Craving chalk while pregnant
Food cravings during pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Food cravings during pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content4-minute read
Listen
What are food cravings?
Food cravings are sudden urges to eat a certain type of food or non-food (pica). They are a real experience and affect many females during pregnancy.
Sometimes you might crave common foods such as chocolate cake or apples. Sometimes you might want to eat unusual food combinations or a foods that you normally don’t like.
Common food cravings include ice cream, chocolate, other sweet foods, fish, dairy products, and fruit.
Why do cravings develop?
No one really knows why food cravings develop. However, there is no evidence of a link between cravings and nutrient deficiency.
Many pregnant women also develop a sudden dislike for certain strong-tasting and strong-smelling foods.
Food cravings and sudden food dislikes may have something to with the effects of pregnancy hormones, which can change the way some foods taste and smell.
What to do about food cravings
It is OK to give in to the occasional food craving, as long as you continue to eat a good variety of healthy foods.
If you are craving a lot of unhealthy foods, such as sweets or chocolate, try not to over-indulge. Too much sugar can cause excessive weight gain and dental problems. Also, if you have gestational diabetes, it won’t help you manage your condition.
Your doctor, midwife, dietitian or maternal and child health nurse can provide more information about healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Generally, a healthy weight gain during pregnancy is 5kg to 12kg, depending on your starting weight.
Some tips for managing cravings
The following suggestions will help you to manage your food cravings:
- eat regular, healthy meals, to help prevent sudden feelings of hunger
- keep your pantry stocked with healthy snacks
- don’t do the grocery shopping when you are hungry
- choose healthy, low glycaemic index (GI) foods that keep you full for longer (such as unsweetened rolled oats (porridge), wholegrain breads, baked beans, and fresh fruit)
- get plenty of sleep (research has shown that people who are sleep deprived tend to crave junk food more often than healthy foods)
- remain physically active
- drink plenty of water
- clean your teeth regularly
If you would like to learn more about nutritional needs during your pregnancy you can see a dietitian.
What foods should I avoid?
When you are pregnant, there are a few foods that you should avoid.
Things like:
- raw or unpasteurised dairy products
- soft cheeses e.g. brie, goats cheese
- sushi
- raw eggs
- pate, meat spreads and smoked seafood
- ready to eat sliced deli meats
- undercooked food – especially meat
These can contain harmful bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli. and lead to harmful illnesses such as listeria or toxoplasmosis.
Make sure you prepare and store foods safely.
Read more about the foods to avoid during your pregnancy.
Alcohol
There is no safe level of alcohol that you can drink during your pregnancy. Alcohol can harm your unborn baby.
Whether you are planning a pregnancy, already pregnant or breastfeeding, not drinking is the safest option.
Non-food cravings
Some pregnant women develop a craving to eat substances that are not food, such as chalk, clay, laundry starch or soap.
This is a condition called pica.
Pica may indicate a mineral deficiency or severe anaemia. Pica is rare in well-nourished women from developed countries such as Australia.
See your doctor, midwife, or nurse if you develop cravings for non-food items.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Sources:
NSW Health (Common concerns in pregnancy), Australian Government Department of Health (Your Healthy Pregnancy), Dietitians Australia (Pregnancy and breastfeeding), Australian Government Department of Health (Healthy eating during your pregnancy)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: June 2022
Back To Top
Related pages
- Foods to avoid when pregnant
- Guide to food and drink during pregnancy
- Healthy diet during pregnancy
- Food preparation and safety
- Alcohol and pregnancy
Need more information?
Healthy diet during pregnancy
A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time, but especially vital if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Pregnancy health & wellbeing | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? Here’s all you need to stay healthy during pregnancy, including tips for healthy diet and lifestyle and a guide to pregnancy health care.
Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
Having a healthy pregnancy
Having a healthy pregnancy means following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, knowing what to avoid and making sure your vaccinations are up to date. Find out more here.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Pregnancy and Healthy Eating
It’s especially important to eat healthy food during pregnancy and while breast feeding.
Read more on Healthy Eating Active Living NSW website
Pregnancy healthy eating in pictures | Raising Children Network
Healthy eating for pregnancy means lots of fruit, vegetables and foods with calcium, protein and iron. Avoid sugary, fatty foods, and drink plenty of water.
Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
Pregnancy: illustrated guides | Raising Children Network
Parenting in pictures provides step-by-step guides to pregnancy topics such as healthy eating, pelvic floor exercises and more.
Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
Appetite changes and food aversions during pregnancy
It’s common to experience food cravings or a food aversion during pregnancy.
Find out how to ensure you continue to eat healthily if this affects you.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Healthy eating when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding | Eat For Health
Eating well during pregnancy and while breastfeeding has health benefits for you and your baby.
Read more on NHMRC – National Health and Medical Research Council website
Gi and Pregnancy | GI Foundation
Home / Gi Health Benefits / Gi and Pregnancy Gi and Pregnancy Following a healthy low Gi diet during pregnancy helps protect your child’s future health and improves health and wellbeing for lifelong benefits
Read more on Glycemic Index Foundation website
Pregnancy and diet - Better Health Channel
Good nutrition during pregnancy can help to keep you and your developing baby healthy.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Disclaimer
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
OKNeed further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?
1800 882 436
Video call
- Contact us
- About us
- A-Z topics
- Symptom Checker
- Service Finder
- Subscribe to newsletters
- Linking to us
- Information partners
- Terms of use
- Privacy
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.
This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care.
If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.
Support this browser is being discontinued for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site
- Internet Explorer 11 and lower
We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:
- Chrome by Google
- Firefox by Mozilla
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari by Apple
You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.
Craving Chalk While Pregnant (Why It Happens & Should You Worry?)
Disclosure: Some of our articles contain links to recommended products or services in which we may receive a commission if you make a purchase.
Pregnancy brings about a host of physiological and hormonal changes. Pregnancy cravings are a common side-effect that many women expect; however, what if, instead of craving chocolate, you crave chalk?
Cravings for non-food items, such as chalk, are associated with “pica,” an eating disorder commonly seen in pregnant women. Some research suggests these cravings are linked to micronutrient deficiencies, such as low iron, zinc, and calcium. Though these cravings may be common, ingesting chalk can lead to anemia, malnutrition, and more.
Keep reading to learn more about the prevalence of pica during pregnancy, why you may be experiencing chalk cravings, and what to do about them.
Table of Contents
Is it normal to crave chalk during pregnancy?
As detailed in The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), pica is an eating disorder characterized by intense cravings and persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances that last one month longer.
The name “pica” stems from the Latin word for magpie, a species of bird known for its propensity to collect and eat just about anything.
Craving non-food items, like chalk, during pregnancy, is not as uncommon as you may think. When acted upon, this condition is known as pica. Though pica is not unique to pregnant women, it is more common during pregnancy.
Varying from case to case, a myriad of non-food cravings can be associated with pica; however, these non-food cravings tend to fall within one of three categories: geophagy, amylophagy, and pagophagy.
Chalk falls into the geophagy category and is a common fixation for individuals suffering from pica. Research conducted in rural India showed that chalk was the most common non-food craving among pregnant women.
Though there is no clear reason as to why a woman may crave chalk during pregnancy, some have associated the occurrence of pica with anemia, low zinc, and calcium deficiency.
Pica during pregnancy
The underlying causes of even standard pregnancy cravings are not well understood, and though documented as early as the fifth century, non-food cravings associated with pica are an even bigger phenomenon.
Here are some potential causes of pica during pregnancy and postpartum:
- Cultural Expectations – In some parts of the world, pica (particularly geophagy) may be promoted as a cultural norm. For instance, in a study involving pregnant women on the Kenyan coast, soil-eating was linked to fertility and femininity.
- Psychological stress – Some scientists have proposed that the ingestion of non-food substances may be a “nervous habit” or a way to cope with stress.
- Hunger – Pica has been linked to instances of food shortages and insecurity throughout history.
- Dyspepsia – It’s been suggested that nausea and heartburn, which are common in pregnancy, can lead to pica. Most of the non-food materials associated with pica cravings are more alkaline, so ingesting these materials may help reduce stomach acid.
- Micronutrient deficiency – Cravings associated with pica may be caused by mineral deficiencies which are common among pregnant women.
