Birth is awe-inspiring. Don’t you think? The mother’s health plays a crucial role in it. This includes her diet which shifts once she conceives. These changes aid in nurturing a healthy baby and maintaining the mother’s health. This article sheds light on what foods to avoid during pregnancy.
We are going to look into the risky foods for future moms, the risks they pose and why avoiding them is vital. Let’s clear your doubts about what’s safe and what’s not!
Did you know that consuming too much mercury-rich seafood during pregnancy can cause health problems for both mother and baby?
Why all the noise about mercury, you ask? Simple. Mercury, especially in the form of “methylmercury”, can cause problems in infants. These problems include issues with language, focus, and memory.
The FDA suggests consuming 8 to 12 ounces (224 to 336 grams) of seafood per week during pregnancy. But white (albacore) tuna should be kept to 6 ounces (168 grams) or less per week.
Uncooked or half-cooked seafood pose health threats. It’s as simple as that.
Raw, undercooked, or tainted seafood can house harmful bacteria (like Salmonella) or parasites (like Toxoplasma). Infections can cause stomach troubles and flu-like symptoms. Worse still, they can lead to dehydration or even life-threatening issues.
Good handling and cooking of seafood reduce infection chances. Cook seafood until its internal temperature hits 145 F (63 C). Also, ensure its flesh breaks apart easily with a fork. Discard any shellfish that don’t open during cooking.
In my opinion, pregnant ladies are advised to avoid consuming soft cheese, raw or undercooked meat, fish, and seafood, unwashed or already cooked fruits and veggies, soft-serve ice cream, raw or undercooked eggs, and alcohol. Researchers have found that some foods might contain bacteria that have the potential to harm the mother and their unborn child and may cause toxoplasmosis.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Did you know ?
Undercooked meat, eggs, and poultry may harbour illness-causing bacteria and pathogens.
Does food poisoning sound bad? Well, it’s worse for pregnant women. It can become serious.
Pathogens like Listeria, E.coli, and Toxoplasma can pass through the placenta. They may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or life-threatening infection in the newborn, even if the mom feels fine.
Cook your food properly. This makes it safe. Cook meat and chicken to the right internal temperature. Use a food thermometer for this, not colour. All egg dishes should be firm, not runny. Cook egg-based dishes or sauces properly too.
From my knowledge, overdosing on coffee during pregnancy may raise the chance of miscarriage, risk normal foetal development, and even result in low birth weight. Caffeine consumption of as little as 100–200 mg per day may cause harm to the developing baby. Caffeine is present in many things other than coffee. Some sodas, energy drinks, chocolate, and teas are examples.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Avoid soft cheese or farm-fresh milk! Unpasteurized foods can harm your health.
Unpasteurized milk (or ‘raw’ milk) and its products can host harmful bacteria. These include Campylobacter, E.coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Listeria can cause premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe health problems in newborns.
Check product labels when shopping. Go for items labelled “pasteurized.” Most cheeses at shops are made with pasteurized milk and are safe.
Eat clean food. Even fresh fruits and vegetables can pose hazards if not washed right.
Fruits and vegetables can house harmful organisms like Toxoplasma and E. Coli. Such contamination may happen by exposure to polluted soil or water.
Scrub thick-skinned produce like potatoes with a brush to remove residues. Rinse soft fruits and vegetables under running water. Dry with a clean piece of cloth or paper towel. Always wash your fruits and vegetables before eating, cutting, or cooking them.
Hold on before you get that coffee or herbal tea. Limit your intake.
High caffeine intake (over 200 mg per day) during pregnancy can lead to problems. These include preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays. Moderate intake (up to 200 mg per day) is okay.
Some herbs found in teas can cause problems during pregnancy. These include St. John’s Wort, Dong Quai, Ephedra, and Yohimbe. They could lead to miscarriage or preterm birth.
There are safe and yummy alternatives for pregnant women. These include decaffeinated coffee or tea, fruit juices, and mineral water.
Drinking alcohol while pregnant can cause serious health problems. It’s surprising how many people don’t know about these.
Alcohol during pregnancy is linked to a high risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Even moderate drinking can hinder physical and mental development, leading to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). No known safe limit of alcohol exists during pregnancy.
Staying away from alcohol can be tough, especially if you used to drink often. Keep in mind that it’s only for a while and is essential for your baby’s health. Opt for non-alcoholic versions of your favourite drinks. Always have a non-alcoholic option ready in social settings where others may be drinking.
Also Read: Are Oysters Good For You? A Research-Based Nutrition Guide
Eating during pregnancy requires caution. Don’t eat raw and unfried foods, unwashed fruits and vegetables, seafood high in mercury, and unpasteurized dairy. Avoid alcohol entirely. Also, reduce your caffeine intake.
