Pica in pregnancy pdf

The cause of pica is unknown, but some experts believe it is related to the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Although pica, the craving and purposive consumption of nonfood substances, is common among many populations, especially during pregnancy, the health consequences are not well understood. Pica is the persistent eating of substances such as dirt or paint that have no nutritional value the handbook of clinical child psychologycurrently estimates that prevalence rates of pica range. The most common substances that are craved by pregnant women who have pica. But for people with developmental or mental health concerns, it can still be a problem later in life. A metaanalysis of the worldwide prevalence of pica during. Gastrointestinal disorders include nausea and vomiting, dislike of some foods, heartburn, pica food cravings, constipation and haemorrhoids piles.

The majority of women will experience cravings during pregnancy. Mcadam, phd, bcbad university of rochester school of medicine department of pediatrics strong center for developmental disabilities december 2015 webinar rochester regional center for autism spectrum disorder house keeping. To discover the prevalence of pica, the documentation of pica on medical records, and any relationship of pica to pregnancy outcomes in rural socioeconomically disadvantaged pregnant women. Pica is the craving and intentional consumption of substances not culturally defined as food.

The truth is that as many as 68% of all pregnant women will experience cravings, usually due to hormonal changes. Pica, a common disorder in children that, if left unattended can lead to serious health issues. Those who are pregnant and craving nonfood items should only be diagnosed with pica when their cravings lead to ingesting nonfood items, and the ingestion of those items poses a potential medical risk either due to. Pica written by urszula kelley, md pica is an eating disorder that involves eating items that are not typically thought of as food and that do not contain significant nutritional value. This puzzling phenomenon is called pica, which refers to the compulsive consumption of a nonfood substance. The disorder is more common in children, affecting 10% to 30% of young children ages 1 to 6. During pregnancy, substances frequently craved are dirt, chalk or clay. Most pregnancy and pica related cravings involve nonfood substances such as dirt or chalk.

Dietitians should ask pregnant women with anemia about pica and should counsel pregnant women who report pica. Trends and consequences of consumption of food and non. Symptoms and behavior the persistent eating, over a period of at least one month, of substances that are not food and do not provide nutritional value. Trends and consequences of consumption of food and nonfood.

Many women experience some minor disorder during pregnancy. Often, pica cravings begin during the first trimester. Characteristics of pica behavior among mothers around lake. Up to one third of children ages 1 to 6 have these eating behaviors. Duration of pregnancy 40 weeks divided into 3 trimesters first trimester amenorrhoea, morning sickness, pica, changes in the genital organs and breasts, frequency of maturation second trimester quickening fetus can hear uterine size enlarges fetal parts felt third trimester fetal heart sounds all systems maturing increasing discomfort in mother. Results thirtyeight percent of these pregnant women practiced pica. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition dsm5, american psychiatric association, arlington 20. Pica in pregnant women in zaria, nigeria request pdf. Jun 11, 2018 while it sounds funny, the condition is pica, and it means something else is going on in your body. Minor disorders of pregnancy that you may encounter in dealing with pregnant women can be categorised according to which of the body systems is involved. The aim of this study was to explore the change in diet in terms of pica, food craving and aversions which occur during pregnancy. According to the american pregnancy association, while pica can occur during pregnancy, its more often seen in kids approximately 25 to 30 percent of children. It is not known exactly why pica is more common in pregnant women, but there is a theorized connection with iron deficiency according to the journal of the american dietetic association.

If a nutritional deficiency is causing your pica, treating it should ease your symptoms. Pica, the purposive consumption of nonfood substances, is a millenniaold nutritional enigma. Pdf pica practices among pregnant women are associated with. The most common substances that are craved by pregnant women who have pica are clay, laundry starch and dirt.

It is unclear how many children with pica intentionally consume dirt geophagy. Pica is an eating disorder that involves eating items that are not typically thought of as food and that do not contain significant nutritional value. Management of lead exposure in pregnant and lactating women note. Pica is most frequently seen in children and pregnant women. A 31yearold multiparous woman at 37 07 weeks of gestation presented with esophagitis and gastritis secondary to laundry detergent consumption. Pica cravings among pregnant women are less common but are most commonly seen in children. Pica practice, food craving and avoid table 2 presents dietary behaviors among the subjects in terms of pica practice, food craving and avoidance in each trimester.

Irondeficiency anemia and malnutrition are two of the most common causes of pica, followed by pregnancy. Pica during pregnancy pregnancy, parenting and baby. In these individuals, pica is a sign that the body is trying to correct a significant nutrient deficiency. Critical information and practical strategies for parents and service providers david b. Treating this deficiency with medication or vitamins often resolves the problems. Pica was first described in a medical book in 1563, where geophagia was described in pregnant women and children. The name pica comes from the latin word magpie, a bird known to eat nearly anything. There are multiple ways to treat this disorder, with patience and communication being the primary ones. Thirtyeight percent of these pregnant women practiced pica. Our finding showed a decrease in prevalence of pica and food craving with increase of each trimester of pregnancy table 2. Pica practices among pregnant women are associated with.

