Pregnancy cravings are often referred to as pica by doctors, especially when they involve non-food items.
Pica, derived from the Latin word "pica-pica" (meaning magpie, a bird known for eating almost anything), describes the persistent craving and consumption of non-nutritive substances or food items in amounts beyond what is considered normal. While common in childhood, pregnant individuals can also experience pica. To be classified as pica, the unusual cravings and consumption typically must persist for at least one month.
Essentially, while general pregnancy cravings are a common experience, the term "pica" is specifically used to describe cravings for items that are not typically considered food or are not nutritious.
