Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Whether you are planning a pregnancy, are already pregnant or have just given birth to a baby, food plays a vital role in the health of mother and child. While there are many foods that nourish the mother and baby, and we all focus on them, it is also important to focus on the foods that can cause harm to the child or mother. Certain foods can pose serious risks and therefore should be taken into account by pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy. Medplus offers you the top list of foods to avoid:

1. Fish:

Mercury has the ability to affect the brain development of the baby, so it is suggested to completely avoid the types of fish that are high in mercury. Sushi, mackerel, sharks, swordfish, and tilefish are some of the top fish with high levels of mercury and therefore should be avoided entirely. Fish can also carry diseases transmitted by the sea, so it is best to keep them away from the mother’s diet. Additionally, raw, undercooked, or contaminated shellfish can pose risks to the fetus (also known as the fetus) and should not be eaten.

2. Unwashed fruits and vegetables:

Fruits and vegetables are exposed to many pesticides and herbicides, and they can also contain pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and listeria bacteria. These can lead to food poisoning and also pose a threat to the baby’s development. Always wash fruits and vegetables under running water and avoid eating raw vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, etc. It is suggested to cook all the vegetables and even the leafy ones before consuming them. Also, don’t store fruits and vegetables any longer.

Papaya is rich in latex and is a natural contraceptive; Compounds in papaya can trigger uterine contractions and cause miscarriage. Black grapes increase the heat in the body, which is harmful to the baby. The bromelain found in pineapple will soften the cervix and can lead to premature labor. And also eggplant can stimulate menstruation, so it is recommended not to eat these particular fruits and vegetables.

3. Meats:

Eating raw meat can contribute to the transmission of Toxoplasma infection from mother to child. Long-term exposure to this infection will cause blindness and mental disability in the baby.

4. Raw sprouts and nuts:

Raw sprouts and nuts can contain certain harmful bacteria that can cause bacterial infections and slow the growth rate of the fetus (also known as the fetus). Some women develop a long-term allergy to certain nuts, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking nuts.

5. Alcohol:

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy will lead to a condition called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in which the baby will be born with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities for life. This happens because the alcohol consumed by the mother will enter the fetus without being filtered.

6. Herbal tea and herbal supplements:

Some herbal supplements can trigger premature labor and can also lead to miscarriage. Also, the benefits of herbal tea and supplements on pregnancy are not proven in scientific studies, so it is best not to take them during pregnancy.

7. Spicy food:

Spicy foods will cause heartburn in most people and this risk will increase in pregnant women, so it will also cause morning sickness, so it is best not to eat spicy foods and if you do, drink a glass of warm milk or a tablespoon. of honey immediately.

8. Vitamin supplements:

Vitamin supplements should not be taken without the advice of your doctor. The normal growth of the fetus will be adversely affected by excessive intake of vitamins. This can even lead to premature labor.

9. Caffeine:

Caffeine causes you to become dehydrated by urinating excessively. It is very important to always be hydrated. Especially during pregnancy, dehydration can harm the child. It is also associated with low births, stillbirths, and abortions.

10. Unpasteurized milk and cheese:

Unpasteurized dairy products contain pathogens that are harmful to your health, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Unpasteurized soft cheese often contains the listeria bacteria that can cause neural tube defects in babies, so choose hard cheese varieties such as cheddar, Swiss, etc. Always choose fresh and boiled food products.

11. Raw or boiled eggs:

Raw or soft-boiled eggs can contain a bacteria called salmonella that will cause food poisoning in pregnant women. It can also cause diarrhea (also known as diarrhea) and vomiting. It is advised to avoid desserts and other foods made with raw eggs.

12. Foods rich in nitrates:

Nitrate reacts with hemoglobin (also known as hemoglobin) in the blood and with modified proteins that will interfere with the body’s ability to supply oxygen to the placenta. Foods high in nitrates include diet sodas, hot dogs, artificial sweeteners, and added flavors.

13. Artificial sweeteners and canned foods:

Artificial sweeteners are not good for your health, even if you are not pregnant. The mother’s placenta does not filter artificial sweeteners and this means that her child will directly consume these harmful compounds.

Canned foods are packed with preservatives and artificial flavors to improve shelf life and flavor. They can also contain bacteria and viruses and the walls of the can can contain bisphenol A which can affect the baby’s endocrine system.

14. Processed junk food:

Junk food is very tasty and tempting, but it is low in nutrition and high in calories, it also has many added preservatives and high sugar levels that can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in both mother and baby. boy. . Additionally, many studies have reported that pregnant women who consume more junk food during pregnancy are likely to gain weight unnecessarily and also give birth to an overweight baby.

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