A repertorial analysis of the homoeopathic remedies indicated in pica in pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction Pica refers to the consumption of non-food items or items with no nutritional value. This phenomenon is often seen among children, individuals with developmental disabilities and pregnant women. Pica has been extensively studied in children, but is understudied in pregnant women. This study focused on pica occurring during pregnancy, seeking to determine homoeopathic remedies that can be used in treating pica occurring during pregnancy. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine by repertorial analysis and explore the homoeopathic remedies indicated for treating pica during pregnancy. Methodology The study design of this study was two-fold: a qualitative investigation on pica experiences during pregnancy was carried out through interviews with 12 women who have experienced pica in their pregnancy. These women were sampled using the purposive sampling method. The analysis of this qualitative aspect followed Tesch’s eight step qualitative data analysis method. The experiences described by the participants were then subjected to a repertorial analysis using a homoeopathic repertory book called “Synthesis” of Dr. Frederick Schroyens. Remedies emerging from this repertorisation were then reviewed by use of materia medicas. Results Findings showed that for the majority of the participants, cravings for non-food items started in their first trimester and worsened in their third trimester as labour got closer. The results also revealed that geophagia was the most common form of pica practiced during pregnancy, followed by pagophagia. It was also revealed that iron deficiency or anaemia of some sort, as well as the smell, taste, texture and appearance of the craved substances, were highly linked to pica habits during pregnancy. The study also revealed that pica during pregnancy occurred with other pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, backache, etc, and that apart from non-food items, participants also craved food items, mostly sweet, sour and spicy food. Findings also showed that constipation (especially for those consuming geophagic items) and a sense of satisfaction, were the most common physical and emotional effects associated with pica practice during pregnancy. Still on the emotional plane, findings were that the most common emotional response that participants had with regards to the experience of pica during pregnancy was guilt and worry over their health and of their unborn children. The study also revealed that the majority of participants responded with anger to their loved ones who advised them against their pica habits. Finally, the repertorisation of the above experiences as described by the participants and the review of the emerging remedies revealed that Nux vomica and Alumina were the most suited remedies for pica occurring in pregnancy, followed by Sepia officinalis, Natrum muriaticum and Pulsatilla pratensis. Conium maculatum and Silicea terra were also shown to be good differential remedies for pica during pregnancy. Conclusion Of the homoeopathic remedies already in use for treating pica, some remedies such as Alumina, Nux vomica and Silicea terra, may also be used to treat pica specifically occurring in pregnancy. The study showed that there is a need to educate pregnant women about pica practice and raise awareness among pregnant women and their families regarding the harmful consequences that pica practice might have on both mother and baby.