They will try to know about the child’s medical history, psychological development, and behavioral issues.

If a child falls in the risk group, such as a child with developmental concerns, the doctor may ask the parents if they have seen their child eating nonfood items.

The doctor will primarily look at the child’s physical symptoms such as an upset stomach or any other bowel problems like bloating.

Hence, a pediatrician might use the below methods (13): Do your best to follow a healthy, nutrient-dense diet while you’re expecting and let your doctor know if your cravings move beyond pepperoni pizza to something less tasty.There are no laboratory tests or a single approach diagnosis for pica. Keep in mind that while pica may be more likely to occur during pregnancy, most cases ease up without any formal intervention.

A review of your diet and medical history may point to a missing nutrient that can be supplemented easily, which then may ease a case of pica.

When to talk to your doctorĮven if the only craving you have is for ice chips, it’s a good idea to discuss eating any non-food items with your provider. The idea of pica can seem alarming, but it's important to reach out to your practitioner right away if you have cravings for any of the items above. While there’s no specific screen for pica, if you’re experiencing these compulsions to eat non-food items, your doctor can review your urges with you as well as test for nutritional deficiencies.įortunately, pica during pregnancy tends to go away on its own, but if yours is hanging on, coping mechanisms or behavioral therapy sessions might be recommended.

And eating soil or feces can lead to infections and illness due to germs and parasites that live in these substances. If hair or thread is consumed, it can become tangled in the digestive system, causing a blockage. While munching on ice is pretty harmless (though you might damage your tooth enamel), more serious problems can develop if you consume non-food items.įor example, broken teeth are a concern if someone were to eat small rocks or charcoal. A desire to consume non-food items means you’re missing out on important nutrients that you and your growing baby need. Is pica during pregnancy dangerous?Īny eating disorder can be risky in pregnancy - and pica is no different. More rarely, mental illness may play a role in the condition. In addition to pregnancy, having sickle cell anemia also has a possible connection to pica. Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Is constantly craving and chewing ice a sign of anemia? See All Sources Īnxiety or past abuse may also be a factor when it comes to developing pica. Women who don’t get enough of this important mineral might start to crave, and then, eat non-foods. The risk of iron deficiency anemia goes up simply by being pregnant, as both blood volume and the level of iron you need increase while you’re expecting. If you have pica in pregnancy, you might crave any of the following:Įxperts believe pica in pregnancy is related to nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of iron (anemia), calcium and zinc. Trusted Source Cleveland Clinic Pica See All Sources Common pica cravings during pregnancy Sometimes people with pica eat items that aren’t necessarily harmful, but other pica cravings can be problematic or even quite dangerous. Pica is more likely to develop during pregnancy. Pica is an eating disorder that’s characterized by consuming substances that aren’t food and have no nutritional benefits.

Pica cravings