Foods to avoid during pregnancy

Eating well-balanced meals and high-quality diet is important at all times, but it is even more essential when you are pregnant. Pregnancy is a period where you and your developing baby require essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Most foods are safe; however, there are some foods that you should avoid during pregnancy.

Pregnancy diet is one of the most crucial parts of the gestation period. The foods you consume during this time determine how healthy your baby will be and how your foetus develops. It also dictates your chances of falling prey to gestational diabetes or other complications. Needless to say, a woman has to be very careful with food habits.

Below given is list of food items a pregnant women should ignore eating in order to prevent any complication. Make a perfect food choice to keep yourself and your baby healthy.

 

Papaya

One of the fruits to avoid during pregnancy in India is papaya, as it is known to cause miscarriages. The truth is that raw papaya is harmful for a pregnant woman as it contains latex that is known to induce contractions.

 

Sprouts

The seeds of raw sprouts can be contaminated by bacteria, specifically salmonella

 

Avoid Raw and undercooked eggs

Raw Eggs could contain salmonella that causes cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Various homemade foods that contain raw eggs should also be avoided by a pregnant lady. You can eat eggs that should be cooked until the yolk get firm.

 

Unpasteurized milk products

Unpasteurized milk and dairy products may contain listeria, a bacteria linked to miscarriage and blood poisoning. It is imperative to consume pasteurized milk.

 

Brinjal/Eggplant

Avoid eating egg plant as it naturally stimulates the onset of menses that had ceased for more than 2 years. Thus it is highly contradictory in pregnancy.

 

Avoid Some sea foods and fish

Some types of fish like chunk light tuna have only trace amounts of mercury and are therefore safe to eat in moderate amounts. Always for freshly cooked fish varieties including salmon, shrimp, etc.

 

Street Foods

Not all street foods are dangerous for normal people, but they are hazardous for pregnant women. There are chances for a stomach upset and you will be losing all the energy if an upset occurs. And there are few chances to get infected.

 

Caffeinated drinks

Caffeine– intake, as a general rule, should be limited to 200 mg per day during pregnancy. Some studies show excess consumption of caffeine may result in miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. To be safe, avoid caffeine.