What fruits and vegetables to avoid during pregnancy

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01/9Fruits during pregnancy: What to eat and what to avoid

When it comes to your pregnancy diet, every expecting mother tries her level best to only include the healthiest food items in her diet. Fruits occupy the top tier when it comes to pregnancy-friendly food items, as they are natural and super healthy for the body. But can to-be mothers consume all types of fruits during pregnancy? Well, there are certain fruits you need to avoid to prevent any complications and there are some fruits which are a must in your diet during the pregnancy period.

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02/9​Fruits to eat during pregnancy- Bananas

Bananas should be on the top of your list and can be eaten throughout the pregnancy. They are rich in carbohydrates and will give you the much-needed energy during this time. Bananas are super healthy for those ladies who suffer from anemia, as it gives a good boost to the haemoglobin levels. This fruit can also be made into a smoothie and savoured in many other different ways. Make sure you consult a dietician before eating bananas during pregnancy if you have allergies or diabetes.

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03/9​Apples

Another fruit which is available round the year and must be included in your diet is apple. It is a good source of fibre, potassium and iron, which fills up for the nutrient needs of the body. You can mix chopped apples and bananas together to make a tasty fruit salad for yourself.

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04/9​Oranges

Vitamin C filled oranges are another great option to satiate food cravings in pregnant women. Oranges are rich in healthy fats and contain folate which promotes healthy growth of the brain in the foetus.

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05/9​Watermelon

Watermelon is a super healthy fruit which is full of water content. It helps in flushing the toxins out of the body and also keeps your body hydrated. The fruit also helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance but make sure you consume it in moderation, as excess of it might cause bloating.

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06/9​Fruits to avoid during pregnancy-Papaya

Semi ripe papaya contains latex which can induce premature contractions. This can not only cause stomach ache but can also be dangerous for the baby. Papaya must be avoided at any cost as it can cause premature labor and in the worst case scenario, even miscarriages.

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07/9​Pineapple

Pineapple is a sweet and sour fruit which women might crave for during pregnancy but this fruit must be kept away from them. The fruit is loaded with bromelain which can cause softening of the cervix that may induce early labour. On the other hand, eating pineapple might even cause diarrhoea during pregnancy.

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08/9​Grapes

Grapes are usually forbidden for pregnant women, especially during the final trimester. They contain a compound called resveratrol which can mess up with the hormones and can cause an imbalance. Grapes also have heat producing properties, which can affect both the mother and the baby.

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09/9​Frozen Fruits

Frozen Fruits are usually preserved to extend their shelf-life and aren’t a healthy food option for mothers to-be. Frozen and canned fruits aren’t fresh and in some cases can even be toxic for the babies. It is best to always opt for fresh and seasonal fruits when it comes to diet for pregnant women.

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What fruits and vegetables to avoid during pregnancy

Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in the body, and pregnant women should consider adjusting their eating habits to adapt to these changes. Diet is one of the most important factors that can affect a pregnant woman’s overall health and the health of her child. Important foods to avoid include raw shellfish and undercooked eggs.

Eating a healthful diet is essential during pregnancy, but there are some foods that pregnant women should avoid altogether. Many people understand the risks of eating high-mercury fish or raw meats, but there are also other foods that many people would not expect to cause potential issues during pregnancy.

Pregnancy affects the immune system, which may make some women more susceptible to infection. Many foods carry bacteria or other infectious germs that may cause problems during pregnancy. Even in cases where the pregnant woman does not feel sick, some of these germs may still affect the fetus.

Though many people see fish as a good, clean source of protein and nutrients, such as fatty acids, the type of fish a pregnant person eats is very important.

Some fish tend to be high in mercury, which is very toxic and cause problems for both the pregnant parent and the fetus.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (USDHHS), pregnant women should avoid the following fish:

  • big eye tuna
  • marlin
  • swordfish
  • king mackerel
  • shark
  • orange roughy
  • Gulf of Mexico tilefish

They also recommend avoiding all raw or undercooked fish, such as from sushi or sashimi. Uncooked fish may contain parasites or harmful bacteria. Cook all fish to 145℉.

However, many fish are still safe to eat while pregnant. As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) note, some fish contain lower levels of mercury, including:

  • anchovies
  • sardines
  • herring
  • catfish
  • flounder
  • salmon
  • canned light tuna
  • tilapia

These fish choices can help provide helpful nutrients, and the FDA recommend eating two to three servings of these fish each week.

Though some people may think they can drink small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy, there is no safe level for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that any alcohol in the woman’s blood passes to the fetus through the umbilical cord. This may cause a range of physical or mental developmental issues.

Most doctors will advise pregnant women to avoid alcohol.

While pregnant, it is best to avoid all raw seafood, especially raw shellfish. The USDHHS food safety website notes that raw shellfish, such as oysters, crab, and clams, may be a potential source of Vibrio bacteria, which can cause cholera and other infections. Cook all shellfish to 145 °F.

These infections may cause loss of water and electrolytes in the body, which can be severe and potentially fatal. They may also cause a change in the immune system that puts the child’s health at risk.

A study in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases reports that there is a link between abnormal changes in the immune system during pregnancy and other issues, such as poor fetal growth, preterm birth, and preeclampsia.

