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#Eating chalk disorder manual#

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.

For instance, in a study involving pregnant women on the Kenyan coast, soil-eating was linked to fertility and femininity.

Cultural Expectations – In some parts of the world, pica (particularly geophagy) may be promoted as a cultural norm.

Here are some potential causes of pica during pregnancy and postpartum: 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. 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. Research conducted in rural India showed that chalk was the most common non-food craving among pregnant women. Though pica is not unique to pregnant women, it is more common during pregnancy.Ĭhalk falls into the geophagy category and is a common fixation for individuals suffering from pica. When acted upon, this condition is known as pica.

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.Ĭraving non-food items, like chalk, during pregnancy, is not as uncommon as you may think.

#Eating chalk disorder manual#

Is it normal to crave chalk during pregnancy?Īs 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. Does craving chalk while pregnant mean it’s a boy or girl?.What does it mean if you crave chalk while pregnant?.Is it safe to eat chalk while pregnant?.Factors Linked to Pica During Pregnancy and Postpartum.Is it normal to crave chalk during pregnancy?.