What laboratory result might indicate a physiological consequence of ingesting unusual foods like white clay dirt during pregnancy?

Ingesting unusual substances such as white clay dirt during pregnancy may lead to a condition known as pica, which is characterized by cravings for non-food items. This behavior can sometimes result in nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia, which is common when a pregnant person consumes substances that have little to no nutritional value.

A hemoglobin level of 9.1 g/dL indicates anemia, as it is lower than the normal range for pregnant individuals, which typically is around 11 to 12 g/dL in the first and third trimesters and may dip slightly in the second trimester. Iron deficiency anemia can occur due to inadequate dietary intake, such as when a pregnant person consumes non-nutritive items like clay or dirt, leading to insufficient iron needed for hemoglobin production.

The other laboratory results provided do not directly suggest a physiological consequence associated with pica or unusual food ingestion. For instance, a hematocrit of 32% is also on the lower side but not as indicative of severe anemia compared to the low hemoglobin. A white blood cell count of 11,000/mm³ may indicate a normal response to pregnancy or a mild infection, but it does not reflect the impact of eating non-nutritive substances.