Foods To Eat and To Avoid During Pregnancy

Women need to have optimal nutrition while they are pregnant. They need to go ahead with a healthy diet at such times. With an optimal nutrient, they can cover the physical demand of pregnancy being raised. It also helps in the development of the fetus.

Women must have a healthy diet, including a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. However, women must know what foods to avoid during pregnancy. Some foods and drinks badly affect the lady’s and the baby’s health inside the womb.

What foods to eat for pregnant women?

During pregnancy, healthcare professionals recommend having a balanced and rich nutritious diet of foods. A pregnant woman’s diet should include numerous plant and animal-based foods, such as vegetables, proteins, eggs, and more. Mentioned below are some of the foods women should intake while being pregnant.

Dairy products

People need to intake extra calcium and protein for the proper growth of a little one in the womb. They must opt for dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, etc., along with their daily diet. There are two major types of protein with high quality, namely, whey and casein. It is one of the best sources to have calcium in the diet. It also holds high amounts of vitamin B, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and so on. However, pregnant ladies should only take the dairy products such as cheese, unpasteurized milk, etc., in a limited amount.

Leafy vegetables

Green and leafy vegetables are a great source of nutrients. People who consume them get multiple benefits such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, fibre, calcium, iron, etc. It should be consumed even if people do not like its taste. The vegetables help decrease the risk of low birth weight and also reduce the constipation level caused due to fibres.

Dried fruits

Dried fruit is essential for people as it contains high amounts of fibre, minerals, calories, and numerous vitamins. It is found that a single piece of dried fruit holds the same quantity of nutrients in a smaller form as a fresh fruit would have. It contains several vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, folate, etc. It also offers a good amount of natural sugar. Thus, pregnant women are suggested to have dried fruit if they are craving something sweet.

Whole grain

Whole grains are one of the best suits for pregnant women because they are packed with different nutrients, vitamins, fibre, etc. Some foods to avoid during pregnancy are white rice, white bread, junk foods, etc. Pregnant women should consume brown rice, barley, oats, wheat berries, quinoa, etc.

What are the foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should avoid various foods to decrease illness or any other complications. Mentioned below are some of the foods that should be avoided while pregnant.

• Junk food

During pregnancy, women should go ahead with an optimal pregnancy diet plan. A healthy and nutrition-rich diet should include whole foods with good nutrients. It will help in fulfilling the developmental requirements of the baby and mother. Junk foods are harmful to health and usually consist of low nutrients. It also has high sugar, calories and fats content.

• Raw or processed foods

One of the foods to avoid during pregnancy is raw or processed meat. It increases the risk of getting an infection from numerous parasites or bacterias, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Toxoplasma, Listeria, etc. Consumption of processed or raw meat can result in life-threatening consequences for both mother and baby, for example, epilepsy, permanent blindness, and other neurological issues.

• Caffeine

Women are recommended to avoid consuming more caffeine. They must intake caffeine in a limited amount, which should not exceed 200 milligrams (mg) daily. It harms the little ones inside the womb because caffeine gets absorbed easily and is passed into the placenta quickly. The main enzyme is missing in the baby and their placenta; thus, the caffeine can not get metabolised. Consumption of caffeine in high amounts can result in foetal growth restriction, low birth weight, etc.

• Alcohol

Women need to know what drinks and foods to avoid during pregnancy. Pregnant women are recommended not to consume a single sip of alcohol in such conditions. It results in an increment in the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. If the mother takes even a small amount of alcohol while pregnant, she can negatively impact the little one’s brain development.

The Bottom Line

Pregnant ladies should consume as healthy as they can. They need to have a rich, nutritious, healthy diet because the little ones only need it. They must have a good eating plan and diet. Some must-have foods in the diet are fruits, whole grains, vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, etc. People can also consult a dietitian to intake the best possible foods, drinks, juices, etc. If you are feeling any issues associated with your health, Visit PSRI Hospital website to know more.