Foods to Avoid during Pregnancy

Although, pregnancy is the time to munch on favourite foods and satiate cravings, consuming certain foods may not be safe. Read on to learn about the foods to be avoided during pregnancy.Pregnancy is a period where you are allowed to eat anything that you like. You can surrender to your cravings without worrying to put on weight, which anyways you are going to gain. But, you must try to balance between a healthy diet and some amount of cravings so that you do not gain unnecessary weight. During pregnancy, you are advised to eat any food that you like, however there are certain foods that should be avoided. Listed below are some foods that you should avoid. In this articleRaw or Undercooked MeatRaw EggsCertain FishesAlcoholCaffeineToo Much Sugary StuffUnwashed VegetablesRaw PapayaPineappleSoft DrinksJunk and Fried FoodsRaw or Undercooked MeatRaw and undercooked meat may contain bacteria, viruses and parasites, which is not good for the baby as well as for your health. Meat contains protein, which is necessary for the development of the baby, however it should be well-cooked.Raw EggsJust like raw meat, raw eggs may also contain certain bacteria, which may harm the development of baby. So, expecting mothers should eat eggs which are properly cooked. Also the dishes that contain raw eggs should be avoided.Certain FishesFish is considered healthy for the development of the baby. However, certain type of sea fish should be avoided as it contains a good amount of mercury, which is very dangerous for the brain development of the baby. Fishes such as shark, shellfish, mackerel, and tuna should be avoided.AlcoholThe intake of alcohol should be restricted during pregnancy. Alcohol intake restricts the nervous development of the baby. In fact no amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy. It has a permanent effect on the brain and the nervous system even after delivery. In many cases, the seizures are reported in babies whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy.CaffeineThe amount of caffeine consumption should be limited during pregnancy. There were reports of birth defects, still births and miscarriage for mothers who had a considerable amount of caffeine intake. The intake of caffeine should be minimum during pregnancy.Too Much Sugary StuffIt is a misconception that you are eating for two. In fact the food intake should be increased by 300 calories. Indulging in too much of sugary stuff might increase the risk of gestational diabetes for the mother and the child. There is also the health risk of putting too much of weight for the baby, which might give rise to the health risk of obesity.Unwashed VegetablesThe vegetables that we get in the markets are dirty and contain pesticides. It is better to clean the vegetables thoroughly before consuming. Try to avoid uncooked vegetables. Cooking your food kills all the bacteria and parasites. Eating raw foods or vegetables is not recommended during pregnancy.Raw PapayaDoctors recommend avoiding raw papaya during the pregnancy stage. The raw papaya contains the milky solution, known as the latex that triggers the strong uterine contractions. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid papaya during pregnancy.PineapplePineapple is advised to be avoided during pregnancy. Pineapple is a fruit that heats up the body. Therefore, it is advised to avoid it during conception as it might trigger a miscarriage or early labour. It even contains an enzyme known as Bromelian that softens up the cervix and brings early labour.Soft DrinksThe cold soft drinks contain soda, high level of sugar and caffeine that is best to avoid during pregnancy. There is a health risk involved. Too much intake of soft drinks might damage the nervous development of the baby. One glass in a month is considered to be safe, however try to restrict the intake to a minimum. Avoiding it completely is the best.Junk and Fried FoodsHaving junk and fried foods once in a while is alright. But consuming them on regular basis can affect your as well as your baby’s health. So, it is better to avoid consuming junk and fried foods at all costs.Always keep a tab on the food items that you are having during your pregnancy period. It is just a matter of few months. You can go back to your basic diet once the baby arrives in the world. Always discuss with your doctor if you are adding any food item to your diet.What kind of foods should be avoided during pregnancy? Which food items should be included in the diet for a healthy pregnancy? Why is it not safe to eat junk food during pregnancy? Discuss here.