Introduction
A nutritious diet is crucial for your baby’s development during pregnancy. Understanding which foods to avoid helps prevent risks and ensures a healthy pregnancy. This guide outlines essential dietary restrictions to keep both you and your baby safe.
1.Development of the newborn during pregnancy
A newborn in the mother’s womb needs nutrients for growth and development. It comes from the mother’s diet, which is why it is important to eat a good, healthy and balanced diet during this time. Apart from focusing on a healthy and nutritious diet for the baby to grow easily, the diet needs to be rich in vitamins and proteins to support blood formation.
2.Foods to avoid during pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is important to maximize the consumption of home-cooked meals that are fresh and nutritious and minimize the consumption of junk and processed foods, which are high in calories and provide no nutrition. are Here are some things that a woman should avoid during pregnancy.
2.1 Avoid raw or undercooked eggs in pregnancy
Raw eggs or undercooked eggs can cause adverse effects in pregnancy. Eggs should be cooked well until the white and yolk are solid. This prevents the risk of salmonella food poisoning. Avoid foods that contain raw or undercooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise. Do not use cracked or dirty eggs.
2.2 Avoiding raw or undercooked meat during pregnancy
Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly so that it is hot and not pink or bloody. Do not eat old meat. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a bacterium that can be found in meat, soil, cat feces and unfiltered water. Infection can harm your baby if you’re pregnant, but it’s important to remember that toxoplasmosis is rare in pregnancy. If you think you may be at risk for this disease, talk to your gynecologist. If you become infected during pregnancy, treatment for toxoplasmosis is available.
Wash all surfaces and utensils thoroughly after preparing raw meat. It is also important to wash and dry your hands after touching or handling raw meat. This will help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria such as salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli that can cause food poisoning. In case of symptoms of food poisoning, consult a doctor immediately. Delay in treatment can make the symptoms worse.
2.3 Use supplements containing vitamin A during pregnancy
Do not take large amounts of multivitamin supplements, fish liver oil supplements, or supplements containing vitamin A. Always take a doctor’s advice.
2.4 Avoidance of certain types of fish during pregnancy.
Fish contains protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, so it is recommended during pregnancy. But some types of fish are high in mercury, which can affect a baby’s developing nervous system. It is important to reduce your intake of fish with high mercury levels. Fish should not be eaten more than once a fortnight. Orange roughy and catfish should not be eaten more than once a week, and no other fish should be eaten during that week. For more information on mercury in fish, consult a nutritionist.
2.5 Avoid prepackaged salads in pregnancy
Pre-prepared or pre-packaged fruit or vegetable salads, such as buffet and salad bar salads, are at high risk of Listeria contamination. Do not use milk that has not been pasteurized. If you have milk, drink only pasteurized or ultra-heat treated milk, also known as long-life milk. If only raw unpasteurized milk is available, boil it first. Do not drink unpasteurized goat’s or sheep’s milk or eat products made from it, such as soft goat’s milk cheese. Consult a dietician for a healthy diet chart before the baby is born.
2.6 Avoiding excessive caffeine in pregnancy
High caffeine intake can increase the risk of pregnancy loss, low birth weight and difficult births. Caffeine is found naturally in many foods such as coffee, tea and chocolate and is added to some soft drinks and energy drinks. Some cold and flu remedies also contain caffeine. You don’t have to cut out caffeine completely, but don’t take more than two hundred milligrams a day.
2.7 Avoidance of energy drinks in pregnancy
Energy drinks are not recommended during pregnancy because they contain high amounts of caffeine, and other ingredients in energy drinks are not recommended for pregnant women.
Conclusion
Avoiding certain foods and supplements is vital for a healthy pregnancy. Stick to fresh, cooked meals and consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice to support your baby’s growth and well-being.