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When pregnancy cravings go rogue

Written by Jen Dowding | Aug 1, 2024 9:21:59 AM

 

 

Yes, those are a pair of sponges and, believe it or not, some people experience cravings for them during pregnancy!

If acted upon, this is known as pica, whereby a person eats things not usually considered to be food items and without any nutritional value. These items might range from soap and ice, to sponges and chalk. The word ‘pica’ comes from the Latin word for ‘magpie’, birds said to eat almost anything!

There are many causes of pica – one of the most common being pregnancy, and this is thought to be down to a deficiency of some kind, for example iron or zinc and is usually temporary.

In most cases, these cravings exist but are not acted on, but in severe cases eating inedible items can lead to health issues, so it is advisable to consult with your GP or midwife about any strange cravings you might be experiencing.

A medical professional will be able to recommend supplements for any nutrient deficiencies and may offer a blood test to work out exactly what these are, meaning you can go back to eating all of those pickles you have been craving instead!