Eating Ice During Pregnancy?

Eating ice can be listed as one of the unusual food cravings during pregnancy. Have you found yourself craving ice suddenly? According to some research, one in five pregnant women loves to eat ice cubes. No worries, this quirky habit will disappear after delivery. The question is, is it safe?

Is it normal during pregnancy?

The act of chewing ice is technically called “pagophagia”. You may develop this habit when you are expecting due to hormonal changes. Normally eating ice will not warm the human body, but it may cause tooth decay or can be a sign of anemia.

Why have you formed this habit unknowingly?

Pagophagia of pregnant women may have an eating disorder called pica, in medical terms. When you develop pica, you may crave non-food items like chalk, clay, paper, dirt, etc. Both children and expecting women usually experience this. As pica is usually linked to the lack of iron, you should pay attention to anemia during pregnancy.

5 reasons why you might want to eat ice cubes

1. Morning sickness
   Since most pregnant women may suffer from morning sickness in the first trimester, chewing on ice is a way to stay hydrated and calm with the discomfort. Also, as ice is odorless, it may not cause nausea easily compared to other foods.
   Another way to ease uncomfortable symptoms during pregnancy is using certain essential oils. Lavender, frankincense, and geranium oil can ease belly upset and are essential for morning sickness. Choose a belly oil blend that helps settle nausea and soothe the belly skin during pregnancy.
2. Iron deficiency
   Till now, the underlying reasons for iron deficiency and pica remain unclear. In some research, taking iron supplements can lower ice cravings and relieve pica symptoms. Talk to your doctor first about anemia. If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency, doctors may advise you to take a B12 vitamin supplement. Otherwise, you can eat more iron-rich food like red meat, seafood, and dark leafy vegetables. Please make sure all meats are cooked. Treat your anemia as soon as possible to lower the risk of getting premature birth or low birth weight.
3. Hot weather
   Your body temperature may go up when you are pregnant. What’s more, the temperature is over 33 degrees outside. At this time, you may love to suck on ice cubes to cool down your body, quench your thirst, and moisturize your dry lips.
4. Heartburn
   Heartburn, a common side effect of pregnancy, can cause unpleasant feelings, especially when you enter the last trimester. Crunching ice cubes is a natural remedy that makes you better and more efficient.
5. Emotional stress
   If you are under pressure during pregnancy, chewing ice can be a soothing method of coping. It can be said as a sign of emotional problems. When you notice you may feel stressed and have pagophagia, talk with your partner, and seek solutions to relax.

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