The prevalence of pica in chil dren also varies widely around the world e. Worldwide, about 28 percent of pregnant women experience pica during and just after pregnancy. The medical term comes from the latin name for magpie pica pica, a bird thats said to eat almost anything. Dirt, clay, and flaking paint are the most common items eaten. The word pica is latin for magpie which is a bird notorious for eating almost anything.

Pica is often seen in kids living in poverty, or in those whove been abused or neglected. Similar to alternate forms of oral stimulation, assembling a collection of items which are safe for the individual to chew, bite, mouth, andor ingest in a pica box ensures that there is always a supply of safe items on hand as an alternative to preferred pica, or nonedible items. Reports of pica date to 16th thand 17 century greek and roman cultures. Pica is an eating disorder in which nonnutritional objects are frequently eaten, and may have serious side effects for both the mother and neonate. Therefore, pregnant women are at an increased risk of. New ideas about an old condition young table 3 association between pica and iron deficiency andor anemia in crosssectional studies n28a population location n relationship between pica, anemia andor iron deficiencyb prevalence of pica c reference year of publication women attending antenatal clinics pemba island. Guidelines for the identification and management of lead. A healthy, well nourished woman is more likely to have a healthy pregnancy, which increases her chances of having a healthy baby. Pica is a condition when a pregnant woman wants to eat nonfood items that contain no nutritional value. Pica was defined as the purposeful consumption of nonfood or nonnutritive substances. Further, very little is known about pica among mexican populations in the united states and mexico. Pdf on jan 1, 2014, fahimeh khoushabi and others published pica practices among pregnant women are associated with lower hemoglobin levels and. Articles that estimated the prevalence of pica during pregnancy andor the postpartum period up to 12 months after delivery in women of reproductive age using a selfreport questionnaire or interview were included.

Pdf prevalence and risk factors for pica during pregnancy in. She had borderline anemia hemoglobin of 11 gdl and hematocrit of 37%, mean corpuscular volume 80% but was severely irondeficient serum. Pregnancy cravings are something that most people expect during the nine months of pregnancy. Pica exists, and might be more common than healthcare providers assume. Pica, which comes from the latin word for magpie a bird known for eating almost anything, is a worldwide phenomenon that seems to be more common during pregnancy. It is a complex behavior that can present with any number of variations table 1, and multiple pica determinants range from demands of tradition and acquired tastes in the cultural context to presumptive neurobiological mechanisms eg, iron deficiency, cns. Some typical things to be consumed include ice chips, dirt, laundry soap, starch, hair, matches, etc. Minor disorder may occur due to hormonal changes, accommodation changes, metabolic changes and postural changes. In some cases, underweight status before pregnancy andor failure to gain appropriate weight during pregnancy may be a sign of either a preexisting eating disorder or one that has developed during pregnancy. Pica is the craving of nonfood substances that have little nutritional value. According to the journal of the american dietetic association, pica in pregnancy may be the result of an iron deficiency. Pica eating disorder and how to treat it newport academy. It is true that the majority of women will experience cravings during pregnancy. You do need extra calories, but a gradual increase in calories as.

Pdf pica is an eating disorder characterized by the persistent ingestion of substances that the consumer does not define as food. Conclusion we hope that this report reminds physicians of the importance and diagnostic utility of pica symptoms associated with iron deficiency, as well as the evolution of its symptoms as a result of changing technology and culture. Pica is a compulsive eating disorder in which people eat nonfood items. More common in females than males stiegler, 2005, geophagia is part of. Further, very little is known about pica among mexican populations in the us and mexico. Pica is the pathological craving for and eating of a nonnutritive item eg, clay, coal, paper or food ingredients flour, raw potatoes. Africanamerican women reported practicing pica more often than other ethnicities. In some cases, a lack of certain nutrients, such as iron and zinc, may trigger the unusual cravings. So the behavior isnt usually considered a disorder unless a child is older than 2. The pregnancy book, including the mothers and fathers, medical and health professionals, and the many individuals and organisations.

It comes from the latin word for magpie, a bird known for its unusual and indiscriminate eating habits cooksey, 1995. Demographic and sociocultural variables, pica practices, pica substances ingested, and pregnancy outcomes were collected. However, there is a condition called pica, where a person craves and consumes nonfood substances. Aug 02, 2019 in children and pregnant women, pica often goes away in a few months without treatment. Most cases of pica happen in young children and pregnant women. Its worldwide ubiquity, prevalence among pregnant women and children, and association with both positive and negative health outcomes, especially micronutrient deficiencies. There is a condition known as pica, and its common during pregnancy. Abstract objective to describe pica behavior ingestion of nonfood items in pregnant lowincome. Pica during pregnancy eating nonfood substances may interfere with the nutrient absorption of healthy food substances and actually cause a deiciency. Women experiencing pica might find themselves wanting to eat like dirt, clay or even paper. Taking it as a supplement and consuming more in your food before. Luckily, pica isnt supercommon among pregnant women. Although pica, the craving and purposive consumption of non.

