A pregnant woman. PHOTO/FILE
I often see pregnant women craving things such as soil, unripe mangoes, or even coffee beans. But in my case, I crave and eat newspapers. What could be the reason behind this? Jane Rose
Dear Jane Rose,
What you are experiencing is known as pica, a condition where a person develops intense cravings for non-food substances such as soil, chalk, clay, or even paper. This condition is relatively common among pregnant women and is believed to be linked to nutritional deficiencies, especially iron, zinc, or calcium. In your case, the craving for newspapers could be your body’s unusual way of signaling that it is lacking certain essential nutrients.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can significantly affect a woman’s sense of taste and smell, which may contribute to strange food preferences or aversions.
Additionally, the brain regions associated with memory, pleasure, and reward play a role in cravings. An imbalance in hormones, such as during menstruation or pregnancy, can intensify these cravings, especially if they are coupled with emotional stress or fatigue.
However, it is important to note that eating non-food items such as newspapers can be harmful to both you and your baby. Newspaper ink and paper may contain chemicals or toxins that are unsafe for ingestion and could pose serious health risks, including digestive problems or exposure to harmful substances.
The best way to address these cravings is by focusing on a balanced, nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. These will provide the nutrients your body and baby need, and may also help reduce abnormal cravings. Regular antenatal visits are essential.
During these check-ups, healthcare providers can screen for conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia, which is a common cause of pica in pregnancy. You may be prescribed supplements or dietary changes to correct any deficiencies. Also, consider healthy lifestyle practices such as engaging in light physical activity, managing stress, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest.
These can help improve your overall well-being and may reduce the intensity of cravings. In summary, while cravings are a normal part of pregnancy, eating non-food items is not. Please talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible so they can help address the root cause and keep you and your baby safe.
