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Pica in pregnancy: does it affect pregnancy outcomes?
Robin Webb Corbett1, Cass Ryan, Sally P Weinrich
1School of Nursing, East Carolina University, Rivers Building, Greenville, NC 27858, USA. corbettr@mail.ecu.edu
MCN. the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing
|May 29, 2003
Summary
Pica is prevalent in rural pregnant women, with daily practice linked to lower hematocrits. Healthcare providers should screen for pica (eating non-food substances) during prenatal visits.
Area of Science:
- Maternal Health
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pica, the persistent ingestion of non-food substances, is a poorly understood phenomenon.
- Its prevalence and impact on pregnancy outcomes, particularly in disadvantaged populations, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pica among socioeconomically disadvantaged pregnant women in rural areas.
- To examine the documentation of pica in medical records.
- To investigate the relationship between pica and pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, descriptive, correlational study was conducted with 128 pregnant women attending rural community health agencies.
- Data collected included demographic and sociocultural variables, pica practices, ingested substances, and pregnancy outcomes.
Main Results:
- Pica was practiced by 38% of the pregnant women, with higher prevalence among African-American women.
- Commonly ingested substances included ice, freezer frost, laundry starch, cornstarch, and clay.
- Daily pica practice was associated with lower prenatal hematocrit levels and being underweight prior to pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Pica is more common than often assumed by healthcare providers.
- While this study found no direct link to specific pregnancy complications, other research indicates risks like anemia and lead poisoning.
- Healthcare providers should proactively inquire about pica during prenatal care, using a nonjudgmental approach due to potential cultural factors.