- Protection against pathogens and toxins – Some non-food substances may reduce the permeability of the intestinal wall, strengthen the mucosal barrier, and bind to pathogens and toxins to prevent absorption into the body.
Of the potential causes of pica, micronutrient deficiency is the most common hypothesis when linked to pregnancy.
Here are the three main deficiencies associated with pica:
- Iron deficiency – Many studies have linked the occurrence of pica to anemia. Though some suggest that pica may cause anemia, it is more widely theorized that pica is a symptom of anemia. This is supported by the fact that the populations most commonly affected by pica (children and pregnant women) have greater iron needs. On the other hand, some cravings, including chalk, contain little iron.
- Zinc deficiency – Zinc deficiency may lead to a reduced sense of taste, which may lead people to crave non-food items.
Some studies show that pica may resolve with zinc supplementation. - Calcium deficiency – Though calcium deficiency is the least studied mineral deficiency in relation to pica, it is worth noting that many of the non-food materials, including chalk, are rich in calcium. Pica, however, is not more prevalent in breastfeeding women who have the greatest calcium needs.
How common is pica during pregnancy?
A study published in the American Journal of Human Biology suggests that cravings associated with pica may occur in as many as 68% of pregnant women.
The prevalence of pica in pregnant women varies from study to study and is greatly influenced by factors such as location and culture. It may hinge upon the researcher’s definition of pica. According to the DSM-5, an individual is only diagnosed with pica if they are acting on their cravings for more than one month; however, some studies consider any non-food cravings to be pica.
It is also notable that the taboo nature of non-food cravings may also result in under-reporting and under-diagnosis. This may be the case because many women feel ashamed and embarrassed about their cravings.
Who is most likely to get pica?
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, pregnancy is the third most common cause of pica, behind malnourishment and anemia. It is hypothesized that pica in pregnancy is directly caused by nutrient deficiencies resulting from the increased need for many nutrients during pregnancy.
The underlying cause of pica is not fully understood, but it appears to be more prevalent in the following populations:
- Pregnant and postpartum women
- Children (not diagnosed under two years of age due to developmentally appropriate mouthing)
- Malnourished or anemic individuals
- Individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism
- Individuals with mental health issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Along with nutrient deficiency, there are many factors linked to pica in pregnancy and postpartum.
Here are findings from a study in Iran showing which factors appear to be associated with pica and which factors have no apparent link:
Is it safe to eat chalk while pregnant?
According to the Missouri Poison Center, chalk is primarily composed of calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate, which are not considered poisonous in small quantities.
Though relatively benign, chalk is not made for human consumption, and consistently ingesting it can cause many health issues, including:
- Dental damage
- Digestive issues
- Lead poisoning
- Parasites
- Bowel obstruction or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Malnutrition
As discussed, anemia is a major risk factor seen in individuals with pica. Many assume that, though potentially dangerous, succumbing to non-food cravings may provide iron or other nutrients that are lacking; however, this is not the case.
Consuming non-food substances can actually cause or worsen anemia by interfering with iron absorption.
In addition to these health risks, chalk cravings may be a symptom of an underlying issue such as a micronutrient deficiency or nutritional imbalance.
It is important to treat these underlying issues to ensure that you and your unborn baby are getting the nutrients you need.
If you suspect you have an iron deficiency, here are some iron-rich foods you can incorporate into your diet:
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots
- Iron-fortified cereals, bread, and pasta
- Red meat, pork, and poultry
- Seafood
- Beans
- Peas
How to satisfy chalk cravings
As mentioned, chalk cravings are sometimes associated with micronutrient deficiencies (e.g. iron, zinc, calcium).
If you are experiencing any non-food cravings, talk to your doctor about doing a blood test.
If it’s discovered that you do have a nutritional deficiency or imbalance, taking supplements or adjusting your diet may be enough to stop your chalk cravings.
Unfortunately, cravings associated with pica can be unrelenting, and they aren’t always resolved by taking supplements. Edible chalk, such as Chalkovsky Premium Edible Chalk, has no impurities or additives, which makes it safer than ingesting traditional chalk. Though made for human consumption, edible chalk may still be hard on the digestive system and provide little nutritional value. Talk with your doctor before trying an edible chalk alternative.
