Women should be aware of this condition from beforehand so that the underlying causes can be identified and it can be prevented. Pica is not inherently harmful but it could be if a pregnant woman starts craving for nonfood items like chalk, dirt, paint or paper. Is Pica Dangerous For The Mother And Her Baby?

Usually, the reasons for cravings are easy to identify and you can either increase your intake of the lacking nutrient through diet or by taking supplements. So, what is the best way to find out what the problem is? Seeing your doctor is the first step the doctor can do a blood test and let you know what your body is lacking. Other Safe Food Items: Flat dry bread, nuts, ground nuts, chewing tablets, saunf and dried fruits. You can also try products such as food dye, which is safe for human consumption. If you really can't resist, try and only smell fresh paint in an open, ventilated area, from a distance. You should not smell or eat any type of paint or solvent it can be dangerous for your body and even lead to serious solvent addictions. Women can sublimate their cravings by diverting it to something edible and healthy.

Here are some safe alternative options for non-food cravings. Dr Aruna Kalra, Gynecologists' and Obstetrics Surgeon, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, says the first focus should be to treat pregnant women of her deficiencies by supplementing her diet with iron and mineral-rich foods and providing her with vitamin supplements. Pica could be life-threatening for the mother and the child if the cravings are non-food items or dangerous items like dirt or paints and solvents. One of the most widely postulated causes of clay and dirt pica is iron-deficiency anemia. But the most common cause of pica is possible nutritional deficiencies (vitamin and mineral deficiencies). Some women develop pica for medicinal purposes.

These cravings are most common in pregnant women and children. Pica is an eating disorder in which one feels a strong urge to eat non-nutritive substances like soil, clay, chalk, charcoal, paint, paper, soap, glass, hair, ice, etc.

Pica cravings anemia