Maternal Health

Craving Non-Food Items During Pregnancy (Pica)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN

Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, WHO guidelines

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Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica), here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Pica is the craving and sometimes consumption of non-food items during pregnancy, such as ice, dirt, clay, chalk, or laundry starch. It affects an estimated 28% of pregnant people worldwide and may be associated with iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies. It should always be discussed with your provider.

Key takeaways

  • Pica is the craving and sometimes consumption of non-food items during pregnancy, such as ice, dirt, clay, chalk, or laundry starch. It affects an estimated 28% of pregnant people worldwide and may be associated with iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies. It should always be discussed with your provider.
  • Usually normal when: There is no form of consuming non-food items that is considered normal, but the cravings themselves are common and should not cause shame
  • Call your doctor if: You have consumed non-food items and are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know

According to ACOG, NIH, WHO guidelines, pica is the craving and sometimes consumption of non-food items during pregnancy, such as ice, dirt, clay, chalk, or laundry starch. It affects an estimated 28% of pregnant people worldwide and may be associated with iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies. It should always be discussed with your provider. At First trimester, pica can begin at any point in pregnancy. If you notice cravings for non-food substances, let your provider know. They will likely check your iron levels and other nutritional markers. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is the most common form and is strongly associated with iron-deficiency anemia. It is generally considered normal when there is no form of consuming non-food items that is considered normal, but the cravings themselves are common and should not cause shame. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you have consumed non-food items and are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
There is no form of consuming non-food items that is considered normal, but the cravings themselves are common and should not cause shame
You have consumed non-food items and are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation
Craving ice frequently is the most common form and is usually benign but should be mentioned to your provider
You have consumed potentially toxic substances like paint chips, cleaning products, or other chemicals

By Age

What to expect by age

First trimester

Pica can begin at any point in pregnancy. If you notice cravings for non-food substances, let your provider know. They will likely check your iron levels and other nutritional markers. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is the most common form and is strongly associated with iron-deficiency anemia.

Second trimester

Pica cravings may intensify or persist. It is important not to consume non-food items, as they can contain harmful substances, cause intestinal blockages, or interfere with nutrient absorption. If you are struggling with pica urges, tell your provider without shame - it is a recognized medical condition, not a personal failing.

Third trimester

Continued pica, especially consumption of non-food items, needs medical attention. Treatment typically involves addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies, especially iron. Pica usually resolves after delivery or once deficiencies are corrected. Behavioral strategies and support can help manage urges.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you have cravings for non-food items, even if you have not acted on them.
  • Mention if you are chewing ice frequently or excessively.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • There is no form of consuming non-food items that is considered normal, but the cravings themselves are common and should not cause shame
  • Craving ice frequently is the most common form and is usually benign but should be mentioned to your provider
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You have cravings for non-food items, even if you have not acted on them
  • You are chewing ice frequently or excessively
  • You are craving dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch, or other non-food substances
Act now when...
  • You have consumed non-food items and are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation
  • You have consumed potentially toxic substances like paint chips, cleaning products, or other chemicals

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that there is no form of consuming non-food items that is considered normal, but the cravings themselves are common and should not cause shame — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if you have consumed non-food items and are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation.

Unusual Food Cravings During Pregnancy

Food cravings during pregnancy are very common, affecting 50-90% of pregnant people. They are thought to be caused by hormonal changes, nutritional needs, and heightened senses. Most cravings are harmless, but intense cravings for non-food items (pica) should be discussed with your provider.

Anemia During Pregnancy

Anemia during pregnancy is very common, affecting up to 40% of pregnant people worldwide. It is most often caused by iron deficiency due to the increased blood volume and iron demands of pregnancy. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It is treatable with iron supplementation and dietary changes.

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General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) normal?
Pica is the craving and sometimes consumption of non-food items during pregnancy, such as ice, dirt, clay, chalk, or laundry starch. It affects an estimated 28% of pregnant people worldwide and may be associated with iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies. It should always be discussed with your provider.
When should I call the doctor about craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica)?
You have consumed non-food items and are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation You have consumed potentially toxic substances like paint chips, cleaning products, or other chemicals
When is craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) normal?
There is no form of consuming non-food items that is considered normal, but the cravings themselves are common and should not cause shame Craving ice frequently is the most common form and is usually benign but should be mentioned to your provider
What causes craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica)?
Pica is the craving and sometimes consumption of non-food items during pregnancy, such as ice, dirt, clay, chalk, or laundry starch. It affects an estimated 28% of pregnant people worldwide and may be associated with iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies. It should always be discussed with your provider. Common explanations include: There is no form of consuming non-food items that is considered normal, but the cravings themselves are common and should not cause shame. Craving ice frequently is the most common form and is usually benign but should be mentioned to your provider.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica)?
You should mention craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) at your next visit if: You have cravings for non-food items, even if you have not acted on them. You are chewing ice frequently or excessively. You are craving dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch, or other non-food substances.
Is craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) normal at First trimester?
Pica can begin at any point in pregnancy. If you notice cravings for non-food substances, let your provider know. They will likely check your iron levels and other nutritional markers. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is the most common form and is strongly associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
Is craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) normal at Second trimester?
Pica cravings may intensify or persist. It is important not to consume non-food items, as they can contain harmful substances, cause intestinal blockages, or interfere with nutrient absorption. If you are struggling with pica urges, tell your provider without shame - it is a recognized medical condition, not a personal failing.
Should I go to the ER for craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica)?
Seek emergency care if you have consumed non-food items and are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation, or if you have consumed potentially toxic substances like paint chips, cleaning products, or other chemicals. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) go away on its own?
In many cases, craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) resolves on its own, especially when there is no form of consuming non-food items that is considered normal, but the cravings themselves are common and should not cause shame. By Third trimester, continued pica, especially consumption of non-food items, needs medical attention. Treatment typically involves addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies, especially iron. Pica usually resolves after delivery or once deficiencies are corrected. Behavioral strategies and support can help manage urges.
ACOGNIHWHO

References

  1. [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Nutrition During Pregnancy. ACOG FAQ, 2022. ACOG
  2. [2]National Library of Medicine. Pica in Pregnancy: New Ideas About an Old Condition. Annual Review of Nutrition, 2010. NIH
  3. [3]World Health Organization. Nutritional Deficiencies and Pica. WHO, 2023. WHO

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Craving Non-Food Items During Pregnancy (Pica).

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you have cravings for non-food items, even if you have not acted on them.
  • Mention if you are chewing ice frequently or excessively.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • You have cravings for non-food items, even if you have not acted on them
  • You are chewing ice frequently or excessively
  • You are craving dirt, clay, chalk, laundry starch, or other non-food substances

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • You have consumed non-food items and are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation
  • You have consumed potentially toxic substances like paint chips, cleaning products, or other chemicals

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Feeding & Pumping GuidePregnancy TrackerBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of craving non-food items during pregnancy (pica) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you have consumed non-food items and are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Anemia During Pregnancy

Anemia during pregnancy is very common, affecting up to 40% of pregnant people worldwide. It is most often caused by iron deficiency due to the increased blood volume and iron demands of pregnancy. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It is treatable with iron supplementation and dietary changes.

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