Health
Smelling gasoline during pregnancy
songforyourheart
Hi everyone,
I'm currently 39+5 weeks pregnant and since the start of the third trimester, I've suddenly found the smell of petrol really appealing. I've read a bit about Pica and I suspect that might explain it. My iron levels are also low (though still above the normal limit).
In the first few weeks, I was mainly really excited to pump gas (about once a week), but I have to admit I also sporadically opened the car's fuel cap (about 5 times, I think, once every 1-2 weeks). I don't sniff for more than 3 seconds though! I also never got a headache or felt dizzy from it.
What I initially found funny and odd about this little quirk, I'm now mostly worried about the consequences. Stupidly enough, I hadn't thought about that earlier. I read online about serious 'petrol addictions' and 'glue sniffing' and what all that can lead to. It's just hard (due to hormones?) to put things in perspective right now and see where the line lies between harmful behavior and 'it's okay to do it once in a while'. Are there more women who have done this during pregnancy and did it have any consequences?
I'm currently 39+5 weeks pregnant and since the start of the third trimester, I've suddenly found the smell of petrol really appealing. I've read a bit about Pica and I suspect that might explain it. My iron levels are also low (though still above the normal limit).
In the first few weeks, I was mainly really excited to pump gas (about once a week), but I have to admit I also sporadically opened the car's fuel cap (about 5 times, I think, once every 1-2 weeks). I don't sniff for more than 3 seconds though! I also never got a headache or felt dizzy from it.
What I initially found funny and odd about this little quirk, I'm now mostly worried about the consequences. Stupidly enough, I hadn't thought about that earlier. I read online about serious 'petrol addictions' and 'glue sniffing' and what all that can lead to. It's just hard (due to hormones?) to put things in perspective right now and see where the line lies between harmful behavior and 'it's okay to do it once in a while'. Are there more women who have done this during pregnancy and did it have any consequences?
Replies
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Hartje #2
It'll probably be okay, I think, although it's become a weird habit. You'd be better off trying to boost your hemoglobin a bit with Floradix instead of sniffing around. That's no unnecessary luxury, considering your upcoming delivery. From my experience, it can suddenly drop without any extra bleeding—mine went from 8.6 to 4.7. And you know it's healthy, whereas with that "gasoline" stuff, it's always questionable! Good luck with your delivery soon! -
MamaN #3
I had it in both my pregnancies too.. but then with a cast. I literally wanted to eat the wall and sometimes I even tried. The urge is just so strong. I was really ashamed of it. Luckily it went away after the pregnancy or at least was less intense at first.
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