What it is
You cannot stand the smell of coffee. You want pickles at 2 a.m. Cravings and food aversions hit most pregnant mothers, often before the test turns positive. Pica is craving things that are not food: ice, dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch.
What's typical
About 50 to 90 percent of mothers report cravings; about 60 percent report aversions. They peak in the first trimester and often fade by 20 weeks. Common aversions are meat, eggs, coffee, and anything with a strong smell. Craving ice is the most common form of pica and is strongly linked to low iron.
What's known
Cravings do not track what the body needs, studies find, with one exception. Ice and other pica cravings often go with low iron and ease when iron is restored. Many cultures read cravings as the baby's wishes, and some hold that an unmet craving leaves a birthmark. Science does not back that, but the care behind it is worth keeping.
What helps
- Give in to food cravings in reasonable amounts.
- If meat is out, try beans, dairy, eggs, or cold meat instead of hot.
- If you are chewing ice all day, say so at your visit. It is a real sign.
When to call someone
- Nowyou have eaten dirt, clay, paint chips, or anything that may contain lead. Call Poison Control, 1-800-222-1222.
- Todayyou cannot keep any food down because of aversions.
- At your next visitany craving for non-food items, or aversions so strong you are losing weight.
Who helps
Related
- Iron-rich foods and how to absorb themPregnancy: Eating
- Low iron and anemiaPregnancy: Your Body
- Nausea and vomiting in pregnancyPregnancy: Your Body
- Eating when nothing sounds goodPregnancy: Eating
What mothers here say
No one has posted under this topic yet. The first experience here will help the next mother who searches for it at 2 a.m.
Experiences and questions are their authors' own, not reviewed advice. The topic's steward lists the ones that help most in a credited digest once there is one. Unusual experiences stay, with a note.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Nutrition during pregnancy FAQ
- NHS — Common symptoms in pregnancy
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics — Pica during pregnancy patient page
Sources are named, not yet linked. The steward verifies each one and adds the link.
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