![]() Iron deficiency may lead to anemia, which is one of the most well documented causes of pica during pregnancy. Most observed deficiencies include iron and zinc. Nutritional DeficienciesĪ few studies suggest that vitamin and mineral deficiencies could cause pica. So why does pica happen? Truthfully there is not one specific cause that we can pinpoint, but there have been some observed factors that may play a role in the onset of pica. Pica may not be widely discussed, but it is estimated to occur in about a quarter of pregnancies. However, you should still speak to a healthcare provider about your pregnancy cravings and aversions, especially if you’re craving non-food items. If all you seem to be craving is ice, you are less likely to cause any harm to yourself or your pregnancy. Pica is especially concerning if someone is ingesting dirt, plastic, or other toxic items. Consuming non-food items may lead to worsened nutritional deficiencies, blockages in the digestive tract, weight loss, poisoning, parasites, and more. ![]() Pica can be a dangerous condition, especially during pregnancy. Other examples include paper, bits of plastic, cardboard, and more. These are not the only types of substances people may consume. There are more common types of pica, such as the consumption of earth (dirt and rocks), raw starches (corn-starch or uncooked rice), and large quantities of ice. You may be wondering what kind of “non-food items” people with pica consume. The meta-analysis also found that the prevalence of pica is the highest in Africa and that factors such as education and anemia may play a role in prevalence. One study suggests that pica is severely underestimated and may be as high as 65%, however, a meta-analysis from 2016 reviewed 70 studies and concluded that a rough estimate may be closer to 27.8%. In general, it is thought that pica is more common in children, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and pregnant people. It’s difficult for researchers to determine how common pica actually is, as many people may not self-report due to embarrassment, shame, or mental health struggles. Essentially, people with pica have the urge to eat items such as paper, clay, dirt, and so on. More specifically, pica is defined as the intake of substances for at least a month that have no nutritional value and are not part of a culturally or socially supported practice. ![]() ![]() Pica is an eating disorder characterized by the repeated consumption of non-food items. ![]()
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