That sounds very scary and dramatic when I google it! I will ask my doctor about it but I don't think it's anything a serious as that, says it's linked to mental ******ation and I definitely don't have that! Will mention it just to be sure though. Thanks xxx
LOL no, not at all. It says that some people who have mental illnesses or mental ******ation are prone to pica however you fall under the pregnant women category as they develop it too. Here is an excerpt from one website.
What is pica?
Pica is a condition in which pregnant women get strange cravings for things that arent edible, like dirt and clay.
What are the signs of pica?
You guessed it: If youre suddenly feeling the urge to eat the sand at the beach or the bark from a tree in your backyard, you may have pica.
Are there any tests for pica?
There arent any specific tests for pica, but since there may be a connection to vitamin deficiency, your doctor may test your blood for low levels of iron and zinc.
How common is pica?
Luckily, its not super-widespread during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, cases of pica occur more often in children (in approximately 25 to 30 percent of children).
How did I get pica?
We don't know for certain what causes pica, but according to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, it could be connected to iron deficiency and poor nutrition.
How will pica affect my baby?
Whats scary is that nonfood items may contain toxic ingredients that can potentially harm both you and baby. Eating nonfood items may actually get in the way of your consumption of healthy and nutritious foods. Plus, if you do have a vitamin deficiency, it could mean babys not getting something he needs.
Whats the best way to treat pica?
If you're experiencing unusual cravings, contact your health care provider. Your doctor may test you for nutrition deficiency and give you vitamin supplements.
What can I do to prevent pica?
Theres no specific way to prevent pica, but getting the right amount of nutrients may help.
What do other pregnant moms do when they have pica?
The last two weeks Ive been craving ice, and Ive been losing the battle to NOT eat snow. Doctor put me on iron pills yesterday.
I had it with my first pregnancy I craved dirt. Dont worry I knew not to really eat it, but I loved to smell it. This time around, its sand.
I dont have it, but a girlfriend of mine craved laundry detergent and dirt when she was pregnant.
going on the body shop yesterday was an absolute pain! Just wanted to eat their big display of the stuff! xxx