Pregnancy is joyful but demands responsibility. Know what foods are safe and what isn’t. By choosing your diet wisely, you give your baby a healthy start. Knowing what to avoid during pregnancy ensures you and your baby are safe.
Also Read: Headaches During Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies, and When To Seek Help
A: Avoid food items including Bigeye Tuna, King Mackerel, Marlin, Orange Roughy, Swordfish, Shark, Tilefish, Raw meat, poultry, and seafood, High caffeine food and beverages, Alcoholic drinks.
A: If these are heated up properly to kill any potential bacteria or parasites, they should be fine. However, avoiding them is safest.
A: Yes, they are safe and beneficial, providing essential vitamins and fiber. However, ensure they are properly washed before eating.
A: Avoid seafood high in mercury, unpasteurized dairy, unwashed fruit and vegetables, and all uncooked or undercooked meat and eggs.
A: Yes, as long as the cheese is pasteurized and the pizza is fully cooked.
A: Sushi with cooked fish is safe. But avoid sushi with raw fish during pregnancy.
A: Not at all, if they’re cooked well. Shrimp can be part of a balanced pregnancy diet.
Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider when it comes to your pregnancy diet. Each person is unique, and dietary advice can differ.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
What you consume during pregnancy has an impact on both your health and the health of your baby. Doctors always recommend a healthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy. Healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, nuts can help you satisfy your nutritional needs. However, you can’t just eat any fruit or vegetable, certain fruits and vegetables aren’t safe to eat during pregnancy. It is also important to know what not to eat during pregnancy.
While most fruits provide the vitamins and nutrients your body requires throughout pregnancy, especially when the fetus experiences a development spurt, some fruits may be harmful to your health. Some fruits have been documented to affect the baby’s health, while others can cause a miscarriage. Here’s a list of foods to avoid during pregnancy.
Fruits are an essential part of nutrition during pregnancy. Some people think that Tamarind and Pineapple should not be consumed during pregnancy. Experts say there is no science-backed explanation for this. However, moderation is the key. Excess citrus fruits can cause other problems related to acidity and indigestion.
Unripe papaya is said to be harmful to pregnant women and should be avoided in all trimesters. It is best to talk to a doctor or dietician about foods to avoid during pregnancy as the list may differ based on your health conditions.
Also Read: What is Anterior Placenta: A Comprehensive Insight into Maternal Health
These are some food items that are unsafe to be eaten during pregnancy. Every essential nutrient (both macro and micro) should be consumed in adequate quantities throughout the pregnancy. This will give your growing baby the proper nourishment and aid healthy development. Increase the number of fruits in your diet. If you don’t like large fruit dishes, you can eat a few with each meal. Stale, left-over, unwashed, undercooked food should be strictly avoided. Freshly prepared food and hygienic preparation methods should be incorporated into every expecting mom’s kitchen.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Since the baby is completely reliant on the mother’s milk for the first six months of infancy, its benefits are said to last even beyond adulthood. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers are often cautious of the foods and liquids they take.
Since most of the dietary restrictions from pregnancy are eased for breastfeeding moms, your new diet can include foods and beverages you weren’t allowed to eat. In today’s blog, we will look at the best diet for lactating mothers, including the foods to avoid while breastfeeding and let’s find if there is a way to increase breast milk quickly.
The only way to know which foods to avoid while breastfeeding is by trial and error. Keep a food journal to see what you eat and how the baby responds to the breast milk during that time. It may take 4-6 weeks for the baby’s allergic symptoms to go away, so make sure you consult a registered dietitian experienced with food allergies to avoid any mishaps.
There is a widespread belief that the food eaten by a breastfeeding mother may affect the milk characteristics including the flavour of the milk and that chemicals in human milk might be passed on from the mother or wet nurse and have long-lasting effects on the kid. Infants may benefit from a variety of rich chemosensory experiences from human milk, which is flavoured by substances consumed such as alcohol, mint, vanilla, and garlic.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
After the first 6 months of maternity, your baby can eat foods other than breast milk, allowing you to cut back on your calorie intake. If you are searching for tips to increase breast milk quickly, remember there is no special food for that. Consuming a healthy, nutritious, balanced diet with good hydration should help- you. Check the list below:
According to a recent study, breastfeeding mothers who ingested garlic daily, had infants ingesting more milk when compared with others. This has made everyone believe that garlic potentially enhances the flavour of the milk that infants cherish.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Also Read: Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Mother’s Guide
Fenugreek seeds are a good source of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, iron, calcium and antioxidants. Increase breast milk production by adding 1 tsp of soaked fenugreek three times/day in your daily diet and see an increase in breast milk.
Garden Cress Seeds / Halim/ Aliv for breast milk. One of the amazing galactagogues helps in boosting the hormone prolactin which indirectly helps in breast milk production.
