12 Food Items to Avoid During Pregnancy

With the variety of food in an Indian kitchen, you may get overwhelmed about what to eat and not eat during pregnancy. Here is a list of 12 items you should avoid during pregnancy. 

In India pregnancy is a family affair. You will be bombarded with advice on what to do, what to not do, and what to eat and not to eat. But with the variety of food in an Indian kitchen, you may get overwhelmed about what to eat and not eat.

So here is a list of items that you should avoid while being pregnant:

Papaya

Papaya is one of the major fruits that should be avoided during pregnancy because it is said to cause miscarriage. It includes a molecule called papain, which is responsible for a variety of pregnancy complications. As a result, eating papaya is a strict no-no during pregnancy.

Pineapple

Pineapple includes enzymes that may produce uterine contractions, as well as Bromelain, an enzyme that softens the cervix and stimulates labour. This can result in a miscarriage during the first trimester.

High Mercury Fishes

In higher amounts, Mercury can be toxic to your nervous system, immune system, and kidneys. It may also cause serious developmental problems in children, with adverse effects even in lower amounts. High Mercury fishes include – Tuna, King Mackerel, Swordfish, Shark etc.

Undercooked or Raw Egg

While the egg is an excellent source of protein, if consumed raw or undercooked it can cause bacterial food poisoning.

Tea and Coffee

 Pregnant people are generally advised to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per day, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). High caffeine intake during pregnancy has been shown to restrict foetal growth and increase the risk of low birth weight at delivery.

Grapes

Grapes can cause hormone imbalance in pregnant women. They can also cause a variety of stomach disorders, which can be harmful to both you and your baby.

Eggplant/Brinjal

Consuming eggplants daily has been found to cause menstruation, which is not a good indicator during pregnancy.

Soil foods

Soil Foods like radish, carrots and potatoes should be washed properly before eating. Soil foods contain bacteria that are nearly impossible to wash off, and if eaten unwashed, they can carry bacterial and parasite infections that can harm the foetus. To avoid infections, avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits during pregnancy. Fruits should also be well washed before eating.

Asafoetida/Hing

Asafoetida/Hing is also used to treat menstruation problems such as irregular periods. It is advised to avoid or minimize its use when pregnant, especially during the first trimester, because it stimulates menstruation.

Tulsi Leaves

Tulsi leaves also should be avoided because they contain high levels of mercury and are thought to trigger uterine contractions, they should be avoided during pregnancy. It can also induce excessive bleeding because of its blood-thinning characteristics.

To avoid potential mid-term complications, many experts advise pregnant women to avoid tulsi totally for the first nine months of their pregnancy.

Fenugreek/Methi Seeds

Methi seeds or also known as Fenugreek is also a spice you should try to stay away from as it stimulates the uterus and causes preterm contractions. As a result, it should not be consumed when pregnant.

Junk Food

It is common knowledge that you should avoid junk food during pregnancy. Street food or junk food has a high amount of oil and salt which can be bad for your cholesterol and can also increase your blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy (known as gestational hypertension), in turn, may increase your risk of a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can also be caused by too much sugar intake along with gestational diabetes. Free sugars that are found in sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, and some fizzy drinks and juice drinks should be avoided during pregnancy.

So soon to be mummies, don’t let these restrictions overwhelm you. You just need to take care of what you eat for your and your baby’s health. Soon you will be holding your precious little one in your hand, and you will be able to eat whatever you like. 

-Staff Reporter