Pregnancy is a time of many changes—emotional, physical, and even dietary. Some pregnant women experience unusual urges to eat non-food items like salt, dirt, ice, clay, chalk, or laundry starch. This condition is known as pica.
What Is Pica?
Pica is a condition where a person craves and sometimes eats substances that have no nutritional value, such as ice, clay or dirt, laundry starch, chalk, ash or salt, or soap.
Why Does Pica Happen?
Possible factors include nutritional deficiencies (especially iron or zinc), hormonal changes, cultural factors, and stress or mental health conditions.
Is Pica Harmful?
Yes, pica can cause digestive issues, toxic exposure from harmful chemicals or parasites, and poor nutrition if non-food items replace healthy meals.
What Should You Do?
- Talk to your doctor — pica is more common than you think.
- Get tested for low iron or other deficiencies.
- Focus on nutrition with a well-balanced diet.
- Seek support if emotional or mental health issues are contributing.
Pica is treatable, and early support can protect both you and your baby's health.