W(caps)hen you're expecting a child, one of the first things to learn is what you can and
cannot consume. If you're a huge fan of sushi, coffee, or rare steak, this
might be a major disappointment.
Fortunately, there is more food available to you than there is food that you cannot consume. All you have to do now is learn how to navigate the seas (the low mercury waters, that is). If you want to stay healthy, you'll need to pay close attention to what you eat and drink.
There are some meals that should only be taken in moderation, while others that should be avoided at all costs.
Table of Contents(toc)
Here are 5 foods and beverages that you should avoid or limit while you are pregnant.
1. High Mercury Fish
Mercury is
an extremely dangerous element that should be avoided at all costs. There is no
known safe threshold of exposure to this substance, and it is most typically
found in contaminated water.
It can be
hazardous to your neurological system, immunological system, and kidneys if
consumed in large quantities. It has also been shown to cause major
developmental issues in children, with negative effects occurring even at
modest doses.
Large
marine fish can collect significant quantities of mercury since they are
located in contaminated waters. In order to prevent high mercury fish when
pregnant or nursing, it is recommended to avoid them altogether.
Fish
that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided include:
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shark
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swordfish
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king
mackerel
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tuna
(especially bigeye tuna)
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marlin
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tilefish
from the Gulf of Mexico
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orange
roughy
It's
crucial to remember, however, that not all fish are rich in mercury; rather,
only specific varieties of fish are.
When it
comes to pregnancy, eating low-mercury fish is quite beneficial; these fish may
be consumed up to three times per week, according to the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA).
Low
mercury fish are plentiful and include the following species:
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anchovies
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cod
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flounder
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haddock
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salmon
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tilapia
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trout
(freshwater)
The omega-3
fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon and anchovies, which are
essential for your baby's development, make them particularly nutritious
choices.
2. Undercooked or Raw Fish
This one
will be difficult for you sushi enthusiasts, but it is a very essential one.
Raw seafood, particularly shellfish, has the potential to spread a variety of
illnesses. Norovirus, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Listeria are examples of diseases
that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Some of
these diseases may just affect you, producing dehydration and weakness as a
result of the infection. Other infections may be passed on to your kid, which
might have significant, if not deadly, consequences for him or her.
Infections
caused by listeria are particularly dangerous for pregnant women. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that pregnant women are up
to ten times more likely than the general population to become infected with
Listeria than the general population. Pregnant Hispanic women are 24 times more
at risk than other pregnant women.
This
bacterium may be found in soil, polluted water, and plants, among other places.
It is possible for raw fish to get contaminated during processing, such as
smoking or drying.
Listeria germs gets transferred to your kid
through the placenta, even if you are not displaying any symptoms of disease
yourself. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
this can result in premature birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, and other major
health concerns.
It is
strongly suggested to avoid eating raw fish and shellfish, which includes many
sushi dishes, at all costs. Do not be concerned; you will appreciate it much
more once the kid is born and it is okay to consume again after the birth of
the child.
3. Undercooked, Raw, and Processed Meat
Some of the
same difficulties that arise with raw fish can arise with undercooked beef.
When you consume undercooked or raw meat, you increase your chances of
contracting germs or parasites such as Toxoplasma, E. coli, Listeria, and
Salmonella.
It is
possible that bacteria will endanger the health of your child, resulting in stillbirth
or serious neurological disorders such as intellectual impairment, blindness,
and epilepsy.
While the
majority of bacteria are located on the surface of complete chunks of meat,
certain germs may be discovered deep within the muscle fibres of the animal.
It is
possible that some entire pieces of meat, such as tenderloins, sirloins, or
ribeye from beef, lamb, or veal, will be safe to eat if they are not completely
cooked through. This, however, only applies when the piece of meat is in full
or uncut, and the exterior has been thoroughly cooked before it is served.
The
consumption of raw or undercooked cut meats, such as beef patties and burgers
as well as minced meat, pig, and chicken, is strongly discouraged. For the time
being, keep those burgers on the grill well done.
Hot dogs,
lunch meat, and meat are all dangerous sources, which may come as a surprise to
some expecting mothers. During the preparation or storage of this kind of meat,
it may become infected with a variety of microorganisms.
Processed
meat items should not be consumed by pregnant women until they have been
reheated until they are boiling hot.
4. Raw Eggs
Salmonella
germs can be found in raw eggs and should be avoided.
Salmonella
infections are characterised by symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting,
stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.
It is
possible that in rare situations, the infection could produce cramping in the
uterus, which will result in a premature birth or a stillbirth.
The
following are examples of foods that frequently contain raw eggs:
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lightly
scrambled eggs
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poached
eggs
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hollandaise
sauce
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homemade
mayonnaise
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homemade
ice cream
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homemade
cake icings
The vast
majority of commercial items that include raw eggs are manufactured using
pasteurised eggs and are thus completely safe to eat. However, you should
always double-check the label to be certain.
To be on
the safe side, always be sure to properly boil eggs or to use pasteurised eggs
whenever possible. Put away the very runny yolks and homemade mayonnaise until
after the baby has made their appearance.
5. Caffeine
There are
millions of people who enjoy their daily cups of coffee, tea, soft drinks, or
chocolate. You may be one of them. When it comes to our love of coffee, you're
most certainly not alone in your feelings.
According
to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women are
typically recommended to limit their caffeine intake to fewer than 200
milligrammes (mg) per day, unless absolutely necessary (ACOG).
Caffeine is
absorbed fast and readily passes into the placenta, where it is stored. Because
newborns and their placentas lack the key enzyme required to metabolise
caffeine, excessive quantities of the stimulant can accumulate in their bodies.
High
caffeine consumption during pregnancy has been demonstrated to inhibit foetal
development and increase the likelihood of delivering a baby with a low birth
weight.
An
increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes is connected with low birth
weight, which is defined as less than 5 lbs. 8 oz. (or 2.5 kg).
Infant
mortality is attributed to this source, as is an increased risk of chronic
disorders in adulthood.
Watch your
daily cup of coffee or soda to make sure your kid isn't exposed to too much
caffeine throughout his or her early development.
