Pica

[slithytove]

I have just realised I have pica. Thought it was pregnancy related but it's been my whole life.

I am also terribly overweight. Could they be linked?

And should I worry, or can I just continue as normal?

What is it you are eating?

Sponges, ice and paper.

The latter two are permanent, the sponges are a recent pregnancy thing hence my googling and the realisation.

Never thought this was unusual or anything. And I'm a bit embarrassed to tell my midwife. I'm 35 weeks.

When I've worked with children with pica the underlying cause is usually a dietary deficit or they are seeking sensory stimulation in the mouth. I know that pica often occurs in pregnancy too so don't be afraid to mention to midwife. She may have come across it before.

We try and find replacement items that are edible or even just non toxic to replace what is being eaten. In your case obviously the ice is fine (in fact my DN has it as a snack too!), I am not sure that paper would be an issue either but you could try getting in some edible paper (used for baking usually) for times you crave it.

Sponge wise would you say it is the feeling in your mouth you like?

I don't know about it being linked to weight difficulties. I've seen under, over and average weight children with pica.

Sponge it's the smell and is a new one on me.

Paper it's very specifically book paper.

Ok ill tell midwife. Thanks for replying.

I had the sponge one during pregnancy really badly. I've also suffered with very bad anorexia & binge eating during my teens. I did tell the midwife who then discovered I had very low iron. I would suggest talking it over with her :)

Don’t panic; it happens and is not abnormal. Pica commonly occurs in pregnant women who are: experiencing their first pregnancy, under the age of 20, have suffered from pica as a child.

The most important thing is to inform your health care provider to make sure you have a complete understanding of the specific risks associated with your cravings. Unfortunately, pica cravings can cause serious harm to your baby. Eating non-food items can actually prevent your body from absorbing the proper minerals and nutrients. This could mean that your baby is not receiving the proper nutrition, increasing his risk for a variety of complications, including low birth weight, preterm labour, and stillbirth.
Inform your midwife at earliest and review your prenatal health records. She may need to monitor your iron status along with other vitamin and mineral intake. Consider potential substitutes for the cravings such as chewing sugarless gum

Pica may be your body’s natural response to a nutritional depletion, such as iron deficiency. When your body becomes deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, it tries to get these minerals by causing you to have strange dietary cravings. However, not every person with pica has a nutritional deficiency. There can be psychological reasons behind it like mental illness or psychological trauma can trigger pica in some people. Your midwife can chalk out a treatment plan accordingly.