Pica during pregnancy is a condition in which pregnant women develop intense, bizarre craving and ingestion of substances that aren’t food (non food items).Its actually a eating disorder. These substances are non nutritive.Its  a common  disorder in pregnancy.

What are the non food items ingested?

Include:soil,ashes,ice,coal,disinfectants,plaster,paint chips,charcoal,chalk,curry,laundry starch etc

What is the cause?

The cause for this craving is not well known. There could be psychological,biological and cultural factors involved.

Doest it mean deficiency 

Pica Usually  does not mean a pregnant woman has iron deficiency. Most pregnant women with pica are healthy with normal iron levels.. Furthermore the substances ingested do not contain any iron.

Complications to the mother

  • Pica is harmful and may cause complications to the mother such as:
  • Nutritional deprivation and iron deficiency anemia because of eating alot of non-nutritious substances.
  • Some of the substances are unhygienic and one may get infested with worms.
  • Some of the non food items may cause bowel blockage (intestinal obstruction) which may necessitate surgery.
  • Poisoning may also occur especially lead poisoning

Risks to the baby

Nutritional deprivation to the mother also does affect the baby. The baby may get the following complications:

  • low birth weight,
  • prematurity,
  • nutritional anaemia
  • may also get poisoning

What should a pregnant woman with craving do?

Pregnant women suffering from pica should share this information with their health care provider. They should attempt to stop this habit because its harmful and unhygienic. They must desist from carrying this useless stuff in their handbags and stop stocking them at home.

Any known treatment?

There is no drug therapy to stop this eating disorder.Nutritional education is vital and should be given.Psychological counseling should be provided and behavior change instituted.