a. Craving.

This is a strong desire for a certain type of food, usually carbohydrates.

b. Pica.

This is an intense craving for and ingestion of nonnutritive substances such as clay, laundry starch, raw flour, and rice.

This type of craving is characteristic of but is not limited to lower socioeconomic groups, ethnic groups, and regional areas, which prefer certain substances. Even though the cause is unknown, it interferes with good nutrition. Pica appears to be related to iron deficiency anemia as either a cause or an effect.

c. Treatment or Counseling.

(1) Anything that depresses good nutritional intake should be evaluated. This type of depression may be caused by nausea or vomiting, food fads or lack of finances, smoking or alcoholism, or personal or social problems. If a problem is identified, it should be reported to the charge nurse or physician for appropriate referral to the correct people who can relieve or eliminate the problem.

(2) Total dietary intake on a daily basis may need to be assessed.

(3) Dietary needs of pregnancy should be reinforced at every visit to the doctor.