The medical term for craving non-food substances during pregnancy is which of the following?

The medical term for craving non-food substances during pregnancy is which of the following?

• A. Pica
• B. Craving disorder
• C. Polyphagia
• D. Pernicious appetite

Answer: (A)

Craving non-food substances during pregnancy is called pica. It describes urges to eat items with little or no nutritional value—like ice, dirt, starch, or clay—which can appear or intensify in pregnancy and may be linked to iron deficiency anemia. This is distinct from polyphagia, which means eating large amounts of ordinary food. The other terms aren’t standard medical names for this behavior. While pica can be benign in some cases, it can also cause complications such as dental damage, choking, intestinal blockages, or exposure to contaminants, so evaluating nutritional status and providing appropriate guidance is important.

Craving non-food substances during pregnancy is called pica. It describes urges to eat items with little or no nutritional value—like ice, dirt, starch, or clay—which can appear or intensify in pregnancy and may be linked to iron deficiency anemia. This is distinct from polyphagia, which means eating large amounts of ordinary food. The other terms aren’t standard medical names for this behavior. While pica can be benign in some cases, it can also cause complications such as dental damage, choking, intestinal blockages, or exposure to contaminants, so evaluating nutritional status and providing appropriate guidance is important.