This Is a List of 7 Things You Should Not Eat While Pregnant and Why?

Probably you have heard that processed junk foods and certain foods aren’t good for you during pregnancy, but why? There are some foods and beverages you cannot eat while pregnant, but luckily, the list of things you cannot eat is shorter than the list of things you can eat. Below you’ll find a list of food don’ts that you should avoid – or at least reduce your consumption – during pregnancy.

A List of Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy:

1. Caffeine:

Women who are pregnant are generally advised not to consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. As caffeine is absorbed quickly, it passes easily through the placenta and into the body. The main enzyme needed for metabolizing caffeine is missing from babies and placentas, so high levels of coffee can accumulate. As a result, fetal growth is restricted and low birth weight at delivery appears to be more likely. This is associated with a higher likelihood of chronic illnesses in later life.

2. Alcohol:

When pregnant, alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged, as it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. It doesn’t matter how much you drink, even a small amount can have a negative impact on a baby’s development. Pregnant women who drink alcohol can also suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes facial deformities, heart defects, and intellectual disability. Alcohol consumption is not recommended during pregnancy because there hasn’t been a reliable scientific study to show how much alcohol is safe to consume.

3. Processed Junk Foods:

Pregnancy is a perfect time to start eating nutrient-dense foods for your growing baby and yourself. It is important to increase your intake of many essential nutrients, including protein, folate, choline, and iron. There is a lack of nutrients in processed junk food and a high level of calories, sugars, and added fats in it. So, maintain a healthy diet and ask your doctor what to eat and what not to eat while you are pregnant.

4. Raw Meat:

Some of the issues are linked to undercooked or raw meat. You can become infected with several bacteria or parasites if you eat undercooked or raw meat, including Toxoplasma, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. There is a possibility that bacteria will threaten the health of your baby, leading to stillbirth or serious neurological conditions, such as intellectual disability, blindness, or epilepsy. A majority of bacteria are found on the surface of whole pieces of meat, but others may stay inside muscle fibers. So, Pregnant women should not consume processed meat products unless they’ve been reheated until very thoroughly cooked.

5. Raw Eggs:

Raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. There are several symptoms associated with salmonella infections, including fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Rarely, the infection could cause cramping in the uterus, leading to premature or stillbirth. Ensure that you always. You should always cook eggs thoroughly or use pasteurized eggs for safety side.

6. Unpasteurized Milk, Cheese, and Fruit Juice:

Unpasteurized cheese and raw milk can contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Similarly, unpasteurized juice is also prone to bacterial contamination. All of these infections can have life-threatening implications for an unborn child. During collection or storage, bacteria may be naturally occurring or acquired through contamination. By pasteurizing the products, any harmful bacteria will be killed without altering their nutritional value.

7. Unwashed Produce:

Fruits and vegetables that are not washed or peeled may be contaminated with several bacteria and parasites. These include Toxoplasma, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can be acquired from the soil or through handling. At any point in the production process, harvest, processing, storage, transportation, or retail, contamination may occur. There is one dangerous parasite known as Toxoplasma that can linger on fruits and vegetables. The majority of infants infected with Toxoplasma bacteria while in the womb do not show any symptoms at birth. The development of symptoms such as blindness or intellectual disabilities may occur later in life.

A Word From Hegde Fertility:

Pregnant women need a healthy diet, which can sometimes mean giving up some of their favorite foods – even if those foods are healthy pre- and post-pregnancy. During pregnancy, it’s essential to stay away from foods and beverages that may cause harm to you and your baby. It is perfectly safe to eat and drink most foods and beverages, however certain foods and beverages should be avoided, such as raw fish, unpasteurized dairy, alcohol, and high-mercury fish. It is also recommended that you limit sugar-containing foods such as coffee, in order to promote a healthy pregnancy. For now, don’t eat any of the foods to avoid when pregnant on the list. The wait will be well worth it!

Contact dietician specialist at Hegde Fertility for more information.

FAQ’s:

1. Is watermelon OK for pregnancy?

A: Watermelon has it all: high levels of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium for cramps, and it contains magnesium which can help muscles relax and which can prevent premature contractions during pregnancy. In addition, watermelon can fight morning sickness, reduce heartburn, and prevent dehydration.

2. How much water should a pregnant woman drink?

A: During pregnancy, you should drink 8 to 12 glasses (64 to 96 ounces) of water every day. Water has many benefits. It aids digestion and helps form the amniotic fluid around the fetus. Water also helps nutrients circulate in the body and lets waste leave the body.

3. What happens if you don’t drink water while pregnant?

A: Dehydrated Pregnant women may experience complications, including neural tube defects, low amniotic fluid levels, inadequate milk production, and premature labor. Because of these risks, your baby is more prone to birth defects due to a lack of water and nutritional support.

4. How much milk should a pregnant woman drink a day?

A: During pregnancy, protein supports the development of the uterus, blood supply, breasts, and tissues of the baby. The consumption of three cups of low-fat milk a day will help you meet more than a third of your protein requirements during pregnancy.