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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Get Rid Of Addiction To Slate Pencils During Pregnancy?

Hello, I am almost 29 weeks pregnant ,and I have crazy craving for Indian slate pencils. Now I am out of them and cannot find slate pencils in the USA. But my craving is killing me, and I have started eating mechanical pencil leads. I want to stop it but have no control on my craving. I am also worried how it will effect my baby . I want to stop eating, but do not know how I can get rid of it. Can you plsss let me know if it has any bad effects on my baby s health and also, how I can get rid of it. Thank you Simran.
Wed, 2 Apr 2014
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OBGYN 's  Response
Hello Simran,
Thanks for the query.
This unusual craving for unnatural foods is called pica. I must assure you that despite all the myths, there is no connection between pica and pregnancy.
You may be low in calcium and iron and such people are known to have this problem. So it is better to adjust your diet according to your favorite foods and also balance it in terms of nutrients like vegetables, fruits and proteins like eggs and meats to meet your and the babies needs.

You must overcome this habit as it is not good for the baby. The baby may have problems of growth and the lead is extremely harmful for the brain.

So please stop it. If you are unable to stop it, get help from a behavioral therapist or a psychiatrist who may help you with counselling.
Most of the time, this pica disappears after using calcium and iron tablets . So get them prescribed by your gynecologist.

Hope this satisfies your query.
Thanks for using HCM.     
Feel free to ask any more questions that you may have.
Dr Madhuri Bagde
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist
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How To Get Rid Of Addiction To Slate Pencils During Pregnancy?

Hello Simran, Thanks for the query. This unusual craving for unnatural foods is called pica. I must assure you that despite all the myths, there is no connection between pica and pregnancy. You may be low in calcium and iron and such people are known to have this problem. So it is better to adjust your diet according to your favorite foods and also balance it in terms of nutrients like vegetables, fruits and proteins like eggs and meats to meet your and the babies needs. You must overcome this habit as it is not good for the baby. The baby may have problems of growth and the lead is extremely harmful for the brain. So please stop it. If you are unable to stop it, get help from a behavioral therapist or a psychiatrist who may help you with counselling. Most of the time, this pica disappears after using calcium and iron tablets . So get them prescribed by your gynecologist. Hope this satisfies your query. Thanks for using HCM. Feel free to ask any more questions that you may have. Dr Madhuri Bagde Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist