Being pregnant means not only a huge change in your lifestyle (and body) but also a barrage of (often unsolicitated) advice coming your way.
With unlimited access to the internet, increased awareness about pregnancy-related ailments, well-meaning relatives and your own gynaecologist's suggestions, mums-to-be are often left confused and even slightly alarmed at what to do and what to avoid, keeping in mind the fact that one wrong step could negatively impact the health of your baby.
When it comes to food though, it is important that you know exactly what to consume and what to steer clear from. This will ensure that both you and the foetus are safe. Here are some things pregnant women should keep in mind...
As tempted as you may feel to tuck into seafood, certain types are best avoided. Stay away from any type of raw meat -this includes oysters, sushi and other types of shellfish, which may contain bacteria or parasites. Also avoid mackerel and swordfish, which are known to contain high levels of mercury -said to be bad for a growing foetus's nervous system.
- It is also important to ensure that your food is thoroughly cooked. Eating raw or uncooked food drastically increases your chances of acquiring a foodborne illness.
- Always check the expiry dates of things in your kitchen before consuming them. This is a habit that it important you cultivate even after you deliver your baby .
- Unpasteurised dairy foods are also a cause for concern -such food items may contain bacteria that can severely harm an unborn foetus. Ensure that the quality of dairy that you consume comes from a reliable source.
- While fresh fruits and vegetables are a good choice for pregnant women, it is advisable to stay away from raw sprouts, which may contain harmful bacteria. However, sprouts that are cooked thoroughly are safe to consume.
- Alcohol consumption can permanently lead to mental as well as physical deformities in the foetus. Hence, it is best to completely stay away from any sort of alcohol consumption.
- The water you drink has to be boiled -there have been a number of cases, say experts, where contaminated water has caused pregnant women to suffer from gastroenteritis and other similar types of ailments. Resist drinking water from unknown sources and carry your own water bottle when you step out.
- If you're a caffeine lover, your consumption should be a bare minimum -having too much caffeine in your system can increase your chances of miscarriage and a low weight baby .
- Certain foods are known to cause allergies -peanuts, mushrooms, flour -so it's best you avoid them during pregnancy .
Source: Times of India
BDST: 1529 HRS, DEC- 05, 2015
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor
