As soon as pregnancy is confirmed, there is a wave of happiness in the entire family. However, amidst this happiness, all the discussions also start about diet care in the first month of pregnancy. Everyone in the family provides their opinion or advice that what foods should be taken and what to avoid. So many opinions may create confusion regarding particular food.
It’s common that pregnant women want to know and also want to take utmost care about the foods that can cause harm to their growing baby. Let’s discuss the food that should be avoided during pregnancy.
Table of Contents
Tea, coffee, chocolates:
All these should be avoided as it contains caffeine. A high amount of caffeine intake may increase the risk of miscarriage and also affects the weight of the baby during birth. The baby may born with low weight due to extra caffeine intake in diet during pregnancy.
Packed foods:
During pregnancy packed and junk foods should be avoided as much as possible. It may contain preservatives and artificial sweeteners. It is not a healthy choice of food in pregnancy.
Paneer:
Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium. But you should avoid paneer prepared with cream milk, unpasteurized milk, and also raw or stale paneer as it contains bacteria named Listeria. Its infection may cause miscarriage or labor before time.
Raw papaya:
Avoid raw papaya during pregnancy as it contains latex which may trigger contraction of the uterus and may cause miscarriage or premature delivery in later months. Latex may also produce embryotoxicity. Therefore, raw papaya, its skin, and seeds should not be eaten during pregnancy.
Raw sprouts:
Sprouts are a good source of nutrition and they should be consumed only after cooking during pregnancy. Because in a favorable environment some bacteria may grow in raw and unhygienically stored sprouts.
Unwashed foods:
Unwashed fruits and vegetables may contain bacteria and parasites such as Salmonella, Listeria, Toxoplasma, E.coli, etc. and infection with these germs in pregnancy may cause trouble. So, wash and clean all the foods properly before consuming.
Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption is not a healthy choice at all as the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth is increases. It also affects the development of the baby both mentally and physically. So completely avoid alcohol during pregnancy.
Non-veg foods:
Here are few tips, If you are eating nonveg foods regularly such as seafoods, meats, eggs, etc.
Some fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, etc. have high Mercury due to polluted water, and as you know mercury is highly toxic for the body and also for developing babies.
Low Mercury fish are safe such as cod, flounder, anchovies, haddock, salmon, etc.
You should also avoid raw, stale, and uncooked fish, eggs, and meat. Because raw foods may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites such as Listeria, Salmonella, norovirus, etc.
If you have any doubt regarding any diet or food, you should ask your doctor. They will guide you properly. Thank you. Have a nice day.