I have witnessed many things in this life, including strange pregnancy cravings that could make anyone shudder! Clay, chalk, bricks, concrete blocks, charcoal, fruit larvae, and even blood! These are far from ordinary cravings. Cravings during pregnancy can be the body’s request for some nutrient. For example, craving meat. Meat contains a very important protein for the baby’s tissue development, which is why some women only want to eat meat or feel an overwhelming desire for this food. Women who crave sweets may be suffering from a significant drop in blood glucose levels.

All of this is very expected and normal, but the problem arises when these strange cravings go beyond what is expected. For example, the urge to eat laundry detergent! Industrial products like this can be very harmful to the body and may indicate a psychological disorder. A good example is a resident of New Zealand, Michaela Martin, 23 years old. During her second pregnancy, Michaela developed a strong urge to eat laundry detergent. It all started in the third trimester, when she couldn’t resist the smell of detergent, and once, she even licked the box, triggering the disorder.

She started consuming small amounts on her fingertips and gradually increased it. The intention was to taste and smell the detergent’s fragrance and then rinse her mouth so it wouldn’t cause harm. But strangely enough, she started swallowing and even developed a preference for a certain brand and scent. Michaela’s favorite was Surf Ylang Ylang. However, the disorder was diagnosed after a thorough study by a group of doctors, who also considered that she has a propensity toward certain products other than laundry detergent. The latest is toothpaste.

The name of this disorder is PICA. It can affect anyone, with cravings for anything from metals to even hair and animal feces—generally products not suitable for consumption and with no proven nutritional value, which can sometimes be quite frightening. The cause of the disorder is still unknown, but it is proven to be dangerous for the pregnant woman’s health. This disorder should be monitored and treated as soon as possible with therapy and, in some cases, medication.

The danger of this disorder lies in the toxicity of the strange things women might crave and want to taste. So if you feel the urge for something not traditional, it’s best to talk to your doctor before trying it. Laundry detergent in particular contains some toxic and lethal ingredients like caustic soda, for example. In small amounts on your hands it’s safe, but for the delicate mucosa of the stomach, it can cause more serious problems due to its toxicity. Cravings are normal, but if they go beyond the traditional like anchovy pizza topped with Nutella, then it’s best to check what’s going on.

See also: Pregnancy Cravings – Have You Ever Had Them?

Photo: edmittance

Source: Mail Online