What term describes the craving for non-food items during pregnancy?

The term that describes the craving for non-food items during pregnancy is pica. This condition involves the consumption of substances that have little to no nutritional value and can include items such as dirt, clay, chalk, or other non-edible materials. Pica is often observed in pregnant women and can be attributed to various factors, including nutritional deficiencies and psychological factors.

In contrast, hyperphagia refers to an abnormally increased appetite or excessive eating, typically not specific to the consumption of non-food items. Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging, while anorexia refers to an eating disorder marked by self-imposed starvation and an intense fear of gaining weight. These terms are distinct from pica and reflect different eating behaviors and conditions.