14 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Whether you are planning a pregnancy, are already pregnant, or have just given birth, food plays an important role in the health of both mother and baby. While there are many nutritious foods for mother and baby, and we are all focused on them, it is also important to focus on foods that can be harmful to the baby or mother. Some foods can be very dangerous so pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy should keep this in mind. Medplus brings you the top list of foods you should avoid:
1. Fish:
Mercury has the potential to affect the child’s mental development which is why, it is suggested to completely avoid fish species with a high mercury content. Sushi, mackerel, sharks, swordfish, tilefish are just a few of the fish that have high traces of mercury and therefore should be avoided altogether. Fish are more likely to carry marine diseases, so keep them away from your mother’s diet. Also, raw, uncooked or contaminated seafood can be harmful to the fetus (aka fetus) and should not be eaten.
2. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables:
Fruits and vegetables are found in many pesticides and herbicides, and they may contain bacteria such as Toxoplasma gondii and listeria bacteria. This can lead to food poisoning and be detrimental to the baby’s development. Wash fruits and vegetables regularly under running water and avoid eating raw vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, etc. It is recommended to cook all vegetables and leafy vegetables before eating them. Also, do not store fruits and vegetables for too long.
Papaya is rich in latex and is a natural contraceptive method; compounds in papaya can cause uterine contractions and can cause abortion. Black grapes increase body temperature which is harmful to the baby. Bromelain found in pineapple will soften and can lead to premature ejaculation. Also, the egg plant can be stimulating so it is advisable not to eat these fruits and vegetables.
3. Meat:
Eating raw meat can contribute to the transmission of Toxoplasma virus from mother to child. Prolonged exposure to the virus will lead to blindness and mental retardation in a child.
4. Shoots and Green Nuts:
Green shoots and nuts can contain some harmful bacteria that can cause bacterial infections and slow down the growth of the fetus (aka fetus). Some women experience allergies to certain nuts over time so it is advisable 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 mental disabilities for life. This is because the alcohol that the mother drinks will enter the fetus without being filtered.
6. Remedies and Herbal Remedies:
Some herbal remedies can cause premature labor and can even lead to miscarriage. In addition, the benefits of herbal tea and supplements in pregnancy are not shown in a scientific study so it is best not to take them during pregnancy.
7. Spicy Foods:
Spicy foods will cause heartburn in many people and this risk will increase in pregnant women and this can lead to morning sickness, so it is best not to eat spicy food and if you do, drink a glass of warm milk or a spoonful of honey immediately.
8.Vitamin Ingredients:
Vitamin supplements should not be taken without a doctor’s advice. Normal fetal growth will be negatively affected by high intake of vitamins. This can also lead to premature work.
9.Caffeine:
Caffeine causes dehydration through excessive urination. It is very important to be watered regularly. Especially during pregnancy, dehydration can harm the baby. It is also associated with low birth weight, current births, and abortions.
10. Unfermented Milk and Cheese:
Unpasteurized dairy products contain germs that are harmful to your health, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Unused soft cheese often contains the listeria bacterium that can lead to neural tube defects in the baby, so choose solid types of cheese like cheddar, swiss and more. Always look for boiled and boiled food products.
11. Raw or Soft Eggs:
Boiled or soft boiled eggs can contain a bacterium called salmonella which will lead to poisoning in pregnant women. It can also lead to diarrhea (aka diarrhea) and vomiting. It is advisable to avoid desserts and other raw foods made from raw eggs.
12.Notrate Foods Notes:
Nitrate reacts with hemoglobin (aka hemoglobin) in the blood and in modified proteins that will disrupt the body’s ability to supply oxygen to the placenta. Foods high in nitrate content are sodas, sausages, artificial sweeteners, and added flavors.
13. Artificial sweeteners and canned food:
Artificial sweeteners are not good for life even if you are not pregnant. The mother’s placenta does not filter out artificial sweeteners and this means that your baby will use these harmful chemicals directly.
Canned foods are full of preservatives and artificial flavors to enhance shelf life and flavor. They can contain bacteria and viruses and the walls can contain bisphenol A which can affect the baby’s endocrine system.
14. Nutrition used:
Malnutrition is very tasty and appealing but low in food and high in calories, and has many anti-inflammatory and high-sugar ingredients that can lead to increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in both mother and child. In addition, many studies have reported that pregnant women who ate a lot of junk food during pregnancy are more likely to gain unwanted weight and give birth to a more obese baby.