Craving Ice or Non-Food Things During Pregnancy? What Pica is Telling you About your Iron

Bird&Be 6 min read

Pickles and ice cream? Totally normal pregnancy territory. But when you catch yourself going through trays of ice cubes every day, craving the smell of dirt after a rainstorm, or eyeing a box of cornstarch with genuine interest, something different may be going on. These kinds of non-food cravings during pregnancy have a name: pica. And more often than not, they're your body's way of waving a flag about a nutrient it's running low on.

Here's what pica looks like during pregnancy, why Iron deficiency is the most common driver, and what steps you can take to address it.

What is pica in pregnancy? Why does pica happen? The iron connection What to do if you're experiencing non-food cravings When pica needs immediate attention

What is pica in pregnancy?

Pica is a condition where a person persistently craves and sometimes eats things that aren't considered food and have no nutritional value. During pregnancy, it may show up as an intense desire to chew ice, eat clay or dirt, or consume things like laundry starch, chalk, or baking soda. Craving ice during pregnancy (known as pagophagia) is one of the most common forms.

Pregnancy pica symptoms go beyond the occasional odd craving. The urge tends to feel compulsive and persistent, often lasting for weeks or longer. It's more common than many people realize. A 2016 meta-analysis found that about 28% of pregnant and postpartum women experience pica.

Why does pica happen? The Iron connection

The strongest research link to pica is Iron deficiency, which is especially relevant during pregnancy when Iron needs nearly double to support increased blood volume and fetal growth.

How Iron deficiency triggers non-food pregnancy cravings

When Iron levels drop, your body may send unusual signals. A 2014 study found that people with Iron-deficiency anemia who chewed ice performed significantly better on attention tests than those who drank tepid water. The researchers proposed that chewing ice may trigger vascular changes that increase blood flow to the brain, temporarily improving alertness for someone whose oxygen delivery is already reduced by low Iron. The craving isn't about getting Iron from ice. It's about the sensation, and it tends to intensify as the deficiency worsens.

Other pregnancy pica symptoms linked to Iron deficiency may include:

fatigue
pale skin
shortness of breath
brittle nails
dizziness
headaches.

If craving ice during pregnancy comes with any of these, Iron levels are worth checking.

What causes pica in pregnancy beyond Iron?

Low Zinc levels have also been connected to pica in some cases. Hormonal shifts, increased metabolic demands, and psychological factors like stress may all play a role. For some, pica may be related to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies rather than a nutrient gap. In every case, the right first step is a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

What should I do if I'm experiencing non-food cravings?

If you notice persistent iron deficiency, pregnancy cravings, or other pica behaviors, here's how to respond.

1. Talk to your healthcare provider

Don't wait for your next scheduled appointment. Mention the cravings so your provider can order bloodwork, including a complete blood count (CBC) and Iron studies. A simple blood test can confirm whether Iron or another nutrient is low.

2. Check your prenatal's Iron content

Not all prenatals contain the same amount or form of Iron. During pregnancy, the doctor-recommended daily dose is 27 mg. The Complete Prenatal Pack includes 27 mg of ferrous bisglycinate, a gentle, easy-to-absorb form that may help close the gap without adding to nausea.

If your levels are significantly low, your provider may recommend an additional Iron supplement, or even an Iron infusion in more serious cases.

3. Support Iron absorption with the right nutrients

Iron doesn't work alone. Vitamin C helps your body absorb it more effectively, which is why Bird&Be includes Vitamin C alongside Iron in its prenatal formulas.

On the other hand, Calcium can compete with Iron for absorption, so spacing out Calcium-heavy foods or supplements from your prenatal by a few hours can help. The Calcium + Magnesium + Vitamin D Boost is designed to be taken at a different time of day than your prenatal for exactly this reason.

4. Focus on Iron-rich foods alongside your supplement

Lean red meat, spinach, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals are all good dietary sources of Iron. Pairing them with Vitamin-C-rich foods (like citrus, tomatoes, or bell peppers) can further support absorption.

When does pica need immediate attention?

Most pica during pregnancy resolved once the underlying deficiency is treated. But certain situations call for more urgent care.

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you're consuming non-food items that could be harmful (like dirt, paint chips, or cleaning products), if you have symptoms of severe anemia (extreme fatigue, fainting, rapid heartbeat), or if the cravings feel completely out of your control. Eating soil or clay can carry risks, including parasitic infections, lead exposure, and interference with nutrient absorption.

Your body is trying to tell you something

Pica isn't a character flaw or a quirky habit to brush off. In many cases, it's a signal from your body that an essential nutrient, most often Iron, needs attention. A quality prenatal like the Complete Prenatal Pack or the Gentle Prenatal Pack can be an important part of prevention and support, but if pica has already shown up, bloodwork is the clearest path to answers.

Paying attention to what your body is asking for is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. If you need help finding the right prenatal for your stage, take the quiz.

Frequently asked questions

Is craving ice during pregnancy a sign of anemia?

It can be. Pagophagia (compulsive ice chewing) is one of the most common forms of pica and has a strong research-backed link to iron-deficiency anemia. If the craving is persistent, ask your provider to check your iron levels.

What is the difference between pica and a normal pregnancy craving?

Normal cravings involve food, like wanting pickles or chocolate. Pica involves craving substances with no nutritional value, such as ice, dirt, chalk, or starch. Pica cravings also tend to feel more compulsive and harder to resist.

Can pica hurt my baby?

Pica itself is a symptom, not a cause. But underlying iron deficiency can affect fetal growth, and consuming harmful substances (such as soil, paint, and chemicals) poses direct risks. Treating the deficiency is the most effective way to protect both you and your baby.

Does pica go away after pregnancy?

In most cases, yes. Pica related to iron deficiency typically resolves once iron levels are restored, which can happen through supplementation and dietary changes during or after pregnancy.

How much iron do I need during pregnancy?

The recommended daily intake is 27 mg. If you're diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, your provider may recommend a higher dose. Always follow your provider's guidance on dosing.

Can my prenatal prevent pica?

A prenatal with adequate, well-absorbed Iron may help reduce the risk by keeping your iron stores from dropping too low in the first place. Starting a prenatal at least 3 months before conception gives your body time to build up stores. The Female Fertility Power Prenatal Pack includes gentle Iron, Folate, and other nutrients to support you from preconception onward.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Jennifer Fitzgerald, ND

Recurrent pregnancy loss, autoimmune disease, and ectopic pregnancy led Dr. Jennifer Fitzgerald to her focus on the intersection or naturopathic medicine and IVF protocols. She is the co-founder of Conceive Health and Bird&Be's director of integrative medicine.