Pregnancy cravings are part of your pregnancy. It's normal for you to desire strange combinations of food in the middle of the night. However, if you crave nonfood items, you may have a disorder.

Pica disorder

⚠️What is pica disorder?

Pica is used to describe an intense craving for nonfood items such as soil, chalk, dirt.🌭 Pica disorder is more prevalent among children but can occur sometimes to pregnant women.🤰

⚠️Causes of pica disorder

A clear reason is unknown🤔, however, pica has been linked with iron deficiency. Anemia, for example, which is often associated with cravings for ice, can be the underlying cause of pica.🩸 

Low nutrients levels in other vitamins or minerals can result in these unusual cravings. Having mental health conditions may lead to pica as a coping mechanism.😟 

Pica treatments

⚠️Negative effects of pica

Depending what you crave, pica might interfere with your body's ability to absorb other necessary nutrients and affect your baby with lethal and toxic substances.😟 Hence, the baby is prone to more serious problems such as growth restriction, learning disorders or behavior problems in the future.👶

⚠️Pica treatments 

There are no tests for pica yet. Your unusual cravings can be a sign that your body is trying to replenish nutrients.😔 

When you discuss your symptoms with your doctor, you will be given nutrient deficiencies treatment first to prevent further cravings if the healthcare provider detects any abnormalities in your diet. Sometimes, behavioral therapy or distractive techniques are prescribed if necessary.👩‍⚕️