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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I would like to find out why during the last three weeks, I've had clay or dirt cravings, I has been so, that I have been eating pieces of clay, i know is crazy but would I get sick??

A. When pregnant women crave substances such as dirt, clay, starch, ice, paraffin, coffee grounds etc it is called pica. In some cultures, eating such substances is a tradition seen as beneficial, but it is not. Most of the symptoms pica is said to cure can actually be caused by poor nutrition in the first place. Pica, depending on the amount you have been eating and how long it continues, can be linked to complications such as pre-eclampsia (toxemia) and prematurity. One source also lists the possibility of intestinal obstruction, depending on what was ingested.

One positive thing about pica is often it is nutritionally based and therefore can likely be helped. Pica is often a sign of low iron, low minerals or low calories---the craving appears to be your body's way of making up what it is lacking. Going over your diet and making sure you are eating enough wholesome foods, adding iron-rich foods or discussing a iron supplement with your caregiver, and taking a good prenatal vitamin can help relieve or remove these pica cravings. In fact, reviewing your diet in detail with your caregiver or a dietician would probably be most helpful to you.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.