Cravings - please help!!

[LeBe]

Was hoping someone could shed some light, i am 32 weeks pg and have a serious craving for sponges! On the ante-natal thread a couple of people have said it is a deficiency in something but they are not sure what. Does anyone know i have done a search on the internet and can find nothing xx

HI LeBe. Have you tried googling "Pica in pregnancy"?

you are so not alone - check out vintage threads here and here . So long as you're eating a healthy balanced diet I wouldn't worry that you're missing any nutrients.

The only thing to remember is if you end up actually eating something weird, don't be too ashamed to mention it to the MW / HV / GP.

I thought this was more to do with softening of the gums rather than the lack of certain nutrients, I always need to crunch on ice, polo's crunchies during pregnancy.

I had a look on the internet under pica and did get some info, some of it was a bit scary like saying it could be cos something is wrong but the most common conclusion was iron deficency which i need to speak to my mw about today anyway so hopefully i can get it sorted, its taking all my willpower to not give in to temptation. x

Good idea to mention it to MW
Meanwhile would something bubbly like Aero or a Crunchie be any good?

Do you have to swallow, or would just chewing them satisfy? If you can safely chew without swallowing, why not indulge yourself?

I dont think aeros or chrunchies will help it is more the sponginess of them iyswim maybe sponge cakes will help i might try?

It is just chewing and sucking them i want to do but i am a bit worried because i dont know what they put in sponges like dye etc.

Get natural sponges from a babycare range - they will be safe from chemicals, I'm sure.

BTW, I have had such strong urges to stroke my ds's skin this time - I always love to feel my dh/ds/dd skin-to-skin, but the urge to touch ds in particular has been overwhelming at times. Eventually I allowed myself to indulge, and it's been so wonderful, especially as ds likes it too!

Hi LeBe I am 38+6 weeks and have had the SAME craving for sponges as you since around 34 weeks!!!I so badly wanted to bite or suck on the sponge I use to wash dishes but knew it wouldn't be a good idea! In the end I just stuck to buying one and squeezing it and rubbing it on my face because of fear of chemicals ..I can't believe someone else out there has this craving!! Good luck and get squeezing.

Pookie - glad someone is in the same boat. I have actually had to stop washing up (any excuse) as the scourer sponge is just too tempting. I have no sponges in the bathroom just a flannel now and am trying hard to resist the urge, it sounds nice to rub it on my face like you say but i think it will make me even more tempted. It is driving me crazy tho i never thought i would have an urge this strong, especially for sponges!!! x