As an expectant parent, you prioritize your baby’s well-being and strive to provide them with the best possible care. You take care to enhance your fortified breakfast cereal with sliced fruits, incorporate chickpeas into your salads, and enjoy almonds as a snack. However, are you aware of the foods that should be avoided during pregnancy? To gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of pregnancy nutrition, here is a short guide for your assistance.
If at any point, your lifestyle modifications are not responding too well, you must visit a gynecologist in Lahore for the best medical advice.
Do Not Eat Seafood with a High Content of Mercury
While seafood can be an excellent protein source and support your baby’s brain and eye development with its omega-3 fatty acids, certain fish and shellfish contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to your baby’s developing nervous system. It is important to avoid seafood that is high in mercury during pregnancy.
Generally, larger and older fish contain more mercury. The FDA recommends avoiding the following types of fish during pregnancy; tuna, swordfish, shark, and tilefish. On the other hand, some seafood types contain minimal amounts of mercury and are safe to consume like catfish, cod, light canned tuna, Pacific oysters, salmon, shad, and shrimp. As per the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 8 to 12 ounces or two to three servings of seafood per week are recommended during pregnancy. Avoid seafood that is raw, undercooked, or contaminated.
Eliminate Alcohol
It is important to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. No level of alcohol has been proven safe for the developing baby. It is best to avoid it completely. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, as well as fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause facial deformities and intellectual disability.
If you have concerns about alcohol you may have consumed before you knew you were pregnant, or if you think you need help to stop drinking, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
Eat Clean and Thoroughly Cooked Food
To prevent foodborne illness during pregnancy, it is important to avoid unpasteurized foods. While low-fat dairy products like skim milk, mozzarella cheese, and cottage cheese are generally healthy, anything containing unpasteurized milk should be avoided as they could lead to bacterial infection.
Soft cheeses such as feta and blue cheese should also be carefully consumed unless they are clearly labeled as being made with pasteurized milk. Additionally, unpasteurized juice should be avoided. Ensure to thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables before consumption.
Avoid refrigerated meat spreads. However, canned and shelf-stable versions of these products are safe to consume. Cook hot dogs and luncheon meats until they are steaming hot or avoid them completely, as they may be contaminated with a rare but potentially severe foodborne illness called listeria infection. Cook eggs until both the yolks and whites are firm, as raw eggs may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Refrain from consuming foods that might have raw or partially cooked eggs.
Minimise the Intake of Caffeine
To ensure the safety of your baby, it is recommended to limit or avoid excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy, as caffeine can cross the placenta and the effects on the baby are uncertain. Your healthcare provider may suggest keeping your caffeine intake under 200 milligrams (mg) per day.
It is recommended to avoid drinking herbal tea during pregnancy unless explicitly approved by a healthcare provider, as there is limited information on the potential effects of specific herbs on the developing fetus. This applies even to herbal teas marketed specifically for pregnant women.
For further assistance, you must make an appointment with a Gynecologist before you get on to trying newer ways to deal with pregnancy.
