What Not to Eat When You are Pregnant

What Not to Eat When You are Pregnant

You are pregnant – the minute you hear those words all kinds of thoughts start running through your mind, and one of the main ones is what to eat and what not to eat when you are pregnant. After all, you want to make sure your baby is healthy and that you

remain healthy.

It is important that you avoid foods that high in mercury. Fish

are high in protein and omega 3 fatty acids, but mercury is a very

real concern, especially for your fetus. Too much mercury has the

potential to damage the nervous system of your baby. The FDA and

EPA recommend avoiding shark, swordfish, King mackerel, and

tilefish.

The FDA and EPA say that 8 – 12 ounces of any of the following seafood are fine for pregnant women to eat. This includes shrimp, crab, tuna, salmon, catfish, tilapia, Pollock and cod. Different doctors have their own idea of what is safe, so talk to your doctor before eating seafood during your pregnancy.

A pregnant woman should always avoid under cooked meat, eggs and poultry. When you are pregnant, you are at risk of bacterial food poisoning. To prevent foodborne illness makes sure the meat you eat if completely cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked. You should always cook hot dogs and processed meats until

they are steaming hot to avoid illnesses such as listeriosis. It’s even better if you avoid completely.

Do not buy raw poultry that is already stuffed as this can cause bacteria to grow. If you choose to buy these types of products make, sure they are thoroughly cooked.

Pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized milk, Brie, feta, blue cheese, camembert, or Mexican cheese as all of these can lead to foodborne illness. Eggs should be pasteurized and not fresh as there is also a risk of bacteria.

When you are not pregnant, the majority of these foods do not pose a risk. However, to your unborn baby a bacterial infection or food poisoning can be life threatening. As a result, the FDA, EPA, and most doctors recommend that you avoid any food that is considered high risk. It is a good idea to speak with your doctor, whom you trust, about what is right for you. Eating a healthy diet is important to your health during your pregnancy, and to your baby’s health.

What You Should Eat or Should Not Eat During Pregnancy

What You Should Eat What You Should Not Eat During Pregnancy

 

From the minute you find out you are pregnant most moms-to-be have a number of questions relating to pregnancy nutrition. What foods you should be eating and which foods should you be avoiding as the next nine months progress. Some foods are even better completely avoided.  Then there is all those old wives’ tales to sort through and figure out truth from fiction. Let’s try to simplify things at least a little for you in this article.

Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

When you are pregnant, you should try to avoid, even better cut

out, sugar and artificial sweetener from your diet. Don’t make the

mistake of replacing sugar with Sucralose, aspartame or other

artificial sweeteners, which are potent chemicals with

questionable health concerns. In fact, there affect on the fetus

is not yet established and there is a belief they could pose a

health risk to your baby.

Sugar is responsible for a number of pregnancy concerns but the most worrisome is the fast release of insulin in your body. This can result in your pancreas falling short of being able to do its job properly, which in turn leads to an increase in blood sugar levels in the body.

Even if you don’t suffer from high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, if you have a high blood sugar, it can lead to birth complications, a very large baby causing labor problems, and excessive weight gain. If you must use sugar or you want to satisfy a sweet tooth look for raw honey, agave syrup, stevia, etc.

Caffeine

Since caffeine stimulates the nervous system, it is important to

cut your caffeine intake. It will also leach calcium, which is

necessary during pregnancy. When you are depleted of calcium your

baby will also be depleted, and so the fetus will draw on your

calcium reserves, which in turn will decrease your calcium more.

It becomes a vicious circle. Caffeine is also a diuretic and so

there is a danger of becoming dehydrated. This is especially true

if you are suffering from morning sickness. Drinking too much

coffee can actually result in it crossing the placenta and

affecting your baby.

Processed Foods

Processed foods contain all kinds of preservatives and fillers,

which are not healthy and can affect the health of your baby. They

are generally also high in sugar and sodium, which should be

avoided. Rather than processed why not opt for whole and organic

foods, which are safer and healthier food choices.

Bottom line - healthy food choices lead to a healthier mother.