Pica anyone?

Hi all,

I feel a bit stupid and embarressed writing about this but hope that i'm not the only one... so here goes....

the last week or so i've become obsessed with the scent of earth/ dirt/ mud. everytime i catch a whiff of something like that i'm all over it. and yesterday morning i woke up REALLY wanting to taste a bit.:redface: NOT shovel spoonfuls into my mouth or anything - just try it. and clean dirt, not dirty dirt. LOL if that makes sense.

a friend of mine says it sounds like pica and i googled it and yeah its legit.

has anyone else experienced/ been experiencing this too? :rolleyes:

Usually pica is a symptom of not having enough of something in your diet, maybe get your vitamin levels checked with your doctor....

I had exactly those cravings during my whole pregnancy. I would have done it too, if I could have been sure it was completely safe for DD. I was even to the point of wondering if you could sterilize dirt in the microwave! LOL The closest I could get was the chalky texture of antacid tablets - not at all satisfying. Don't worry, it's not uncommon. Just frustrating because you can't do anything about it.
As Sarah said, some say it is a deficiency - probably calcium. Lots of little kids try dirt and sand too.

Ohhh yeah had it big time with Ruby!!! Chlorine and bleach..omg going down the laundry aisle in the shopping centre..i just wanted to eat it all..and soap omg!! Its soo very weird how it comes about and how strong the urges are!

Jo

Thanks ladies - i don't feel so odd now - :)

seeing midwife tomorrow so definately asking if it's ok - or if there is an alternative.

LMAO to microwaving dirt. great idea. DP calls me 'dirtasaurus' now and thinks it's hysterical. but it's worse than a chocolate craving - it's almost unresistable LOL. i might put some dirt in a container and just smell it every now and then. Hemp handcream is also similar in scent - that might look less weird at the office too Hahahaha! :lol:

Hi.. I had it more with my son than i do this time, But with him I loved the smell of bleach.. I used to clean everyday so the house smelt like it.. The other thing which has kicked in again this time is petrol!! I love it.. I hate filling up my car but when pregnant i love it.. I feel like i want to eat it! It is very bizzare, but quite common.. One of my girlfriends feels like she wants to lick an ash tray when she's pregnant!

Hello,

Pica is common in pregnancy and in some children, and is an indication of mineral deficiencies. Make sure your diet is loaded with fresh vegetables (as many colours of the rainbow as possible), nuts and seeds (especially pumpkin, sesame & sunflower seeds, almonds, brazil nuts, hazelnuts and walnuts), wholegrains and natural yoghurt.

Really try to avoid any soft drinks, as they leach precious alkaline minerals from your body, and stay away from caffeine. I'm sure your midwife will have some great advice. Fresh vegetable juices with a quarter of a beetroot added can hit the spot - due to the earthy taste of the beetroot, and all the wonderful minerals and vitamins in the juice.

Try to resist eating dirt ;) no matter how tempting :D

All the best
xxx

And by the way, you are definitely very normal :)

Sounds similar to to what horses do. If they are deficient in some minerals, they will look for them elsewhere so will eat dirt, clay, rocks etc. Anything to find what they are looking for.

That was a bit off topic sorry :redface: