Why pregnant women eat dirt

A new book sheds light on "pica" — the overwhelming urge, particularly among pregnant women, to eat nonfood items

A satisfying handful of dirt: A new book reveals the science behind non-food pregnancy cravings as dirt and clay.
(Image credit: CC BY: Lauren Mitchell)

Being pregnant does weird things to your appetite. It can make you crave food at all times of day and night, or salivate for odd combinations such as ice cream with pickle juice. Some mothers-to-be, though, crave food that is not food at all — a phenomenon known as "pica." Author Sera Young released a book this month on this seemingly unsavory urge. Here's a quick guide:

What is pica?

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