Food Cravings

Pregnant women often have food cravings. Giving in to these cravings typically does no harm, but can cause problems if you eat only a few types of food for long periods. They also can be unhealthy if you indulge your cravings for one type of food, for example, and neglect the rest of your diet.

Some women may feel a strong urge to eat nonfood items such as laundry starch, clay or chalk. This condition is called pica. If you feel these urges, don’t indulge in them. Eating nonfood items can be harmful and can prevent you from getting the nutrients you need. Call your health care provider if you think you have pica.