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Pregnancy cravings are something most women experience during their nine months of pregnancy. We have heard about some weird food combinations that women crave during this time. Besides having a craving for sweet, spicy, and sour foods, women can also crave some unusual things that would leave you utterly shocked. And no, we aren’t talking about ketchup and ice cream; some women may have the tendency to eat non-foods such as chalk or dirt.
Pica cravings refer to craving or eating substances that have little or zero nutritive value. Though it’s most commonly seen in kids, pica cravings can also occur in pregnant women. We don’t know the exact reason why women crave such things, but it is speculated that craving such substances could have an association with iron deficiency. It is said that it’s our body’s attempt to get the necessary nutrients and minerals which are not being met by normal food consumption (1).
In this MomJunction article, we list down 5 most unusual things craved by pregnant women:
1) Soil
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Yes, the soil is one of the most unusual things moms-to-be crave for during their pregnancy. As strange as it may sound, famous pop star Britney Spears once revealed that she had a craving to eat soil along with her food when she was pregnant with her second child. Since soil is not a craving that most women can give into, it is best to consult your doctor and find ways to cope.
2) Paint
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Dear husbands, is your beloved wife nagging you to decorate the baby’s room? Our guess is that she would have most probably asked you to start by painting the room. And though that would be the practical thing to do first, your wife might have a hidden motive behind her pestering.
There’s no doubt that expecting mothers would want everything to be done perfectly before the baby’s arrival. But there’s a chance that they might be craving the smell of fresh paint and even have an urge to eat it. Though we are betting they wouldn’t go as far as licking the paint off the walls, it’s better to address the issue by talking to your doctor so that your wife feels more at ease (2).
3) Chalk
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We all have fought the urge to taste chalks as kids. Now don’t be denying it, because there’s nothing to be ashamed of. But after fighting this urge or even giving into it only to find out that it wasn’t as appetizing as we thought it would be, this craving can come back again during your pregnancy. Craving a piece of chalk or even having it with your food is definitely not a normal craving such as pickles and pasta and it is best to consult a doctor as you might be suffering from a nutrient deficiency.
4) Coal
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Yes, it may be the most weirdest thing to crave during your pregnancy. But we are sure after paint, chalk, and dirt, coal doesn’t come as a surprise for many of us. Pregnant women may get a craving to ingest coal, but as we already know, it’s not a good idea. The urge to ingest coal is obviously unhealthy and it might be because they are suffering from certain nutrient or mineral deficiency including iron (3).
5) Toothpaste
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Toothpaste is one among the many things expecting mothers crave during their pregnancy. Of course, when compared to the other non-foods, toothpaste does seem like a better option. We have all done it at some point during our childhood. Though it may not seem to be as dangerous as coal or chalk, it is best to steer clear of this one to have a healthy pregnancy.
If you are craving any of the above items or other non-food substances for that matter, make sure to inform your doctor. They will be able to give you a better understanding of why you might be craving such things and the risks associated with ingesting it.
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