Why does my pregnant wife want to chew ice all the time?

My wife is pregnant, about two months, and she wants to chew on crushed ice all the time. Is she OK? Is this normal? Should we call her doctor?


Pregnant women often have food cravings that have been known to strike at any hour of the day or night. Whether the cravings represent a nutritional need or an emotional need is debatable.

Some women, however, crave foods that have no significant nutritional value, such as crushed ice, lettuce, or even dirt. These women have a condition known as pica. In some cultures pica is very common.

While eating ice or lettuce is not harmful, eating dirt can be a source of a variety of infections and should be avoided. Additionally, there is an association between pica and iron-deficiency anemia. So, yes, your wife should discuss this with her doctor. A simple blood test is used to check for anemia.

Stay healthy!

Labels: Pregnancy health