Does eating ice mean I have an iron deficiency?
I didn’t start eating ice until my third trimester of pregnancy and I keep eating it until this day. Does that mean for sure I have an iron deficiency or I just like ice?
I know there is no iron in ice..I never said there was people.
Possibly. Doctors use the term "pica" to describe craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value — such as ice, clay, cornstarch and paper. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is often associated with iron deficiency anemia — although it may be associated with other nutritional problems as well. In some individuals, pica is a symptom of emotional problems, such as stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder or a developmental disorder.
A thorough medical evaluation can help determine if pica is due to an underlying medical condition. If the cause of pica is an emotional or developmental issue, cognitive behavior therapy may be helpful.
Posted in iron deficiency
July 5th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
No, it doesn’t.
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July 5th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
You like ice.
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July 6th, 2010 at 12:27 am
you just like ice. there is no iron in water(ice)unless it’s bad
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July 6th, 2010 at 1:04 am
Possibly. Doctors use the term "pica" to describe craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value — such as ice, clay, cornstarch and paper. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is often associated with iron deficiency anemia — although it may be associated with other nutritional problems as well. In some individuals, pica is a symptom of emotional problems, such as stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder or a developmental disorder.
A thorough medical evaluation can help determine if pica is due to an underlying medical condition. If the cause of pica is an emotional or developmental issue, cognitive behavior therapy may be helpful.
References :
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chewing-ice/AN01278
Mother to twin 2 year olds and a 8 month old!!!
July 6th, 2010 at 1:49 am
theres no iron in ice silly!
just hydrogen and oxygen (not soluable in gaseous
form though!!).
youre just dehydrated. luv ya!!
toodles…
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July 6th, 2010 at 2:11 am
doesn’t mean anything conclusively. Oh, except that it cracks the enamel on your teeth.
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July 6th, 2010 at 2:25 am
no, I know people who craved ice when they were pregnant…
I’ve also heard of pica where they crave wierd things like detergent, dirt, chalk, ect…
Goodluck!
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July 6th, 2010 at 3:00 am
I am 38 weeks pregnant and i chew ice constently and yes i have an iron deficiency. I didnt start chewing it until the third trimester either. But i am on iron pills now. If you have low iron/hemoglobin your doctor will tell you whenever they prick your finger.
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July 6th, 2010 at 3:30 am
here i think this link below will help u alot!! yes craving ice and eating it can be a SYMPTOM! or like u said you could just really like ice!! but if i were u i would go take a look at this webstie and see if mabey it will help you! and if u think some of the other symptoms fit u then u should go to the doctor!!! good luck!!
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http://www.moondragon.org/obgyn/anemia/irondeficiency.html
July 6th, 2010 at 3:50 am
it just means you like ice, thats all.
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34wks preg. with #2
July 6th, 2010 at 4:02 am
I have never heard of this although as a far off guess it could be Pica, it sounds unlikely. I had an Iron test at 28 weeks and was found to be almost Anemic, they prescribed me Iron tablets….generally in your last Trimester you should have been given an Iron test. Request the test to be sure.
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July 6th, 2010 at 4:50 am
Why confused ??? Go and get it checked!!!
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July 6th, 2010 at 5:15 am
I craved ice with my second child. They did tests but found that all my levels were good. I think you have just developed a craving. I have also heard of women eating ice for the crunchiness of it.. It’s just one of those weird pregnancy things I think. They should be keeping track of your iron through periodic bloodwork so just ask them.
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July 6th, 2010 at 5:50 am
I too eat ice constantly. Drives my husband nuts! I also had an iron deficiancy so maybe there related?? But i think I just like ice
I think im just preparing for delivery and the ice chips.
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July 6th, 2010 at 6:10 am
Lots of people munch ice, I don’t think it says anything about your nutrition.
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July 6th, 2010 at 6:45 am
It is a possibility that you are anemic and suffering from Pica cravings. I am pregnant, and anemic, and also suffer from Pica. I would get some bloodwork done to be on the safe side. However, enjoying ice chips is not such a bad thing. They have cut down on my nausea and kept me cool during these past few hot months.
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