Running with Racheal: Pica

When I was a young child I used to eat soap. Of course I don’t remember this, but over the years I have heard many stories about me grabbing a handful of laundry detergent while my diaper was being changed or chowing down on the bubbles in my bubble bath.

This is relevant now because yesterday I *almost* ate soap. I was moving the Tide pods from under the sink (because at first I thought they were dishwashing detergent – another story for another day) to the laundry room to start a load of laundry.

As a grabbed one to throw in the washer the smell hit me. It wasn’t a flowery, clean, laundry aisle at the grocery store type good smell. Instead, it was an appetizing, make your tummy growl type good smell. I looked down at the little pod and it just looked like it would taste so good.

Of course, I had my wits about me enough to laugh at myself and throw the pod into the washing machine. When I later told the story to Dan he looked at me like I might actually eat it and tried to hide the Tide. No trust.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, pica (the craving of non-food substances) can occur during pregnancy, but the cause is unknown. It could be due to a lack of vitamins or minerals (most commonly iron) or possibly to a mental or physical illness.

When my OB-GYN checked my blood, all of my levels came back normal, including iron. I do plan on talking to my mid-wife about this at our next appointment, but I am hoping this is a one time thing and I won’t start fantasizing of swimming in soap filled oceans.