Pica Anyone?

[Melos]

Pica is a disorder in which a person is compelled to eat weird things like dirt, rocks, paper etc. It crops up more readily with pregnant women, I have read and was wondering if anyone had experienced this.

My son had it for a while when he was young, but I never did during pregnancy.

[AthleticMom]

I had heard something about this but I never knew the name for it. With me it has always been contrasting flavors like salty stuff with sweet stuff together and I had more of a taste for stuff that's a little bitter followed by something sweet. Although I did get a huge craving for spicey food, much more than I normally do, but obviously I had to refrain.

who knows the hormones get a bit wacky so it makes us eat wacky stuff

[kateland]

Originally Posted by AthleticMom

I had heard something about this but I never knew the name for it. With me it has always been contrasting flavors like salty stuff with sweet stuff together and I had more of a taste for stuff that's a little bitter followed by something sweet. Although I did get a huge craving for spicey food, much more than I normally do, but obviously I had to refrain.

who knows the hormones get a bit wacky so it makes us eat wacky stuff

If you are pregnant, you may be experiencing some very strange pregnancy cravings: perhaps you feel the need to eat some chili peppers and ice cream; or maybe you are craving some bananas and ketchup. Many women experience these somewhat odd flavor combinations throughout their pregnancies, and this is an entirely normal pregnancy symptom. However, if you begin to crave non-food items such as chalk, dirt, or clay you may be suffering from a disorder called pica. Pica is a compulsive eating disorder that can occur during pregnancy. Though not uncommon, pica can cause serious health complications for both you and your baby.

[Melos]

Why would eating dirt cause serious health complications for you and your baby? Unless there was something toxic in the dirt/rock/whatever of course. From what I've read, it can indicate a nutritional deficiency (iron?) but does not pose much of a threat.