Eating Disorders: Pregnant Woman with Pica

March 23, 2016

Ruth Kang

Kersey, Lori. "Pica Disorder Easily Treated in Pregnant Women." Charleston Gazette-Mail, 21 Mar. 2016.

Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

When people think about pica, they usually connect the disorder to pregnancy because many pregnant women are diagnosed with this strange condition. However, it should be acknowledged that pica disorder is common among all age groups, especially little kids. Pregnant women are bound to develop pica because of the lack of iron within their body. Because of this, several women start to crave peculiar non food products such as: dirt, cushion, and rocks. Although this condition could be mostly cured among pregnant women, a good handful of them choose not to visit the doctor because majority of them find it embarrassing to tell anyone about their odd behavior and addictions.

If an individual has a strong urge to eat dirt out of the blue-- it should not be a problem, and should certainly not be regarded as a life-threatening behavior. Recently, in the article “Pica Disorder Easily Treated in Pregnant Women” by Lori Kersey, she obtained useful information from Dr. Melissa Goist-- an OB-GYN, also an assistant clinical professor at Ohio State University. Dr. Goist claimed that at least ten percent of all pregnant women will experience pica during pregnancy. In addition, she explains how eating dirt or clay during pregnancy should not be harmful overall, unless there are items mixed in with it such as pesticides or animal waste. However, she reinforces that it could do some damaging to the digestive system in the long run. Nonetheless, Dr. Melissa explains that pica diagnosed in pregnant women could be easily treated, but not many people go to the doctors for this issue because they are too ashamed to go find some help. She touches upon the fact that it is very common for pregnant women to have pica, which is why they should not be ashamed. She also points out a significant point that “Iron is important during pregnancy… the iron is important to keep mom healthy and help mom make enough red blood cells to support herself and the growing child” (Kersey 1). Overall, Dr. Goist essentially just touches upon the concerns of pregnant women, and explains why it should not be an embarrassing event to go to the doctors and explain the symptoms you may be experiencing before it becomes more serious.

It is understandable that individuals, especially pregnant women affected by pica are afraid to step out of their comfort zone, and share that they find pleasure in eating non food items such as dirt. Although these people affected with pica do not have to tell relatives and friends, I believe that it is crucial for them to find a doctor and explain the symptoms they are experiencing. This way, they can receive treatment as soon as possible, and not experience health issues that come along with the peculiar behavior disorder. Although it is mentioned by Dr. Goist that consuming dirt and rocks should not be that harmful to pregnant women in particular, I think that the possible damage that could be done to the digestive system and teeth in the long run is a good enough reason for the diagnosed individuals to go seek for help as soon as they start noticing odd symptoms such as craving and consuming rocks. Overall, I believe that it should not be embarrassing to go confront a doctor about something completely normal and common. Why wait for something to happen? Go seek a health professional today or reach out to a hotline for aid immediately.

Kersey, Lori. "Pica Disorder Easily Treated in Pregnant Women." Charleston Gazette-Mail, 21 Mar.

2016. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.