There is a sense of immense joy the moment an expectant mother learns of her pregnancy. And, along with this feeling comes a surge of protectiveness. Almost immediately, her motherly instinct kicks in and there is a natural desire to make the healthiest choices for both herself and her growing baby. During pregnancy, it is crucial to make informed dietary choices, as it affects both the mother-to-be as well as the baby growing within her womb. It might be surprising to know that there are certain foods to avoid when pregnant, even though they may be safe to consume when one is not.
Often, it is tough to figure out exactly which food is safe to eat while pregnant, as there may be conflicting advice from friends, family, and even online sources, consequently making dietary choices a confusing endeavour. This article aims to clear up such confusion, thus helping expectant moms make the right decision when it comes to choosing the safest food to eat during their pregnancy.
It is always best to be prudent while planning meals during pregnancy, as it helps to avoid issues like cramps, food poisoning, premature births, miscarriages, stillbirths, etc. Let’s take a quick look at the top foods to avoid during pregnancy:
Love eating sushi or meat that’s been cooked rare or medium rare? Unfortunately, during pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid raw and undercooked meat and fish, as they could contain harmful bacteria or parasites like Listeria, Norovirus, Toxoplasma, E. coli, Salmonella, etc. The consumption of such food can have a detrimental effect on the health of both the expectant mother and the baby.
Eggs are a great source of protein. However, it is unsafe to consume raw eggs or even dishes containing them, as they could be carrying the salmonella bacteria. It is recommended to avoid food items like non-vegetarian mayonnaise, tiramisu, eggnog, meringue, etc., as these are prepared using raw eggs. So, expectant moms need to ensure that they consume fresh and fully cooked eggs.
As we list out what not to eat when pregnant, we rarely expect raw sprouts to be included. After all, they seem like such a healthy option, as they are packed with vitamins and nutrients, and they're great for aiding digestion and maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. However, raw sprouts, like alfalfa, soybean, and mung bean sprouts, can contain harmful bacteria that could adversely affect the health of the fetus and the expectant mother. During pregnancy, it is advisable to eat only fully cooked beans.
There is a myth that fresh, raw milk is more nutritious than pasteurised milk. Nothing can be further from the truth! The pasteurisation process kills harmful germs present in the milk without decreasing its nutritional value. In fact, consuming unpasteurised milk and dairy products during pregnancy will have an adverse effect, as it increases the chances of having serious health issues, such as food poisoning, miscarriages, etc.
One of the things to avoid in early pregnancy is the consumption of highly processed food items, like cookies, chips, candies, ice cream, instant food (ready-to-cook noodles, soups, pasta, etc.), breakfast cereals, deli meats like sausages, carbonated drinks, packaged fruit juices, etc. Such food items have high levels of sugar, calories and fats and are typically low in nutritional value. Expectant moms need to eat nutritional food that contains the right amounts of vitamins and minerals, as this ensures the health and well-being of the fetus.
Pregnant women are strictly advised to abstain from consuming alcoholic drinks and even food containing the same. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of miscarriage and premature births. Moreover, there is also a chance of giving birth to babies with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. These babies tend to have permanent health issues with their memory, hearing, vision, etc. So, it is best to completely avoid alcohol while pregnant.
For most people, the day starts with a cup of coffee, as caffeine provides a much-needed energy boost to kickstart their morning. In fact, even tea and soft drinks contain caffeine. Caffeinated drinks are best avoided during pregnancy. Studies have shown an increased chance of miscarriages, small birth weight, and even developmental issues when expectant mothers consume high levels of caffeine. It is advisable for pregnant women to either avoid or limit their intake of caffeine to minimise potential risks.
Organ meats, such as kidney and liver, are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A, vitamin B12, copper, iron, zinc, etc. However, excessive consumption of organ meat could lead to miscarriages and congenital disorders. It is best to consume such meats in moderation or to avoid it completely.
Pregnant women need to be highly vigilant when consuming fish. Mercury poisoning is a real danger, and it could cause damage to one’s immune and nervous systems. Additionally, it has been proven to cause developmental problems in kids. Due to rising pollution levels in the oceans, there is a high chance that certain marine fish varieties could have high levels of toxic mercury in them. It is best to avoid eating sharks, king mackerel, swordfish, barramundi, bluefin tuna, etc., as they generally tend to accumulate high amounts of mercury from polluted ocean waters.
Herbal tea has been touted as a panacea that soothes most ailments. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding these claims. It is best to avoid consuming herbal tea during pregnancy, as its exact effects are unknown.
Pregnancy can bring on unusual cravings. However, it's vital to be mindful of what you consume, as this will ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby. And remember, it’s always best to clarify your doubts regarding nutrition during pregnancy with your healthcare provider, as it will help you make informed choices.
While most things are considered safe to consume while pregnant, there are a few food items that can be avoided while one is pregnant. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, highly processed foods, and raw foods, like milk, eggs, meat, fish, etc., are just some of the things that pregnant women are advised not to consume.
Pregnant women are advised to consume nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, properly cooked eggs, meat, fish and vegetables.
While most Indian food is considered safe to consume during pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid street food and highly processed food, as these could be harmful to the mother and the developing baby.
One of the main things to avoid while pregnant is the consumption of unhealthy foods that may lack essential nutrition or contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Also, don’t consume alcohol, caffeinated beverages, or packaged drinks during pregnancy.