Using a structured questionnaire administered by medical staff, information was obtained from all. The questionnaire of pica during pregnancy included. Community practitioners and health visitors association department for children, schools and families department for work and pensions food standards agency nct. Pica in pregnancy is not uncommon and, if unnoticed, may put both the mother and fetus at risk 3, 15. Doctors might think its pica if a child eats nonfood items and. It was first reported by hippocrates in 400 bc and has been subsequently reported by investigators worldwide 1. Pregorexia is a recently coined term used to describe the practice of overly restricting energy intake andor overexercising dur. In a coastal region of kenya, 73% of pregnant women reported consumption of soil regularly during their pregnancy 27. Because pica is a mental health disorder that has physical implications, like other eating disorders, both a physician that understands pica and a mental health professional who specializes in eating disorders may be required to treat the problem. Here is what you need to know about pica during pregnancy.

This topic will provide an overview of pica, focusing on its management in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the pica and its association with biochemical profiles of pregnant women and its relation to pregnancy outcome. Its normal for kids up to 2 years old to put things in their mouth. Pica is a serious condition which can be life threatening. In certain ethnic populations, pica is culturally acceptable and is not considered pathological. To determine the prevalence of pica, and factors associated with pica in pregnant women in zaria. Pica practices among pregnant women are associated with lower. Although pica had been widely studied in the general. According to dsmiv, pica is the action of nonnutritive ingestion that is repeated for a period of at least a month and is developmentally inappropriate. This terminology is outdated and readers are referred to the acclpp. Substances ingested included ice 1 cupday, freezer frost, laundry starch, cornstarch, clay dirt, and baked clay dirt. Pica is a condition that causes you to eat nonfood items such as chalk, dirt, feces, ashes, coffee grounds, laundry detergent, clay, and more. Women reporting daily pica practice were significantly more likely to have lower prenatal hematocrits than women who did not practice pica, or who practiced pica less frequently than daily.

Even though you may laugh at the thought, it is a serious condition. These disorder should be treated adequately as they may escalate and become lifethreatening. Pica is common in pregnancy and is often felt to be benign. Pica can affect children, adolescents, and adults of any genders. Cravings for unusual substances that demand to be satisfied have been reported in literature for centuries. If you are craving nonfood items during pregnancy, however, you may be suffering from pica. No one knows what causes these unusual cravings, but a combination of biochemical, psychological, and cultural factors may be at work. The association between postpartum depression and pica. Overall, the true prevalence of pica is likely higher in developed countries such as the u.

Trends and consequences of consumption of food and nonfood items pica by. Less common items include glue, hair, cigarette ashes, and feces. Pica has long been associated with micronutrient deficiencies, but the strength of this relationship is unclear. A 31yearold multiparous woman at 37 07 weeks of gestation presented with esophagitis and gastritis secondary to laundry detergent. Its worldwide ubiquity, prevalence among pregnant women and children, and association with both positive and negative health outcomes, especially micronutrient deficiencies, underscore the importance of understanding this behavior. The implications of pica in pregnancy nursing for womens health. Pica is the craving for and consumption of nonfood items, including the ingestion of earth geophagy, raw starch amylophagy, and ice pagophagy.

It is actually a myth that you need to eat for two during pregnancy. In children and pregnant women, pica often goes away in a few months without treatment. Table 1 prevalence of pica during pregnancy among general. Pregnancy is a memorable experience for every woman and it comes with many changes which include cravings for food and nonfood items. Causes, common cravings, and risks during pregnancy. Women practicing pica were more likely to have been underweight prior to pregnancy, and smoked fewer cigarettes.

No one knows what causes these unusual cravings, but a combination of biochemical, psychological, and. Pica during pregnancy eating nonfood substances may interfere with the nutrient absorption of. Maternal biochemical profiles he moglobin and ferritin during pregnancy, mean gestational age and pregnancy outcome namely height, weight, and head. During pregnancy, nutritional requirements increase to support fetal and placental growth. The three main sub stances consumed by pica patients are soil or clay geophagia, ice pagophagia, and laun dry or corn starch amylophagia anderson. To estimate the prevalence of pica during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and to. Pica, the craving and purposive consumption of substances that the consumer does not define as food, is an enigmatic behavior found around the world, especially among pregnant women cooksey, 1995. If you find yourself craving a handful of dirt, pica could be to blame. Its important to understand what pica is and how to manage these cravings to protect both the mother and child. Although this study did not show specific pregnancy complications associated with pica, other studies have shown anemia and lead poisoning among women who practice pica.

Pica is the practice of craving substances with little or no nutritional value. Prospective, descriptive, correlational investigation with 128 women who sought prenatal care from two rural community. The persistent eating, over a period of at least one month, of substances that are not food and do not provide nutritional value. No specific pregnancy complication was associated with the practice of pica.