Add garden cress seeds in milk or take it in water or have it as ladoo after talking to your doctor.
Shatavari, also a well-known galactagogue, is one of the popular tablets for increasing breast milk commonly used in India and China. The ayurvedic herb is known to be helpful for breastfeeding mothers. Lactating mothers should talk to their doctor before using Shatavari in the form of powder and liquids or incorporating them into smoothies.
All in all, keep the diet for lactating mothers rich in proteins, iron and zinc. Replace unhealthy snacks with fruits, dark greens and yellow vegetable foods to increase breast milk quickly. Avoid food that is very oily, spicy or difficult to digest. Do not take any over-the-counter medication, herbal supplements or even ointments without consulting your doctor. Smoking, alcohol and excessive caffeine intake are not advised during lactation. Depending on the dietary preferences of the lactating mother, vegan diets may need additional supplements like B12 to avoid certain deficiencies in the baby.
Breastfeeding requires extra calories, so if the lactating mother has lost all her baby weight, make sure the foods for lactating mother have an extra 500-600 calories per day. Lastly, many women get dehydrated after breastfeeding, so make sure to drink plenty of water and fluids to satisfy your thirst. Drink a glass of water every time before you breastfeed. Watch for an association of any unusual symptoms like excessive crying due to abdominal pain in a baby with a particular type of food. Discuss with your doctor and a registered dietician to understand the best diet plan for breastfeeding mothers.
Also Read: Can Men Lactate? Unveiling the Surprising Biological Possibilities
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Do not want to get pregnant right now? Read on to understand the methods to avoid pregnancy.
Unwanted pregnancy can be a nightmare and may affect your life in many ways. It is best to be aware of the methods for safe sex to avoid any such instances. Condoms, contraceptive pills, depots and intrauterine devices are the recommended methods of avoiding pregnancy while maintaining fertility to help you plan pregnancy in future. There are some natural ways to avoid pregnancy that can be followed along with any of the above-mentioned methods for added safety.
If you have planned your family already and do not desire pregnancy in future, talk to your doctor about procedures like- tubectomy and vasectomy.
The most obvious symptom that you’re pregnant is if you haven’t had your period in a while. By the time you miss a period, you are about 4 weeks pregnant, as you can see from the dating information. You will, however, have conceived only around two weeks before your period was due. Take a pregnancy test when in doubt.
Prevention of pregnancy is possible only during the first five days of unprotected sex when you take morning-after pills.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
You may have also experienced other changes in your body, such as nausea, exhaustion or tenderness in your breasts. Some early pregnancy symptoms, such as mood swings and headaches, might be mistaken for premenstrual symptoms and you may also have bleeding or cramping. You may not even be aware that you’ve skipped a period.
It is difficult to know exactly what to do when you don’t know how to prevent pregnancy. Here are a few popular methods known to avoid pregnancy:
If you don’t know how to avoid pregnancy naturally, natural contraceptives might be of interest to you. Natural contraception methods are referred to as “natural” since they are not mechanical and do not involve any pills or devices. Instead, during the time when an egg is accessible to be fertilised by a sperm, these ways to avoid pregnancy demand that a man and a woman do not have sexual intercourse.
Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) are based on a woman’s ability to predict when she ovulates each month. To use a FAM, you must be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate ovulation has happened or is likely to happen.
Doing a pregnancy test from the first day of your missed period, or at least 21 days after unprotected sex if you have irregular periods, can help you detect pregnancy if you suspect the chances of that. Please remember, no method of contraception is 100% successful in preventing unwanted pregnancies.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Here are some methods-
If you already have some form of protection in place, this method adds an extra layer of security. The ovulation days, which normally occur two weeks before your menstruation, can be avoided. It’s a good idea to work with a fertility specialist to track your ovulation days and plan your intercourse properly. The first seven and last seven days of your cycle are usually considered safe but this method should never be relied on alone as there are chances of variation in ovulation and menstrual cycles.
You can start recording your basal body temperature once your menstruation is over. The temperature begins to rise when ovulation begins and peaks on the day of ovulation. If you don’t have any intercourse during this time, you can avoid getting pregnant.
In the days coming up to ovulation, a woman’s body produces a clear, jelly-like fluid. Fertilization of egg (pregnancy) can be avoided by abstaining from sex at and 5 days before this time. Because sperms from previous intercourse can stay in the body for up to 5 days.
Calendar method and using condoms together provide the best protection from pregnancy. For emergency contraception, consult your doctor before taking the pills.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Natural methods for preventing undesired pregnancy are not at all as reliable and successful as condoms, contraceptive tablets or other medical contraceptive devices, as stated at the beginning of the article. The safest approach is to practise safe sex and also adopt an additional safe mode of contraception that suits you best. Consult your doctor so that you can move forward without fear or anxiety.
