I'm 31 weeks pregnant and crave ice a lot. Is this a sign of anemia? If it goes untreated could it be harmful to me and baby?
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I'm 31 weeks pregnant and crave ice a lot. Is this a sign of anemia? If it goes untreated could it be harmful to me and baby?
3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Hunter
Gynecology - Oncology
In brief: Pica
This is a condition not completely understood, called pica.
Most women will describe a craving for ice, but other foods, and even clay and dirt, are also common. Iron hunger in the face of anemia is certainly one theory, but remember, you're making a new person, and adding 50% more blood to your system. So your iron demands are going to be higher. Ask your doctor if he checked you for anemia.
In brief: Pica
This is a condition not completely understood, called pica.
Most women will describe a craving for ice, but other foods, and even clay and dirt, are also common. Iron hunger in the face of anemia is certainly one theory, but remember, you're making a new person, and adding 50% more blood to your system. So your iron demands are going to be higher. Ask your doctor if he checked you for anemia.
Dr. Mark Hunter
Thank
Dr. Martin Rubenstein
Internal Medicine - Hematology & Oncology
In brief: Iron deficiency
Unusual craving for ice can be a sign of iron deficiency, something very common in pregnancy.
Your baby likely will not be deficient as "the system" favors the baby over you where iron is concerned. You get some iron in the prenatal vitamins, but an additional iron supplement may be needed to correct iron deficiency anemia. Check with your ob. They may want to check a blood test.
In brief: Iron deficiency
Unusual craving for ice can be a sign of iron deficiency, something very common in pregnancy.
Your baby likely will not be deficient as "the system" favors the baby over you where iron is concerned. You get some iron in the prenatal vitamins, but an additional iron supplement may be needed to correct iron deficiency anemia. Check with your ob. They may want to check a blood test.
Dr. Martin Rubenstein
Thank
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