What does it mean if you crave chalk while pregnant?
Many women have fun scrutinizing their pregnancy cravings and symptoms to help them make predictions about their little one.
Though common, these associations are usually myths.
If you are craving chalk during pregnancy, you are unlikely to learn anything about your newborn baby; however, you may have an iron deficiency.
Does craving chalk while pregnant mean it’s a boy or girl?
Some old wives’ tales suggest that a pregnant woman’s cravings may provide a hint to whether they are having a boy or a girl. Sweets and dairy are often associated with having a girl. Foods that are sour, spicy, and salty foods are associated with having a boy. Unfortunately, there is no science to back up this theory.
Similar to standard pregnancy cravings, a research study published in the Eating and Weight Disorders Journal found that the gender of a mother’s unborn baby was not linked to the incidence of pica.
If you want to learn more, I have a HUGE list of the most common pregnancy cravings just for you!
and who ate chalk during pregnancy?? )) how it was?
And who was the chamal during ...
ago
1
...
...
3
forward
119 answers
The last Go to
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#10
#11
#12
#13,0004
#14
Overbite
Chalk cravings when iron levels drop.
Chalk can provoke sand and stones, clog channels. Gluconate is useless, since calcium and vitamin D are not absorbed if anything. If you want chalk - check the level of iron. This is not a cute fad, it means the body is out of balance. Healthy pregnant women do not want plaster.
#15
#16
9000 #17 9000
9000 9000 9000 23 June 23 June June 23 2014, 18:55
#18
#19
#200004
#21
#22
October 2014, 06:55 PM
#27
True Stories
-
My husband and his children and grandchildren piss me off...
1 509 answers
-
The man immediately warned that all property was recorded on children
1 149 answers
-
Such a salary - I do not want to work
9000 9000 9000 9000 902 9000 9000 9000 902 at 22 years old. How to destroy?1016 answers
-
Husband left, 2 months of depression... How will you cope if you are left all alone?
207 answers
#28
#30
# 31
#34
#35
9000 #36 9000 9000 2015, 04:08
#37
#38
New Topics
-
Advise the series in English
more than 2 partners on the outside?
1 answer
-
Epilation. How many sessions of laser hair removal do you usually need
No answers
-
Should I write to my boyfriend's ex-girlfriend
No answers
-
Let go or try?
1 reply
#44
#45
#46
#47
#49
#50 9000
what to ask for a birthday? 26 years old
33 answers
Previous topic
-
Do you like powdered milk?
23 answers
I eat earth, clay, sometimes chalk,
#1
And my grandmother told me that she ate clay during pregnancy.
#2
#3
9000 #4
..
if something is missing in your body, see a doctor!
#5
#6
......... you get 9 002
...
Diet all sorts of vitamins, and at least have some fun
Have you tried earthworms yet?
Protein Still)
Check out the egg-reader
#8
#
9 9000 #
#10
Moles I myself love to gnaw))
#11
#12
#13
And smell tar soap.
What am I missing?)))
#20
#21
Guest
I remember the heroine of Marquez from One Hundred Years of Solitude, she also ate the earth, she was weaned.
Then, when she grew up and strongly desired one man, she started again...
1 509 answers
The man immediately warned that all the property was registered to the children
1 149 answers
This salary - I don't want to work
757 answers
A lie 22 years long. How to destroy?
1016 answers
Husband left, 2 months of depression... How will you cope if you are left all alone?
207 responses
#27
Ra
oh well .
..... well, chalk - I heard ... but clay and earth ?????? a reasonable question: how did you come to this? how did you understand that you want to chew clay?
#28
Gennady Petrovich
Try Urina, Safe and Very useful product
9000 9000 9000
9000#30
#31
#33
#34
Vous Tes La Plus
Zhni Rails! You don't have enough iron in your body.
#35
#36
New Topics
-
Sweep the series in English
000No answers0003
-
Does more than 2 partners affect appearance?
1 answer
-
Epilation. How many sessions of laser hair removal do you usually need
No answers
-
Should I write to my boyfriend's ex-girlfriend
No answers
-
Let go or try?
1 reply0018
#37
#38
#39
Many and I eat clay and chalk so that I am so that I I don't think the earth is any different.