Share on PinterestDeli meats and soft cheeses are not safe to eat during pregnancy.

Some types of meat could harbor the potentially dangerous Listeria bacteria.

According to the CDC, Listeria infections may be particularly dangerous for pregnant women and newborns. Listeria can also lead to miscarriage.

To avoid contracting Listeria, cook all meat to 165℉ before eating it. This includes all meats that a person would normally eat cold, such as sliced meats from a deli.

This may be more difficult for cured meats, such as Serrano ham, pepperoni, or pancetta, so it may be best to avoid these meats.

Greens and sprouts are generally great foods to add to the diet as they contain large amounts of fiber and nutrients. However, some greens or sprouts may contain bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause infection.

A study in the Clinical Microbiology and Infection notes that bacterial infections of the blood, of which E. coli infections are among the most common types, are potentially fatal during pregnancy. It is essential to avoid E. coli while pregnant.

The CDC note that E. coli infections are hard to pin down because they can derive from many different sources.

An E. coli infection can cause a variety of problems, including food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and respiratory illness.

About 20 percent of E. coli infections are due to contaminated foods, which may include greens and sprouts.

Avoid raw or undercooked sprouts, such as:

  • mung beans
  • alfalfa
  • clover
  • radish

Always use fresh, new sprouts and cook them thoroughly before eating them.

The USDHHS also warn against eating salads made in a store deli. Be wary if the salad contains ingredients that may carry bacteria, such as ham, chicken, or seafood.

Eggs are a simple source of protein and nutrients, but undercooked or raw eggs may contain Salmonella bacteria. The CDC note that a Salmonella infection typically lasts about a week, though it may be more serious in people with compromised immune systems and very young children.

Pregnant women can prevent infection by avoiding sources of raw or undercooked eggs, such as:

  • poached or fried eggs with a runny yolk
  • lightly scrambled eggs
  • salad dressings that contain egg, such as Caesar dressing
  • tiramisu
  • eggnog
  • artisan or homemade ice cream
  • cake batter
  • cookie dough
  • hollandaise sauce
  • casseroles and other products containing eggs

When buying eggs, choose pasteurized eggs. The pasteurization process kills all bacteria in the egg, reducing the risk of infection. Always check the labels of store-bought products containing egg to check for pasteurization. Cook all eggs and products that contain eggs to 160 ℉.

Many kinds of cheese contain helpful bacteria, but some contain harmful bacteria as well.

The USDHHS recommend that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, such as:

  • feta
  • Gorgonzola
  • Brie
  • Camembert
  • Roquefort
  • queso fresco

Soft cheese may contain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria or E. coli. It is safer to eat hard varieties, such as Swiss or Cheddar cheese. Pasteurized cheese is an even better choice, so check the label to ensure the cheese is made from pasteurized milk.

Share on PinterestDrinking high amounts of caffeine may increase the risk of pregnancy loss.

While some people can enjoy a small amount of caffeine during pregnancy, doctors often recommend that pregnant women avoid it completely because caffeine can pass to the fetus.

A fetus is unable to break down caffeine, which can cause problems.

As a 2016 study in Public Health Nutrition notes, pregnant women who consume higher levels of caffeine may run the risk of pregnancy loss, though the research is still inconclusive.

The USDHHS advise pregnant women to avoid both unpasteurized milk and unpasteurized fruit juice.

Unpasteurized milk may contain E. coli, Listeria, or Salmonella.

These bacteria can cause severe infections in pregnant women, especially if their immune system is already stressed. Always drink pasteurized milk and check the labels of any milk-containing foods to confirm this.

Unpasteurized juice or cider may be a source of E. coli. Avoid raw fruit juices or cider, including fresh squeezed juices, such as orange or apple juice. Boil any unpasteurized juice or cider for at least 1 minute to eliminate bacteria before letting it cool and drinking.

Though there are some restrictions to the diet while pregnant, these restrictions help to ensure the health of both woman and child.

As pregnancy causes many changes in the body, doctors may recommend individual dietary options.

By working with a doctor or nutritionist, most people can find a diet plan that helps them avoid problematic foods during pregnancy.

Which vegetables should avoid in pregnancy?

Greens and sprouts are generally great foods to add to the diet as they contain large amounts of fiber and nutrients. However, some greens or sprouts may contain bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause infection..
mung beans..
alfalfa..
clover..
radish..

What are 5 foods a pregnant woman should avoid?

Foods to avoid when pregnant.
Some types of cheese. Don't eat mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie, camembert and chevre (a type of goat's cheese) and others with a similar rind. ... .
Pâté ... .
Raw or partially cooked eggs. ... .
Raw or undercooked meat. ... .
Liver products. ... .
Supplements containing vitamin A. ... .
Some types of fish. ... .
Raw shellfish..

What are 3 foods you are not supposed to eat during pregnancy?

What foods are completely off limits during pregnancy?.
Raw or undercooked meat, including beef, poultry and pork. ... .
Raw fish, especially shellfish. ... .
Fish that can be high in mercury, like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. ... .
Refrigerated pates, meat spreads or smoked seafood..