Foods To Avoid In Pregnancy

Congratulations on getting pregnant. Now you are anxious about what to eat and what not to eat. You are getting bits of pieces of advice from family and friends to eat a balanced diet and avoid certain foods. The good news is you can eat everything except a few that are harmful to you and your growing baby.

Pregnancy is the most phenomenal phase of a woman’s life when she falls in love with someone she hasn’t even met. Every expected mother tries her level best to remain healthy not for herself but for her growing baby.

The Diet of a pregnant mother plays a crucial role in the development of a baby. Not only diet but also some types of food poisoning may harm your little one. To enjoy a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, the following foods should be avoided.

1. Meat:

Meat is a rich source of protein. Protein is important for the development of a baby. But meat should be avoided in the following forms

• Raw or undercooked meat should be avoided. It may contain toxoplasma and Escherichia coli. They can cause severe food poisoning and even miscarriage in some cases.
• Liver and liver products are rich sources of Vitamin A . Excess Vitamin A can be harmful to the baby. It can cause teratogenesis. Pregnant women can safely take 65 to 75 milligrams of well-cooked liver.
• Cured Meats are not properly cooked. They may contain parasites that can cause food poisoning in expectant mothers.

2. Fish and Seafood:

The expectant mother can eat seafood and fish.  Seafood and fish are rich sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Protein and omega-3 fatty acids help in the development of a baby’s brain and eyes.  However, the following form of fish and seafood should be avoided.

• Some fish and shellfish contain a dangerous level of mercury. Too much mercury could harm the development of the nervous system of the developing baby. The following form of fish have high levels of mercury

1. Shark
2. Marlins
3. Swordfish
4. Raw shellfish

• Raw, undercooked and refrigerated fish should be avoided by expectant mothers. They may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins that can cause food poisoning and even miscarriage in some cases.

3. Fruits and Vegetables:

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy pregnancy. But following things you would be kept in mind before consuming them.

• Wash fruits and vegetables properly before consuming them. This helps to get rid of all the germs present on their surface. These germs can cause food poisoning in pregnant mothers.
• Unripe Papaya should be strictly avoided during pregnancy. It can cause uterine contractions that can lead to miscarriage. There is no harm in taking ripe papaya.

4. Milk and Diary Products:

Every expectant mother must consume 2.5 servings of milk, cheese or yogurt daily to meet the increased demand for calcium. Calcium is required for the development of the bones and teeth of a baby. But following forms of milk and dairy products should be avoided to prevent severe food poisoning.

• Unpasteurized milk
• Soft, semi-soft and surface-ripened cheese like brie. camembert, ricotta, feta and blue cheese.

Fresh cheese can be consumed when served hot and cooked.

5. Poultry:

Eggs are a rich source of protein and vitamins. Properly cooked eggs don’t pose any problem for an expectant mother. But following forms should be avoided

• Raw eggs and food made from raw undercooked eggs like mousse, cake batter, and homemade mayonnaise should be avoided during pregnancy. They may contain salmonella which can cause food poisoning in expectant mothers.

6. Caffeine:

Expectant mothers can take caffeine but not more than 200 milligrams per day. An excessive amount of caffeine in any form like tea, coffee, and energy drinks can cause low birth weight and even stillbirth.

7. Licorice Root:

An expectant mother can take licorice but licorice root is very harmful. Different studies suggest that licorice root can affect the cognitive abilities of a developing baby.

8. Alcohol:
   Alcohol should be avoided at any cost during pregnancy. It can be harmful to the mother but also to the developing baby. It can cause 
   1. Stillbirth
   2. Miscarriage
   3. Fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome can cause facial malformation and mental retardation in developing babies.
9. Herbal Tea:

Expectant mothers can take herbal tea but not more than four cups. Some forms of herbal tea can cause uterine contraction and premature birth. So, herbal tea should be consumed with extra caution during pregnancy.

Conclusion:

Excess of everything is bad not only in pregnancy but also in normal life. So develop a habit of eating a  healthy diet, not for yourself but for your growing baby.  Call your healthcare provider if you have any queries related to diet.