Is it safe to eat ice while pregnant?
In this brief guide, we will answer the query, “Is it safe to eat ice while pregnant?” We will also discuss the reason for ice cravings during pregnancy and whether eating ice during pregnancy is common. Moreover, we will also answer whether pica is common only in pregnant women.
Is it safe to eat ice while pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to eat ice while pregnant. However, make sure you don’t eat too much of it as it may result in soar throat and dental problems. Eating too many ice cubes can harm your teeth enamel and make you more sensitive to hot and cold food in the future because human teeth are designed to eat softer foods.
A few ice cravings are considered normal during pregnancy but if you ever feel like your ice consumption is going overboard, you may need to consult a doctor as this may lead to severe cases of pica.
Why do you have ice cravings during pregnancy?
You may be having ice cravings during pregnancy due to the following reasons:
Morning sickness
Most pregnant women prefer to chew on ice as a way to stay hydrated and ease the discomfort of morning sickness. This is most common during the first trimester. Also, ice is a very convenient option during pregnancy as it does not easily induce nausea compared to other foods because it has no odor.
Iron deficiency
Lack of iron in the body also makes you crave ice. According to some studies, taking iron supplements can lessen ice cravings and ease symptoms of pica. However, you shouldn’t start taking iron without consulting with a doctor first.
Doctors may suggest taking a B12 vitamin supplement if you are found to be iron deficient. If not, increase your intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, and dark leafy vegetables. Make sure that all the meats are cooked. To reduce your risk of premature or underweight birth, it is crucial to treat your anemia as soon as you can.
Hot weather
Hot weather is also responsible for your ice cravings most of the time in summer. When you are pregnant, your body temperature may rise. On top of that when the temperature is so high, your body starts craving ice.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a typical pregnancy side effect. It can really make you feel uncomfortable, especially as you approach the final trimester. Ice cubes can be crushed as a natural remedy to improve performance.
Emotional stress
When you’re stressed out during pregnancy, chewing ice can help. Most women are in a deep emotional state during pregnancy which is why they like to suck or chew on ice cubes during the time. It could be interpreted as a symptom of emotional issues. When you suspect you might be experiencing pagophagia and stress, you should go and talk or seek help from someone.
Is it common to eat ice during pregnancy?
Yes, it is quite common to eat ice during pregnancy. Ice cube cravings are among the more common pregnancy cravings, occurring in up to one in five pregnant women. Technically speaking, “pagophagia” refers to the act of chewing ice. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy may cause you to develop this habit.
Pregnant women who engage in pagophagia may have an eating disorder known as pica. When you have pica, you might have cravings for things other than food, such as paper, chalk, clay, and dirt. Ice cravings are also one type of pica. This is common in both children and expectant mothers. You should be aware of anemia while pregnant because pica is frequently associated with a lack of iron.
Is pica common only in pregnant women?
No, pica is not common only in pregnant women. It is more popular among children. However, unlike pregnant women, they are most interested in the dirt, paint chips, clay, hair, ice, or paper.
You are more likely to experience pica if you have iron deficiency anemia, though many factors may cause pica. Other potential causes include malnutrition or a mental health condition.
Children frequently experience pica, which may have a psychological cause like obsessive-compulsive disorder or a developmental disorder of childhood. It frequently has an underlying nutrient deficiency, usually an iron deficiency. For more details, please click the link here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the query, “Is it safe to eat ice while pregnant?” We have also discussed the reason for ice cravings during pregnancy and whether eating ice during pregnancy is common. Moreover, we have also answered whether pica is common only in pregnant women.
Citations
https://www.healthline.com/health/craving-ice#What-causes-you-to-crave-ice?
