How Do You Prevent Pica During Pregnancy?
There are a variety of strange conditions that can manifest themselves when a woman is pregnant. One of these afflictions, pica, is when a woman has cravings to eat substances that are non-nutritive (items not normally considered food). Of course, such behaviors are harmful to a woman’s developing fetus (and herself), so it is important to know how to prevent pica during pregnancy. Understand what causes pica to develop during pregnancy. No one knows the exact cause, but experts from the American Dietetic Association have speculated that a lack of iron (also called anemia or iron deficiency) can lead to pica. An underlying mental or physical illness can also contribute to pica during pregnancy. Know the most common non-food cravings that women with pica desire. These may include clay, dirt, laundry detergent, matches, charcoal, ice, cornstarch or baking soda, ashes, toothpaste or soap, sand and mothballs. These items may interfere with your body’s ability to absorb normal food nutrient
