By 15 FOODS AND DRINKS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
Cravings during pregnancy are very normal, but it is extremely important to be cautious about what to eat and what not to eat. It is often recommended by people around that pregnancy is a time when a woman can eat whatever she wants as she is technically eating for two people. However extra care must be given in terms of the food and drink choices to be made, as some of them can be extremely harmful during pregnancy; hence they should be avoided. Here is a list of 15 things one should avoid consuming when pregnant:
1. Coffee
Coffee is that type of product, which normally every individual consumes on a daily basis but it is one of the most important drinks that should be avoided during pregnancy. The reason coffee should be avoided is that caffeine is not good for the health of the baby and it increases the risk of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester.
2. High Sodium Foods
Salty food is at the top of the list of the food women crave while pregnant, and the consumption levels generally are very high for these types of foods. However during pregnancy women are prone to have issues with water retention and swelling, which are negatively affected by food that is high in sodium. It is recommended that the sodium level should be maintained at 2300 mg per day and not more than that.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol should be avoided at all costs; not even a single drop should be consumed during pregnancy. Alcohol interferes with the healthy development of the baby. Even after giving birth to the baby until you are breastfeeding alcohol should be avoided as exposure to it can cause disorders for the baby. If you believe it won’t affect the baby after giving birth, you are wrong as through breastfeeding its effects can be transferred to the baby, which is essentially dangerous for them.
4. Unwashed Vegetables
Vegetables are suggested to be vital for the diet of a pregnant woman, but they should be properly washed before consumption. Even if you have bought them for a high-end departmental store or superstore, it is good to be cautious about these things as often they are covered in dirt that makes them vulnerable to germs which can cause health issues for both the baby and the mother.
5. Iced Tea
During summers this drink seems highly refreshing and cooling, but for pregnant women, they are not suitable. It is presumed to be healthy as it is not that sweet and, yes, it can be consumed on a daily basis, but that does not mean it is suitable for everyone. The reason for this is that like coffee they have high levels of caffeine, which can really harm the baby.
6. Unpasteurized Milk
According to some people, raw milk is extremely healthy and beneficial, but it can be a cause of concern during pregnancy. Raw milk contains a bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes that cause listeriosis infection, which negatively impacts the already suppressed immune system and can be harmful to the baby. It continues to grow even when kept in the refrigerator; hence it is better to avoid them at all costs.
7. Unpasteurized Cheese
Like unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized cheese can also lead to bacterial infection. Mostly the cheese produced in the United States is made from pasteurized milk, but imported cheese like feta, Camembert, fresh mozzarella and blue cheese need to be checked before consumption as they are usually made from unpasteurized milk. It is extremely important to double-check the ingredients mentioned at the back to confirm before purchasing, and even when visiting restaurants, asking before ordering is beneficial.
8. Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are considered as a must-have beverage to be taken simultaneously with most of the meals especially during gatherings or on a bright sunny day. They are refreshing and quench thirst temporarily. However, they contain caffeine and a chemical called quinine. The combination of these two elements is extremely hazardous for a pregnant woman; therefore they should be avoided.
9. Green Tea
Surprisingly enough green tea, which is considered to be extremely healthy, is a drink that should be avoided during pregnancy. Not only does it have a small amount of caffeine, but it also boosts your metabolism, which is already at an all-time high during pregnancy. Although some nutritionists recommend it, it is best to avoid or to consume it in moderation.
10. Foods Containing Trans Fats
Food items like fried food, margarine, frosting, creamers and pancakes mixes contain trans fats. Trans fats not only increase the level of LDL cholesterol, but they also run the risk of lowering the levels of HDL cholesterol as well. They are also considered to be the reason why the rate of infertility and endometriosis has increased over the years.
11. Raw Meat
Most people like to eat their steaks raw, and at times your favorite restaurant serves you undercooked meat as well. Pregnancy is a time when these types of products should be avoided as the risk of contamination increases, which can lead to issues such as salmonella and bacterial infection that are hazardous in nature.
12. Fish Contain Mercury
Women, who are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding are suggested to refrain from eating fish that have high mercury levels. According to reports, mercury impairs a baby’s developing brain and nervous system. Some fish that belong to this category including shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and even canned tuna is not recommended, even if they only have a small amount. It is better to look for fish that do not have mercury in them.
13. Raw Eggs
Raw eggs in general and any food containing raw eggs should be avoided as it increases the risk of salmonella. At times homemade hollandaise sauce or salad dressings contain raw eggs. Therefore, they should be avoided during pregnancy. If during the cooking procedure the raw egg is cooked then it is safe to eat other than that it should not be consumed.
14. Foods Having an Undisclosed Amount of Sugar
Normally, things that contain sugar – such as cookies, cakes, ice cream to name a few – are pretty obvious but at times you will find sugar in products that you can never imagine. Doctors mostly recommend that a high amount of sugar be avoided by every individual. Sugar is also not recommended during pregnancy.
15. Papaya That is Not Ripe
The green papaya is papaya that is unripe. The chances are that it contains latex substance that can trigger contractions. It should be avoided. It is usually available at Thai restaurants. Be cautious about what you are ordering.
