Pregnancy for many females is a great experience. Most mothers, however, are not sure of the kinds of foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy. Here are helpful tips to assist pregnant females stay away from damaging foods and other edible substances e.g beverages.
Foods and Beverages That Are Harmful To Pregnant Women
Alcohol
No alcohol should be taken by pregnant females. This is because it leads to a multitude of conditions, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Alcohol can influence the unborn baby once it crosses the placenta. Babies exposed to big amounts of alcohol may develop mental disability, physical abnormalities, seizures, behavioral issues, delays in development, and poor growth.
Caffeine
Not only in coffee and tea one can find caffeine. In chocolate, cola and energy drinks, it is also discovered. Too much caffeine can cause palpitations, high blood pressure, and too much pee. Even if you don’t have to stop using caffeine, restrict it to one or two cups a day. Remember, caffeine can enter the circulation of the baby through the placenta and cause harm. So, caffeine is a beverage you have to avoid during pregnancy.
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Smoking
Pregnant women are not supposed to smoke. This is because both the mother and her child are dangerously affected. Physical abnormalities, premature labor and low birth weight can be caused. Furthermore, pregnant women should prevent second-hand smoke exposure (this is when a female is in the same setting as a smoker).
Illicit drugs
The damaging impacts of all illegal drugs will be on the unborn child. They improve the risk of birth defects and miscarriage. Moreover, because of the habits of their mothers, children are born with drug addiction. They often exhibit symptoms of withdrawal after birth. Illicit drugs are too bad you have to avoid during pregnancy.
Certain foods
Selection of food during pregnancy is critical. While most foods may be safe to eat during pregnancy, some foods may be detrimental to both the child and the mother. Examples of such foods are undercooked foods, raw fish, processed foods e.g meat.
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Seafoods/certain fish
Tuna fish, shark, swordfish and some sea foods contain elevated mercury concentrations that can influence the brain of the growing neonate.
Raw meat/fish/eggs
Pregnant women should avoid raw meat meals like sushi and raw oysters because they can harbor damaging germs (salmonella and toxoplasma) that may cause food poisoning. Avoid eating unbaked cake dough as it may contain raw salmonella-possible eggs. It may also be dangerous to have homemade mayonnaise and salad dressing.
Unprocessed milk products
These can lead to intoxication of food. Make sure it is produced from pasteurized milk when you buy cheese.
Medications
Before you use drugs always discuss with your doctor. This involves the use of painkillers over the counter (some are detrimental to the unborn child). Avoid herbal medication during pregnancy (within this period there are very few trials to evaluate their security). Some medicines should not be used during pregnancy (particularly during the first three months) to treat cough and cold— always ask your pharmacist about their security before buying. Always tell your doctor that before they prescribe antibiotics to you, that you are pregnant, as some are not to beavoid during pregnancy.
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When are these foods more dangerous to the baby?
During the first three months of pregnancy, the child is most susceptible. The essential organs of the baby are forming during this era, and external variables can lead to malformation/birth defects. Most women do not know the foods or beverages to avoid during pregnancy. Unfortunately, by the end of the second month, most females only become conscious of their pregnancy. The child is often accidentally subjected to damaging substances during this moment.