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Do you believe that your body craves what it is lacking when you're pregnant? I mean, we all had fancies for this and that didn't we, and sometimes it was weird combinations. My mum wanted to chew coal (in the days when she had a coal fire) and as this isn't a normal foodstuff, I think that there was probably some mineral in the coal that she was in need of.

Mom2JDS

The cravings for non-food items is called "pica" and is actually fairly common. Different pica cravings indicate deficiencies in different minerals or nutrients. For example, a common one is chewing ice. This usually indicates a lack of sufficient protein.

Leighanne

I never had any cravings for any non food items with my first pregnancy and haven't had any this time either. I do believe that you crave things because you need some kind of nutrient in the food item.

AmandaBuckley

Interesting. Maybe. Very interesting.

JDdad

So does that mean if you have no cravings you are not lacking in any category? My wife has had no cravings this time and we are approaching 6 months and she said she didn't have any with her first child either?!

saferproducts

My doctor definitely told me cravings mean you are lacking something. I have not had any cravings at all, 6 months in, and he says that is because I have always had a healthy diet, and now take my prenatals. He said even with a healthy diet, if you do not take prenatals that are absorbing, you may still have cravings. The baby needs so much more than you can get from a regular diet in today's society; that is why prenatals are so important!