![]() ![]() If you're not anemic and have the craving for ice while pregnant, just don't chew pieces large enough to choke on - and take it easy on your teeth. If iron deficiency causes ice eating, the compulsion will decrease once the iron deficiency improves. An ice-eating compulsion is less harmful than eating dirt or starch, substances that can interfere with nutrition and introduce parasites into the gastrointestinal tract. Pica can be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder rather than a sign of nutritional deficiency. At the same time you eat foods rich in iron, have them with foods that contain vitamin C to help with the absorption of the iron. Healthy fats from olive oil, avocados and most fish are necessary for normal metabolism, but moderate your intake of fat, advises the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In addition, consume at least 2 cups of dairy such as milk, cheese or yogurt. It’s reasoned that women eat dirt because the body’s mineral requirements are increased during pregnancy. Include at least three portions of complex carbs daily and five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure you include protein from meat or, if you're a vegetarian, from plant food combinations such as beans or lentils with rice. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only, and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.During pregnancy, iron intake is critical for your baby’s growth and development. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses. Send questions via e-mail to write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5 or fax to 87. This is important to ensure a good outcome for yourself and the baby.Ĭongratulations on your pregnancy and I wish for you a safe delivery and a healthy baby.ĭr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Some women may choose to eat smaller, more frequent meals.Ĭonsult your doctor who will investigate you for any underlying deficiency in your nutrition such as low blood count due to low iron and vitamin B intake. You should aim to eat three meals a day plus a snack or two. In most cases the increased craving for these non-food items such as dirt goes away on its own after the first trimester of pregnancy. The use of nutritional food replacement drinks will also help to replace the vitamins, iron and zinc that you need to support the needs of the growing foetus until your appetite returns. Taking your prenatal vitamins and using treatment for nausea and vomiting can help to increase your intake of nutritional foods. You might also eat toxins in the dirt or other non-food items. Pica can also lead to complications such as stomach irritation, infections such as worm infestation, blockage in your intestines, vomiting and significant weight loss. This can also make you feel full, leading you not eating enough nutritious food to support the growth of your baby. Eating non-food items such as dirt can make you ill. The craving of ice is not harmful, but anaemia in pregnancy can be harmful to both you and your baby. Pica is not always harmful but it is important to determine the underlying cause to decrease the associated risks. This significantly limits your intake, and hence your intake of iron, zinc and B vitamins is significantly reduced and this can cause the increased craving for the ice and dirt. Nausea and vomiting in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy may also lead to a deficiency in your nutrition. During pregnancy the increased demands of pregnancy for nutrients may lead to deficiency in certain nutrients, especially iron and zinc. When you do not get an adequate intake of nutrients, then your body might crave these non-food items. Some of the non-food items that women may eat when they have pica include clay, dirt, soap, baby powder, ash, cornstarch, uncooked rice or grains, hair, paint chips, glue, metal and small stones. Those most at risk of pica are those who have poor nutrition or deficiencies in their nutrients such as iron, and also those pregnant mothers who have a history of cultural exposure to eating these non-food items. The unusual craving or habit of eating things that are not food is more common in pregnant women. This is not normal and is usually an indication of an underlying deficiency in your nutritional status. The uncontrollable desire or practice of eating ice and dirt is called pica. How can I be lacking nutrients when I am doing all I can to ensure that I don't lack anything? I know this - especially the dirt - can be harmful, but I just can't help myself. My problem is that I constantly crave ice and dirt, and often find myself sneaking away to eat them. I also try to maintain a balanced diet, and still do my exercises. I am 20 weeks pregnant and take my prenatal vitamins everyday.
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