Since the direct cause of pica is unknown, it is important that your doctor explores all possible conditions associated with this disorder before recommending treatment. In pregnancy the most common condition linked to pica is nutrient deficiency (most commonly iron deficiency). Luckily, this is easily treated with iron supplementation and dietary changes. However, in more severe cases, iron infusion (delivering iron dosage into your blood through an IV drip) may be ordered by your doctor to help improve iron levels faster than oral supplementation or dietary changes. The good news is, there are things you can do to prevent iron deficiency during pregnancy, lowering your risk of developing pica by a lot! Eating food sources rich in iron may seem like an obvious solution, however since your body requires one and a half times more iron during pregnancy, it can be hard to get enough through food alone. This is why I always recommend pregnant women (and those trying to conceive)take a prenatal multivitamin and mineral supplement which contains more iron than a regular women’s multivitamin. In most cases, pica during pregnancy resolves on its own. However, if you find your ice (or other non-food) cravings are not subsiding, you may need further support from a behavioral psychologist to work through some strategies around coping with your eating compulsion.