Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a joyous occasion for most women and nutrition during pregnancy is important to ensure both mom and baby remain healthy. A myth that follows most pregnant women is that, because they are eating for two, they should eat a lot more than they would normally eat. The problem with this myth is if you were to consume just any food, you would have excessive weight gain. Excessive pregnancy weight gain can cause problems during your pregnancy. Moreover, there are certain foods, if eaten during pregnancy, is harmful to the fetus.
All diets, whether pregnant or not, should include proteins, moderate levels of fat, vitamins and minerals. However, for pregnant women, the recommended amounts may increase slightly for each category.
Seafood
Eating fish during pregnancy is a great way to give your body omega-3, protein and other needed nutrients. Unfortunately, not all types of seafood are recommended while pregnant. Mercury is dangerous for your baby and is found in certain seafood, such as shark, swordfish, mackerel and albacore. Albacore is found alongside the cans of tuna in the supermarket so make sure to read the can before purchasing. Don't worry; there are other yummy seafood that you can eat, such as salmon and catfish. However, these should be consumed in moderation.
Uncooked & Unpasteurized
Uncooked fish, meats, along with unpasteurized milk and cheese are also amongst those foods to avoid during pregnancy. These foods contain bacteria that can harm you and your unborn child, which could lead to stillbirth.
Deli Meat
Franks and other cold cuts should be avoided during your pregnant unless they are fully cooked. This is to protect against certain bacteria getting into your body.
Fruit & Veggies
All fruit and vegetables are recommended; however, it is important to wash them thoroughly before consuming. Organic produce is much better because they aren't grown with harmful pesticides. If your budget frowns on the price of organic, than buy fruits with thick skin instead, such as oranges, bananas, and grapefruit.
Caffeine
Try to limit your caffeine during pregnancy. Most people think of coffee or soda when caffeine is mentioned but chocolate is part of the foods to avoid during pregnancy because it contains about 35 mg of caffeine. No one is saying to stop it altogether but too much caffeine isn't good for you or your baby.
Sweeteners
Sweeten that cup of green tea with honey or agave instead of sweeteners that contain saccharin because this can be harmful to both mom and baby.
Cravings for the Unusual
Cravings are normal during your pregnancy and in most cases aren't harmful to you or your baby. However, some women crave starch and clay, which is dangerously harmful to your baby and to you. Please do not consume these or any other non-food item and let your doctor know of these cravings immediately.
If you have been eating healthy before becoming pregnant, you are off to a great start. However, even if you haven't, now is a good time to drop old habits for the sake of the baby. It is easy to start eating healthy and here you have learned the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Armed with this information, you can ensure that you are getting enough nutrition during your pregnancy. In addition, you can continue this way of eating well after your delivery, as healthy eating is important before, during and after pregnancy.