What is Pica?

Abana · 02-07-2013

What is Pica?
A friend of mine mentioned this very unusual pregnancy craving. Anyone here or know anyone who has this while pregnant?

Cadelaria · 02-07-2013

I've come across with Pica and an example of it is a mom craving for ice. Lots of ice. Ice alone, mind you.

Adalira · 02-11-2013

I love milkshakes, is that included in the symptoms? Kidding! Well, eating ice I guess is ok, especially if the weather is just too hot. But eating ice in an exaggerated amount, well, that's just strange.

Edda · 02-12-2013

I got curious with Pica thus researched about it. Here's what I've learnt:
source

Pica (pron.: /ˈpaɪkə/ py-kə) is characterized by an appetite for substances largely non-nutritive, such as clay, chalk, dirt, or sand.For these actions to be considered pica, they must persist for more than one month at an age where eating such objects is considered developmentally inappropriate. There are different variations of pica, as it can be from a cultural tradition, acquired taste or a neurological mechanism such as an iron deficiency, or chemical imbalance. It can lead to intoxication in children which can result in an impairment in both physical and mental development. In addition, it can also lead to surgical emergencies due to an intestinal obstruction as well as more subtle symptoms such as nutritional deficiencies and parasitosis. Pica has been linked to mental disorders and they often have psychotic comorbidity. Stressors such as maternal deprivation, family issues, parental neglect, pregnancy, poverty, and a disorganized family structure are strongly linked to pica.

Fanny · 02-14-2013

Yikes. I've checked out the site and I was like Oh my God!! It's not really a normal craving but it's a mental disorder already. Bloody scary!

Abigail · 02-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edda

I got curious with Pica thus researched about it. Here's what I've learnt:
source

Pica (pron.: /ˈpaɪkə/ py-kə) is characterized by an appetite for substances largely non-nutritive, such as clay, chalk, dirt, or sand.For these actions to be considered pica, they must persist for more than one month at an age where eating such objects is considered developmentally inappropriate. There are different variations of pica, as it can be from a cultural tradition, acquired taste or a neurological mechanism such as an iron deficiency, or chemical imbalance. It can lead to intoxication in children which can result in an impairment in both physical and mental development. In addition, it can also lead to surgical emergencies due to an intestinal obstruction as well as more subtle symptoms such as nutritional deficiencies and parasitosis. Pica has been linked to mental disorders and they often have psychotic comorbidity. Stressors such as maternal deprivation, family issues, parental neglect, pregnancy, poverty, and a disorganized family structure are strongly linked to pica.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? Seriously? Goodness... I hope this never happens to me.

Halia · 02-20-2013

Oh, bloody disgusting!

Idalia · 02-22-2013

I couldn't believe that a few women go through this kind of challenge. I saw the pic of the stuff derived from a mum's tummy and I was like, OH MY GOD!!!
Oh pity, just pity... Bless her soul...

Fabiola · 02-23-2013

Is there anyway that this could possibly prevented? I absolutely do not want something like this to happen to me.

Cadelaria · 02-27-2013

Oh, my. I guess it's rooted to prior depression and psychosis and not just a simple baby blues alone. Pity.