My lady friend is 7 months pregnant and has recently told me she craves DIRT. IIs this a bad thing?

Question

She has been eating dirt for the last 3 weeks now. Ive noticed some suttle neuro changes but nothing to directly blame on dirt eating. (could be fatigue, stress)HELP!!

Answer 1

It can be normal to crave it, but it can be dangerous if she is eating it. Craving non-food items is known as pica. It can be a sign of a deficiency. If she eats dirt, it could lead to a blockage or contraction of a soil-carried parasite. Other dangers associated with geophagia (dirt eating) include damage to tooth enamel, the ingestion of a variety of bacteria, and lead poisoning. Signs to look out for may include: pain,lack of bowel movements, bloating and/or distention of the abdomen, or change in bowel habits, not associated with pregnancy.

You need to alert her doctor of this.

Answer 2

Sounds like your friend is craving minerals that may be in the dirt she is craving. Some women crave the red dirt in Mississippi and various types of clay. This is a baby making thing and not many will understand. A woman's body will crave the vitamins and minerals she needs to create and build a new life form. I would suggest that she speak to naturalist mid-wife, for a start, she may have some ideas on what to do.

At least sterilize the dirt by baking it in the oven.

Answer 3

She should definitely talk with her doctor, because although some women crave non food items while they are pregnant, it is a sign that they are deficient (could be iron, don't know, she'll have to find out from her Doc). Don't let her do it though! Tell her that if she keeps eating dirt she could get toxioplasmosis (sorry bout the spelling), an illness that could cause miscarriage and birth defects. She could also get this same disease from changing a cat's litter box, look into it for her and share the info, cause she could be seriously harming her baby and herself. That is why pregnant women aren't supposed to do a lot of gardening (at least wear gloves), or care for the cat box.

Answer 4

Craving dirt is almost always a sign of significant mineral deficiency, at least in children. That in itself can be causing the fatigue. She needs to let her doctor know ASAP. Also, the dirt is probably eroding all the enamel on her teeth. She needs help...now.

Answer 5

Of course this is a BAD thing!If you care about her get HER help!Eating disorders without pregnancy are dangerous.Your friend is in trouble and is probably using her diet as a way to feel like she has some control over her life.Sadly it could kill her baby and do irreversible damage to her.Maybe she is trying to get rid of the baby or maybe she's trying to keep it hidden either way this is not the way to do it.Get her talking about WHY she's doing this and then get her talking to a crisis councellor.As her friend you cared enough to ask now, no matter how hard,care enough to help.Friends are NOT replaceable so look after them when they can't. Good Luck Hun,it's a tough spot but you can help!

Answer 6

No. It's perfectly normal for people to crave dirt, tissue, starch even clay when they are pregnant. Don't worry.

Answer 7

omg my friend did the sam thing.. i thought it was only her.
i have no idea. thats weird. pregnant women crave the weirdest things.

she might lack some nutrients in the dirt. (my guess)

Answer 8

It's fairly normal to have cravings through out pregnancy, I wouldn't encourage dirt eating myself....but if it hasn't harmed her or the baby yet, it probably isn't going to.

Answer 9

its normal.

Some pregnant women develop strong cravings for non-food items such as dirt, ashes, clay, chalk, ice, laundry starch, baking soda, soap, toothpaste, paint chips, plaster, wax, hair, coffee grounds, and even cigarette butts.

It usually means she has iron deficiency.

Answer 10

It does happen.

Yes worry.

It's called PICA. Google it.

She has a vitamin/iron deficiency. She needs to eat more protein. AT least 75 grams a day.