women more at risk for pica during pregnancy?

Yes, women with nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron or zinc, or those with a history of pica in previous pregnancies may be more prone to developing it (5).

2. Are there any home remedies for pica?

While professional guidance is essential, improving diet with iron- and zinc-rich foods, staying hydrated, and finding safe alternatives for cravings can help manage mild cases (4).

Pica disorder during pregnancy is a relatively common condition that can have serious consequences; therefore, it is strongly recommended that you speak with your doctor and begin managing it until the urges subside. Seek out a counsellor to ensure the condition isn’t due to an underlying psychological condition. Always remember to keep your loved ones informed of the status of your condition, and keep communicating as talking about it can help. Remember, the most important thing is not to panic and to follow your doctor’s advice.

Also Read: 

Craving Ice While Pregnant
Salt Craving During Pregnancy
25 Surprising & Interesting Pregnancy Facts
Food Cravings and Aversions During Pregnancy

Sources References

1. Cleveland Clinic – Pica

2. National Library of Medicine – Pica

3. Nemours KidsHealth – Pica

4. Healthdirect – Pica

5. PubMed Central – Eating everything except food (PICA): A rare case report and review

6. University of Illinois – What are the pharmacologic options for managing pica in pregnant women?

7. Texas Department of State Health Services – Pica and Pregnancy