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). It’s actually an eating disorder. These substances are non nutritive. It’s 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.
Does it mean iron 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 a lot 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 it’s 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.