This may be the case because many women feel ashamed and embarrassed about their cravings. It is also notable that the taboo nature of non-food cravings may also result in under-reporting and under-diagnosis. According to the DSM-5, an individual is only diagnosed with pica if they are acting on their cravings for more than one month however, some studies consider any non-food cravings to be pica. It may hinge upon the researcher’s definition of pica. The prevalence of pica in pregnant women varies from study to study and is greatly influenced by factors such as location and culture. Pica, however, is not more prevalent in breastfeeding women who have the greatest calcium needs.Ī study published in the American Journal of Human Biology suggests that cravings associated with pica may occur in as many as 68% of pregnant women. Calcium deficiency – Though calcium deficiency is the least studied mineral deficiency in relation to pica, it is worth noting that many of the non-food materials, including chalk, are rich in calcium.Some studies show that pica may resolve with zinc supplementation. Zinc deficiency – Zinc deficiency may lead to a reduced sense of taste, which may lead people to crave non-food items.On the other hand, some cravings, including chalk, contain little iron. This is supported by the fact that the populations most commonly affected by pica (children and pregnant women) have greater iron needs. Though some suggest that pica may cause anemia, it is more widely theorized that pica is a symptom of anemia. Iron deficiency – Many studies have linked the occurrence of pica to anemia.Here are the three main deficiencies associated with pica: Of the potential causes of pica, micronutrient deficiency is the most common hypothesis when linked to pregnancy. Protection against pathogens and toxins – Some non-food substances may reduce the permeability of the intestinal wall, strengthen the mucosal barrier, and bind to pathogens and toxins to prevent absorption into the body.Micronutrient deficiency – Cravings associated with pica may be caused by mineral deficiencies which are common among pregnant women.Most of the non-food materials associated with pica cravings are more alkaline, so ingesting these materials may help reduce stomach acid. Dyspepsia – It’s been suggested that nausea and heartburn, which are common in pregnancy, can lead to pica.Hunger – Pica has been linked to instances of food shortages and insecurity throughout history.Psychological stress – Some scientists have proposed that the ingestion of non-food substances may be a “nervous habit” or a way to cope with stress.
For instance, in a study involving pregnant women on the Kenyan coast, soil-eating was linked to fertility and femininity. Cultural Expectations – In some parts of the world, pica (particularly geophagy) may be promoted as a cultural norm.Here are some potential causes of pica during pregnancy and postpartum: The underlying causes of even standard pregnancy cravings are not well understood, and though documented as early as the fifth century, non-food cravings associated with pica are an even bigger phenomenon. Though there is no clear reason as to why a woman may crave chalk during pregnancy, some have associated the occurrence of pica with anemia, low zinc, and calcium deficiency. Research conducted in rural India showed that chalk was the most common non-food craving among pregnant women. Varying from case to case, a myriad of non-food cravings can be associated with pica however, these non-food cravings tend to fall within one of three categories: geophagy, amylophagy, and pagophagy.Ĭhalk falls into the geophagy category and is a common fixation for individuals suffering from pica.
Though pica is not unique to pregnant women, it is more common during pregnancy. When acted upon, this condition is known as pica. The name “pica” stems from the Latin word for magpie, a species of bird known for its propensity to collect and eat just about anything.Ĭraving non-food items, like chalk, during pregnancy, is not as uncommon as you may think.
Causes of pica in pregnancy manual#
Is it normal to crave chalk during pregnancy?Īs detailed in The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), pica is an eating disorder characterized by intense cravings and persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances that last one month longer. Does craving chalk while pregnant mean it’s a boy or girl?.What does it mean if you crave chalk while pregnant?.Is it safe to eat chalk while pregnant?.Factors Linked to Pica During Pregnancy and Postpartum.Is it normal to crave chalk during pregnancy?.
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