OK, Serious question! I know it sounds mocking and funny, but I'm serious.
I went to a pregnancy screening and one of the off the wall questions they asked was do you ever feel the urge to eat dirt? I laughed and wrote "no!"
but now... ever since I read that...
Like that Orbitz gum commercial where the girl eats dirt....(Dirty mouth? Clean it up!) actually looks appetizing!
What's up with that?! Why did the Dr even ask that? Does it mean you could have an iron deficiency or something?
2007-02-06 11:24:02 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Oh my gosh! I didn't even mention laundry detergent to anyone and 2 people mentioned it in their answers!
Maybe I really should mention it to my Dr...
I thought I was just being weird and tricking myself into cravings because the Dr brought it up.... so weird.... It's the powder detergent not the liquid kind.... I feel like such a freak! lol!
2007-02-06 11:42:08 · update #1
LOL... I can totally relate to this, however I didn't have the desire to eat dirt I had another weird craving. Every time I brushed my teeth I wanted to chew on my tooth brush. I know how weird this sounds but it is true. I asked my doctor about it and it turned out that I had an iron deficiency and one of the symptoms of iron deficiency is Pica which is a condition where you want to eat things that are not edible. So definitely either give your doctor a call or make an appointment because you are going to need to get some iron supplements. I'm glad to hear that I wasn't the only pregnant woman with a totally weird craving... most pregnant women crave ice cream and pickles... we crave things that are not edible :-) Good luck!!
2007-02-06 11:31:56 · answer #1 · answered by babydancingnlovinit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Women who crave things like dirt or litter are deficient in something like iron. If a pregnant women craves such things steps need to be taken immed to correct the deficiency; however, No study has proven this is always the case
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50513
Dont feel like a freak.. it happens its ok. Talk to your doctor about this, chances are he will probably do some blood work and if levels are low he will put you on a supplement if they are normal - then well you'll just have to deal with craving weird things. Take Care Honey.
2007-02-06 11:30:31 · answer #2 · answered by Kristin Pregnant with #4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yikes! I had 2 pregnancies and no dirt-cravings. Could be a mineral deficiency. I did experience leg cramps, which my OB/GYN said might happen if I didn't get enough calcium. I added a supplement to my prenatals, and I was fine. Iron is another biggy that pregnant women experience (iron in the blood is at a premium with the newcomer, and Baby gets it before Mom). So I'd go with mineral deficiency. Still...ugh!
2007-02-06 11:31:36 · answer #3 · answered by KD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pregnant with my third child and I have never craved dirt or heard of anyone else craving dirt, I've seen the commercial myself but I still don't want to eat dirt. LOL
2007-02-06 11:31:12 · answer #4 · answered by Crystal 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's exactly what it is, an iron deficiency! It's actually called Pica and can cause people(not just pg women) to crave non edible items. Other things could be laundry soap, starch, ice chips from the freezer and concrete. I know it's crazy!!
2007-02-06 11:31:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of people crave silly things when they are pregnant. My Dr. told me if I have that problem, to fight it for the health of me and my baby. I've craved cigarette ashes; soap; and tissue paper in previous pregnancies. I even craved to smell gas at a gas station with one of my kids. I didn't fall victim to those crazy cravings though. It is possible to crave something out of the ordinary. If you experience that; fight it and let your Dr. know you had that craving.
2007-02-06 11:41:00 · answer #6 · answered by Babyface 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some women do crave it but it's not dirt like on your doorstep. It's called white dirt and I think they get it at the hardware store.
2007-02-06 11:30:28 · answer #7 · answered by j_lbj 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no, its just that women crave some pretty wierd things while pregnant and it was probably just checking to see if you had eaten anything that may not be good for you in the long-haul, also there is an actual disorder where people eat dirt...i cant remember the details of it but i wouldn't worry if i were you
2007-02-06 11:30:11 · answer #8 · answered by Taylor 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
This is called Pica and it is due to a vitamin deficiency, typically a lack in iron. This can happen to anyone, but is much more relevant in pregnant women. This is very dangerous and your doctor needs to be aware in order to ensure that you can replenish the necessary vitamins for you and your baby.
2007-02-06 11:38:40 · answer #9 · answered by pinkjunkie_11 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes pregnant women can crave anything from dirt to laundry detergent and paint chips its weird but it is a vitamin deficiency
2007-02-06 11:29:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