Whether they run savory (fried egg and cheese sandwiches) or sweet (strawberry milkshakes), you’re no doubt familiar with food cravings during pregnancy. But should those urges skew toward things you shouldn’t eat, you might have a condition called pica, which should be evaluated by a doctor.[1]

Here’s more about pica, what causes the condition and how it’s treated during pregnancy.

What is pica?

Pica is an eating disorder that’s characterized by consuming substances that aren’t food and have no nutritional benefits.

Sometimes people with pica eat items that aren’t necessarily harmful, but other pica cravings can be problematic or even quite dangerous. Pica is more likely to develop during pregnancy.[2]

Common pica cravings during pregnancy 

If you have pica in pregnancy, you might crave any of the following:

  • Coffee grounds
  • Clay or dirt
  • Chalk, baby power
  • Ice
  • Charcoal or ash
  • Eggshells
  • Feces
  • Hair, string or cloth
  • Paint chips
  • Laundry starch
  • Paper
  • Pet food
  • Pebbles
  • Soap

What causes pica?

Experts believe pica in pregnancy is related to nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of iron (anemia), calcium and zinc. The risk of iron deficiency anemia goes up simply by being pregnant, as both blood volume and the level of iron you need increase while you’re expecting. Women who don’t get enough of this important mineral might start to crave, and then, eat non-foods.[3]

Anxiety or past abuse may also be a factor when it comes to developing pica. In addition to pregnancy, having sickle cell anemia also has a possible connection to pica. More rarely, mental illness may play a role in the condition.

Is pica during pregnancy dangerous? 

Any eating disorder can be risky in pregnancy — and pica is no different. A desire to consume non-food items means you’re missing out on important nutrients that you and your growing baby need. While munching on ice is pretty harmless (though you might damage your tooth enamel), more serious problems can develop if you consume non-food items.

For example, broken teeth are a concern if someone were to eat small rocks or charcoal. If hair or thread is consumed, it can become tangled in the digestive system, causing a blockage. And eating soil or feces can lead to infections and illness due to germs and parasites that live in these substances.

How is pica treated during pregnancy?

The idea of pica can seem alarming, but it's important to reach out to your practitioner right away if you have cravings for any of the items above. While there’s no specific screen for pica, if you’re experiencing these compulsions to eat non-food items, your doctor can review your urges with you as well as test for nutritional deficiencies.

Fortunately, pica during pregnancy tends to go away on its own, but if yours is hanging on, coping mechanisms or behavioral therapy sessions might be recommended.

When to talk to your doctor

Even if the only craving you have is for ice chips, it’s a good idea to discuss eating any non-food items with your provider. A review of your diet and medical history may point to a missing nutrient that can be supplemented easily, which then may ease a case of pica. 

Keep in mind that while pica may be more likely to occur during pregnancy, most cases ease up without any formal intervention. Do your best to follow a healthy, nutrient-dense diet while you’re expecting and let your doctor know if your cravings move beyond pepperoni pizza to something less tasty.