Also Read: How To Wash Out Sperm To Prevent Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Contraception Guide
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Pregnancy can be an exciting as well as stressful news for a woman, especially in the first pregnancy. There is a turmoil of doubts in their mind regarding eating habits, sleeping positions, and so on. But mommies, a healthy and balanced diet makes your pregnancy much easier and stress-free. Pregnancy can make you extremely hungry as you never thought possible. You have to take care of yourself and your baby growing in the womb.
As your body is going through major changes during pregnancy it affects you as well as your baby. Your body requires more energy and nutrients to stay healthy and strong. Vitamins and minerals play a key role in supporting a baby’s growth and development in the womb including –
Studies suggest that a pregnant woman must consume 350 to 500 extra calories than normal. But, what exactly you should eat during pregnancy? Here are some best and delicious foods to load up in your tummy –
Eggs are considered as one of the nutritious, inexpensive, and easy to cook food. Whether they are fried, scrambled, boiled, or served as an omelet, eggs are the gold standard for prenatal protein. They are a great source of proteins, vitamins, calcium, and minerals. It contains choline that helps for the healthy development of your baby’s brain and reduces the risk of birth defects. One big egg loaded with 6 grams of high-quality protein is sufficient for a day.
I may have a pregnancy diet tip for you! When it comes to meat, go for leaner options, and remember to remove the skin from poultry. Also, try to avoid adding extra fat or oil while cooking your meat. It’s all about keeping things healthy and nourishing for you and your little one.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
These superfoods tend to be higher in nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants, iron, folate, calcium, and potassium. Leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and kale should be on top in the pregnancy grocery list. They also rich in antioxidants that enhance your immunity helps in digestion, and prevent constipation.
Milk is supposed to be a complete food loaded with calcium and other micronutrients. Studies suggest that maternal milk intake during pregnancy can help to increase the birth weight and length of your baby.
During pregnancy, your diet should be full of protein and calcium. Dairy products like plain yogurt, cheese, paneer can fulfill this requirement easily. They contain two high-quality protein named – casein and whey. Greek yogurts are full of protein and calcium which helps to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, vaginal infections, and allergies.
If you’re searching for pregnancy-friendly fruits, I’m here to help! Consider adding some delicious options like cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mangoes, prunes, and apricots to your diet. These fruits might not only offer great flavours but may also provide essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
If you are vegetarian then beans and lentils are a great source of proteins, iron, folate, fiber, and calcium for you. Beans and legumes like chickpeas, soybeans helps to reduce the chances of neural defects and low birth weight.
Fruits such as bananas, oranges, berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, carbs, and potassium should include in your daily diet particularly when you are pregnant. Seasonal, frozen, and tinned fruits with no added salt or sugar are the best choice. Choose fruits with different colors to get multiple nutrients.
Nuts are a super-healthy and delicious snack full of healthy fats, proteins, fibers, and minerals. Almonds, walnuts, dates help reduce the risk of premature labor and aids in the development of a baby’s nervous system. Daily a handful of nuts can help you to keep you strong and healthy.
Your body required more iron and protein since you are pregnant. Lean meat of chicken, pork, and beef are excellent choices to get it. They also full of vitamin B, and choline. Meat provides a hefty dose of vitamin B6, which helps the baby’s tissue and brain growth while easing mom’s morning sickness.
From my perspective, I highly recommend including carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin in your pregnancy diet. These nutritious vegetables are not only delicious but also rich in vital nutrients such as vitamin A and potassium.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
Fatty fishes like salmon, tuna are excellent sources of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. These nutrients are essential for a pregnant woman as they help your baby grow healthy brain and eyes. Salmon is a safe fish to consume as it is low in mercury and considered safe for expectant mommies.
Fish liver oils are made from the oily liver of fish, especially cod. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which helps to the healthy growth of the brain and eyes of a baby.
Keeping yourself hydrated is the most important part of pregnancy. As you are pregnant, your daily requirement of water gets double. So, stay hydrated by consuming the required amount of water. It also flushes out toxic material from your body and keeps you healthy.
Also Read: Implantation Symptoms: Evidence-Based Guide to Early Pregnancy Signs
Yes, you need vitamin supplements. According to the NHS, you need to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day with a healthy diet for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy. This protects your baby from brain and spinal defects.
It vary depending on the woman’s age, her current weight, and fetal development. However, the average pregnancy weight gain is between 10 kg to 12.5 kg.
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Pregnancy foods are important to support your health and the development of your baby. There are also a few foods and beverages you should consider reducing or eliminating from your diet, these may obstruct or harm your health:
Also Read: Constipation in Pregnancy: Causes and Research-Based Remedies
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
