Habit of consuming non-food substances or food items in physiologic amounts during pregnancy is termed as:

Correct option is D

The habit of consuming non-food substances or food items in physiologic amounts during pregnancy is called Pica. Pica is an eating disorder characterized by the consumption of items that are not typically considered food, such as dirt, clay, chalk, or non-nutritive substances. This condition is commonly observed during pregnancy, especially in certain cultures or in women with specific nutritional deficiencies.
Information Booster:
Pica refers to the practice of eating non-food items such as dirt, clay, starch, ice, or chalk. It is often seen during pregnancy, and its causes may be related to a variety of factors, including nutritional deficiencies (such as iron or zinc), cultural practices, or psychological factors. In some cases, consuming non-food substances may be linked to an iron deficiency anemia, which is common during pregnancy. Pica can pose health risks if the non-food items consumed are harmful to the body.
Additional Knowledge on Incorrect Options:
· (a) Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. It does not refer to any unusual eating habits.
· (b) Macrosomia: Macrosomia refers to a condition where a newborn is significantly larger than average, usually due to factors like maternal diabetes or obesity. It is not related to eating non-food substances during pregnancy.
· (c) Anorexia: Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by restricted food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight. It is unrelated to the consumption of non-food items and does not describe the eating behavior seen in pica.