What is A Good Pregnancy Diet?

When you are pregnant and you want to savor your favorite foods, the first question that arises in your mind is “Should I eat this or not”? While most foods could be safe to include in your daily diet, there are many that should not be a part of a pregnancy diet. Getting the right nutrition is as essential as it is to prepare for the inevitable medical costs related to pregnancy. To avoid your budget going awry, you can insure yourself with a no waiting period OPD health plan.

Have a look below to know about some of the foods from which you should maintain a distance while you are pregnant.

1. Unpasteurized Milk

Unpasteurized milk may contain Listeria which can cause premature delivery.

Solution: You should ensure that any milk you drink during pregnancy is pasteurized. So that, you and your baby can stay healthy and fit during pregnancy.

2. Some Fruits and Vegetables

Although there are no proven studies, but it is said that one should avoid certain fruits and vegetables like:

i) Semi-ripe and unripe Papaya: To prevent premature uterine contractions

ii) Pineapple: Its intake should be restricted, especially to avoid any unforeseen event such as softening of the cervix leading to early labor.

iii) Eggplant/Brinjal: Avoid brinjal as it has the property of stimulating menses which may lead to abortion.

3. Raw or Partially cooked eggs

You should avoid raw eggs, poached eggs and half-boiled eggs.
You should also avoid preparations that contain raw eggs, for example – cake icing and salad dressings. Raw eggs contain the risk of introducing Salmonella, which can cause fever, nausea, flu, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. It may also lead to premature delivery.

Solution: Eat only cooked eggs that contain firm yolks or a well-cooked omelette.

4. Fennel seeds (dhania)

Fennel seeds are known to cause harm if consumed in excess while being pregnant. It has traces of phytoestrogens that perform the function of female estrogen and stimulate uterine contractions which may lead to an early labor.

Solution: It is better to avoid fennel seeds (Dhania) and other spices like fenugreek seeds (Methi) during pregnancy.

5. Processed Junk foods – A No-No in a Pregnancy Diet

Processed junk foods are unhealthy and contain a huge number of calories, and added fats. Some junk foods are excessively high in sugar content and may be responsible for increased risk of gestational diabetes and birth complications. It can also lead to the baby becoming overweight, which may be troublesome at the time of delivery.

Solution: Have only healthy and fresh food. Increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes in your diet.

6. Excess Caffeine

Well, it is very difficult to refrain oneself from coffee or tea when you absolutely love it. But high levels of caffeine can lead to restricted fetal growth and increased risk of low birth weight of a baby at the time of delivery. Some studies have linked caffeine intake to miscarriages.

Solution: Reduce your intake of coffee to 2 cups and it is better to go for decaffeinated beverages, especially in your first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage is high.

7. Some varieties of Fish

Some fishes contain a high level of Mercury such as shark, swordfish, fish mackerel, and tuna and are known to cause brain damage and delay in the growth of the fetus. Mercury can be toxic to nervous system, immune system, and kidneys as well.

Solution: Have fishes which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon and catfish as they help in the baby’s brain development and can be eaten twice a week.

8. Certain Cheeses

Some processed foods containing soft mold ripened cheese (like Danish and Gorgonzola) can be risky during pregnancy. The reason making them unfavorable to consume is that soft cheese can harbor the bacteria called Listeria which can cause premature delivery or even miscarriage. Listeria can also lead to a condition called Listeriosis that shows symptoms like flu for several weeks.

Solution: Eat hard cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss as they do not contain water unlike soft cheeses and therefore are less likely to harbor any bacteria.

9. Alcohol

There is no amount of alcohol that is considered to be safe for a pregnant woman. Alcohol negatively influences the healthy development of the baby and also poses several harmful risks to the baby. It might also cause miscarriage.

Solution: You may have a little bit of red wine.

Pregnancy is the most beautiful and memorable phase in a woman’s life and every woman wishes to have a safe pregnancy. So strive to eat only healthy foods during your pregnancy because you are eating not only for yourself but also for the new life inside you. Along with healthy eating, make sure to visit your gynecologist for regular checkups. Being financially prepared with health insurance plans such as Apollo Munich’s Day2Day Care can help you take the best care of yourself and your child. This plan provides a cover for unlimited doctor consultations at network centers as well as a pharmacy & diagnostics cover.

So what are you eating or what did you eat during your pregnancy to stay healthy?