What You Shouldn't Eat or Drink While Pregnant

In a conversation, doctor dietician Pankaj Kumar mentioned that some food items should must be avoided by pregnant women, as they are fatal for fetus. Let's discuss about that:

1. Methylmercury accumulates in the body over time from eating high mercury fish. Mercury poisoning can affect the developing nervous system and brain.
2. Raw or undercooked seafood: Raw seafood is more likely to harbor parasites, bacteria, or other microorganisms than cooked seafood. Do not put your infant in harm's way by exposing him or her to that!
3. Meat that has been served undercooked, raw, or processed is associated with an increased risk of food poisoning and vomiting in pregnant women due to the presence of listeria bacteria. Microorganisms, such as bacteria that can cause illness, are commonly found in raw and undercooked meat.
4. Salmonella, a bacteria that causes food poisoning, vomiting, and diarrhoea, can live in raw eggs, making them unsafe to eat during pregnancy.
5. Consuming an excessive amount of vitamin A, which is found in organ meat, can lead to birth defects or even miscarriage, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
6. Caffeine: According to the best dietician in Delhi, Dr. Pankaj Kumar, caffeine is a stimulant, and stimulants in general raise heart rate and blood pressure, which are both dangerous in pregnancy. Also, the placenta is a rather permeable membrane, and caffeine can make its way through it.
7. Sprouts, especially when consumed in their raw form, are a breeding ground for bacteria because of the favorable conditions of heat and moisture they provide (like Salmonella and E. coli). So, eating sprouts raw is probably not a good idea.
8. Undercooked meat and unwashed vegetables are common places for the harmful parasite Toxoplasma gondii to thrive, so it's important to avoid eating these during pregnancy if you can.
9. Milk, cheese, and juice that haven't been pasteurized: Food poisoning can be caused by bacteria found in raw, unpasteurized milk, such as E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter jejuni.
10. Alcohol: Drinking during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, increases the risk that the baby will be born with structural defects, including abnormal facial features, as per mentioned by the best dietician in Dwarka, Dr. Pankaj Kumar.
11. Consumption of processed junk food during pregnancy has been linked to an increase in acrylamide, a toxin that is harmful to the developing fetus.

Dietary Recommendations for Pregnant Women

1. Products from the Dairy Industry Dairy products are an excellent source of many essential nutrients, including calcium and vitamins, that are essential to a growing baby.
2. Protein, fiber, iron, folate, and calcium—all of which are needed more than usual during pregnancy—are all found in abundance in legumes.
3. Beta carotene, which is abundant in sweet potatoes, is crucial for the growth and development of a baby's eyes and other vital organs.
4. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid abundant in salmon, is lacking in pregnant women and must be supplemented.
5. Eggs: They have a lot of protein and are great for you. They supply essential amino acids for the growing infant. They are a good source of choline and more than a dozen other vitamins and minerals.
6. Vitamins A, C, B6, K, folate, and antioxidants can all be found in abundance in dark, leafy greens like broccoli. Thus, they guarantee an adequate supply of hemoglobin, support robust bones, and shield against skin issues.
7. Meat and protein sources: lean meat is a great way to get the high-quality protein your body needs, especially since it's growing a human.
8. Berries have a lot of good things going for them, including a high water content, wholesome carbs, vitamin C, and fiber. Furthermore, they could assist in boosting your hydration and nutrient intake.
9. Whole grains: Whole grains are a great source of minerals and vitamin B, both of which are essential for the proper development of the fetus.
10. Avocados: Avocados are rich in several nutrients important to a developing baby, such as vitamin C, folate, and magnesium.
11. Minerals like calcium, potassium, and zinc can be found in abundance in dried fruits. Thanks to their high fiber content, they're great for pregnant women trying to avoid bloating and gas.
12. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish liver oils, are the healthiest type of fat you can eat. They lessen the likelihood of a premature birth.
13. It is recommended that pregnant women consume 8-11 glasses of water daily. Better digestion is aided, and the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus is kept at a healthy level.