Answer
No, you are not going crazy. Cravings in pregnancy are normal. The type of
craving you are having for clay and dirt is called Pica. It is
important to try and avoid these cravings for two reasons more than just
the simple lack of any actual nutritional benefit. One being that if you
eat a large amount of clay or dirt, you may diminish the absorption of
other important nutrients from the stomach.
The second reason is that consumption of clay or dirt may fill you to
the point that you are unable to consume adequate quantities of healthy
foods. Also, you should be concerned about the source of the clay or
dirt. Some clay and dirt can have very high lead levels.
Consider fulfilling your cravings for clay or dirt by eating other
healthy carbohydrate foods like whole grain breads and pastas. I would
strongly encourage you to avoid exposure to gasoline odor.
Some cravings can be related to anemia, so if you have not had your
hemoglobin checked recently you might discuss this with your provider.
For more on pica, click here for
an article by our nutritionist.
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