Pregnancy Cravings Rarely Signal Deficiencies

Ordinary food cravings during pregnancy generally do not correlate with maternal nutritional imbalances, and researchers still do not know their exact cause. Studies indicate that 66% to 90% of expectant mothers experience at least one craving, but popular choices vary across cultures, arguing against a universal nutritional cause. One exception is pica, a compulsive urge to consume non-food substances such as chalk, rocks, or ice chips. Pica may indicate a mineral deficiency or severe anemia.

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