After having several children I know what to eat or not to eat in pregnancy I really do not need advice right? What you do eat during pregnancy is important for your health and the health of your unborn baby; the pregnancy period is divided into different stages from conception and formation of your baby’s organs to when your baby’s organs are fully mature for external life. What you eat can disrupt this chain of events and cause serious problems for you and your baby.
Which foods should I avoid?
Caffeine: Caffeine has the capacity to raise but your blood pressure and your heart rate so too much of it is not recommended in pregnancy. Further, caffeine can reduce blood flow to the placenta, impairing your baby’s nourishment, growth, and development. Therefore, check the labels of your food items when next you go grocery shopping and sift out those caffeinated beverages. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day. That’s about two 6-ounce cups; but check with your doctor to know what is safe for you and your baby.
Artificial Sweeteners: Be careful how you consume highly sugary foods and indeed “sugar-free” drinks as these may contain high doses of artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, neotame, saccharin, and sucralose, which can induce pregnancy complications.
Raw Foods: As a pregnant woman, you need to avoid raw fish, raw meat and meat of fish or fish, eggs, and meat that are not properly cooked. Consumption of not well cooked meat, eggs, or fish could expose but you and your baby to harmful bacteria, including Listeria, Vibrio, Salmonella that can cause serious gut and brain infections. These bacteria can also cause miscarriages, stillbirth, and premature delivery.
Raw eggs, as seen in lightly scrambled eggs, home- made ice cream, homemade salad dressings, and homemade mayonnaise, puts you and your unborn baby at risk of serious health problems. Raw eggs found in these foods contain Salmonella, which could cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and even premature birth.
Fish in High in Mercury
There are certain fish that are high in mercury, which when absorbed by the body causes widespread organ damage. These include swordfish, shark, tuna, and king mackerel, which may cause severe birth defects in your baby if consumed. Low-mercury fish that are healthier alternatives include salmon, tilapia, and cod.
Organ Meat
While organ meat, such as liver, are packed with iron, B-vitamins, Vitamin A, and minerals that are good for you and your baby, consuming too much of it loads your body with too much vitamin A. The effect of this is that it could induce miscarriage, premature birth, and cause your unborn baby to have several birth defects.
Take-home message: eat healthy during pregnancy but avoid consumption of any type of food no matter the claims that you see on the social media!
