Whether you are planning a pregnancy, are already pregnant or have just given birth, food plays a vital role in the health of mother and child. While there are many foods that nourish mother and baby, and we all focus on that, it’s also important to focus on foods that can cause harm to the child or mother. Certain foods can pose serious risks, and therefore women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should be aware of this. Medplus brings you the top list of foods to avoid:

1. Fish:

Mercury has the ability to affect a baby’s brain development, so it’s suggested that you completely avoid types of fish that are high in mercury. Sushi, mackerel, sharks, swordfish, and tilefish are some of the best high-mercury fish and therefore should be avoided entirely. Fish can also carry sea-borne diseases, so it’s best to keep them away from the mother’s diet. Additionally, raw, undercooked, or contaminated shellfish may pose risks to the fetus (also known as a fetus) and should not be consumed.

2. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables:

Fruits and vegetables are exposed to a large number of pesticides and herbicides, and can also contain pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and listeria bacteria. These can lead to food poisoning and also pose a threat to the developing baby. Always wash fruits and vegetables under running water and avoid eating raw vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, etc. it is suggested to cook all vegetables and even leafy vegetables before consuming them. Also, do not store fruits and vegetables for longer.

Papaya is rich in latex and is a natural contraceptive; papaya compounds can trigger uterine contractions and cause abortions. Black grapes increase heat in the body, which is harmful to the baby. The bromelain found in pineapple will soften the cervix and can lead to premature labor. And also brinjal can stimulate menstruation, so it is recommended not to eat these particular fruits and vegetables.

3. Meat:

Eating raw meat can contribute to the transmission of Toxoplasma infection from mother to child. Prolonged exposure to this infection will lead to blindness and mental disability in the baby.

4. Sprouts and Raw Nuts:

Raw sprouts and nuts may contain certain harmful bacteria that can cause bacterial infections and slow the growth rate of the fetus (also known as a fetus). Some women develop allergies to certain nuts in the long term, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking nuts.

5. Alcohol:

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy will lead to a condition called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in which the baby will be born with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities for life. This happens because the alcohol consumed by the mother will pass to the fetus without being filtered.

6. Herbal teas and herbal supplements:

Some herbal supplements can trigger premature labor and can also cause miscarriage. Also, the benefits of herbal teas and supplements in pregnancy are not proven in scientific studies, so it is best not to take them during pregnancy.

7. Spicy food:

Spicy food will cause heartburn in most people and this risk will be increased in pregnant women so it will also cause morning sickness so it is better not to eat spicy food and if it does then drink a glass of warm milk or a tablespoon. of honey immediately.

8. Vitamin supplements:

Vitamin supplements should not be taken without a doctor’s advice. The normal growth of the fetus will be adversely affected by excessive intake of vitamins. This can even lead to premature labor.

9. Caffeine:

Caffeine makes you dehydrated from excessive urination. It is very essential to always stay hydrated. Especially during pregnancy, being dehydrated can harm the child. It is also associated with low births, stillbirths and abortions.

10. Unpasteurized milk and cheese:

Unpasteurized dairy products contain pathogens that are harmful to health, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Unpasteurized soft cheese often contains listeria bacteria that can cause neural tube defects in babies, so choose hard varieties of cheese like cheddar, Swiss, etc. Always choose fresh and boiled food products.

11. Raw or soft-boiled eggs:

Raw or soft-boiled eggs can contain a bacteria called salmonella that will lead to food poisoning in pregnant women. It can also cause diarrhea (also known as diarrhoea) and vomiting. It is recommended to avoid desserts and other foods made with raw eggs.

12. Foods rich in nitrates:

Nitrate reacts with hemoglobin (also known as haemoglobin) in the blood and with modified proteins that interfere with the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to the placenta. Foods high in nitrate include diet sodas, hot dogs, artificial sweeteners, and added flavors.

13. Artificial Sweeteners and Canned Foods:

Artificial sweeteners are not good for you, even if you are not pregnant. Artificial sweeteners are not filtered out by the mother’s placenta and this means your child will directly consume these harmful compounds.

Canned foods are full of preservatives and artificial flavors to improve shelf life and flavor. They can also contain bacteria and viruses and the walls of the can can contain bisphenol A which can affect the baby’s endocrine system.

14. Processed Junk Food:

Junk food is very tasty and tempting, but it is low in nutrition and high in calories, it is also high in preservatives and high in sugar that can increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in both mother and child. . Also, many studies have reported that pregnant women who consume more junk food during pregnancy will probably gain weight unnecessarily and also give birth to an overweight baby.

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