Pica is commonly associated with which pregnancy-related anemia?

Pica is commonly associated with which pregnancy-related anemia?

• A. Physiologic anemia of pregnancy
• B. Iron deficiency anemia
• C. Megaloblastic anemia
• D. Sickle cell anemia

Answer: (B)

Pica in pregnancy is most often linked to iron deficiency anemia. When iron stores are low due to the increased demands of pregnancy, cravings for nonnutritive substances like ice, dirt, or starch can appear as a sign of this deficiency. This association is stronger than with a dilutional physiologic anemia of pregnancy, which is just due to expanded plasma volume and doesn’t typically present with pica. Megaloblastic anemia from folate or B12 deficiency and sickle cell anemia have different patterns and clues, and pica isn’t a characteristic feature of those conditions. So, if a pregnant patient reports pica, iron status should be evaluated and managed accordingly.

Pica in pregnancy is most often linked to iron deficiency anemia. When iron stores are low due to the increased demands of pregnancy, cravings for nonnutritive substances like ice, dirt, or starch can appear as a sign of this deficiency. This association is stronger than with a dilutional physiologic anemia of pregnancy, which is just due to expanded plasma volume and doesn’t typically present with pica. Megaloblastic anemia from folate or B12 deficiency and sickle cell anemia have different patterns and clues, and pica isn’t a characteristic feature of those conditions. So, if a pregnant patient reports pica, iron status should be evaluated and managed accordingly.