How to Treat Pica During Pregnancy

It's common to crave a variety of odd foods during pregnancy. However, pickles and ice cream may not be your only cravings. Nonfood cravings, called pica cravings, are also possible. The cause is not known, but studies have shown that it may be due to an iron deficiency, stress or depression. Pica cravings could be caused by minerals that may be missing from a pregnant woman's diet.

Instructions

1. Talk to your doctor if you experience any cravings for nonfood items, such as burnt matches, rocks, ice, soap, dirt, paint chips or cigarette ashes. Some pica cravings could be harmful to you or your baby.

2. Ask your doctor to check your iron levels, and make sure you're taking the appropriate vitamins for pregnancy.

3. Find alternatives to the cravings. Chew gum, or try to eat something else until the craving subsides. Stress is also believed to aggravate the cravings, so try yoga or relaxation techniques.

4. Seek counseling if the cravings seem to be uncontrollable. Depression or other psychological causes may be at the root of pica cravings.

5. Consider visiting a nutritionist or a homeopathic doctor for dietary advice on foods that may safely fulfill your cravings.

6. Watch for this condition to occur in children between 2 and 3-years old. Many times with children, there is a risk of poisoning, parasite infection or injuries to the teeth.

Tips & Warnings

• Some women not only crave items to eat, but they inhale things such as powdered soap and bleach.