What happens if we eat slate pencils during pregnancy?

Question

Dont judge me yaar but ive been getting this weird craving to eat slate pencils and chalk since few weeks. I know its strange. Is it harmful for the baccha? Anyone else got such cravings?

Natasha Iyer · Answer

I know the craving can feel very strong, but please avoid eating slate pencils because they can cause severe stomach infections and block nutrient absorption for the baby. Having PCOS made me very cautious about deficiencies, so I'd suggest asking your doctor for a blood test to check your iron levels.

Aishwarya Bhati · Answer

Please don't eat them! Slate pencils can contain harmful chemicals and lead which can really affect the baby's development. I would be so worried about infection or toxins. Please call your doctor and get your hemoglobin and calcium levels checked immediately because these cravings mean your body is lacking nutrients.

Vinita Biswal · Answer

Craving slate pencils or clay is actually quite common during pregnancy, but eating them is not safe as they can have harmful dust and germs. Increasing my iron-rich foods like spinach, beetroot, and taking my calcium tablets regularly really helped. Mention this to your doctor so they can check your blood reports!

Bhramaramba Chowdary · Answer

Oh my god, I had this crazy urge to eat slate pencils and chalk in my second trimester and panicked, thinking I was losing my mind! But my doctor told me it's just a condition called pica which happens due to severe iron or calcium deficiency. Once she gave me the right supplements, the craving disappeared completely, so don't worry!

Romila Arumugam · Answer

I recently delivered my baby and honestly, I had this exact same craving to chew on slate pencils! My doctor immediately checked my blood and found my iron levels were very low. She adjusted my iron supplements and the craving stopped, so please talk to your gynac about this.