Pregnancy typically lasts around 40 weeks, or 280 days, from the first day of your last menstrual period to the estimated due date. This period is divided into three trimesters:
- First trimester: Weeks 1-12
- Second trimester: Weeks 13-26
- Third trimester: Weeks 27-birth
Each trimester brings its own set of changes and milestones as the baby develops and the mother’s body adjusts to pregnancy. It’s important to seek regular prenatal care throughout these stages to monitor the health of both mother and baby.
During pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby
During pregnant, everything you consume can impact your growing baby. While some foods and even certain types of food poisoning might not pose immediate risks to you, they can potentially harm your little one. And as you likely know, abstaining from alcohol throughout your pregnancy is essential for your baby’s well-being.
Here are 5 types of food to steer clear of or reduce intake while expecting:
1. Avoid consuming raw seafood, including fish and shellfish.
Raw fish, especially shellfish, can indeed pose risks during pregnancy due to the potential presence of bacteria and parasites like norovirus, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Listeria. These microorganisms can lead to infections that could be harmful to both the mother and the baby.
During pregnancy, the immune system undergoes changes, making pregnant women more susceptible to certain infections. Additionally, the consequences of such infections can be more severe during pregnancy due to the potential impact on fetal development.
Ingesting contaminated raw fish can lead to symptoms such as dehydration and weakness in the mother. Moreover, some infections can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus, potentially leading to complications like preterm delivery, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or other serious health issues for both the mother and the baby.
2. Avoid Caffeine When Pregnancy
Minimize your caffeine intake during pregnancy as it can traverse to your baby, though its precise impact remains uncertain. For safety measures, your healthcare provider may advise abstaining from caffeine entirely or restricting it to under 200 milligrams (mg) per day.
A typical 8-ounce (240-milliliter, mL) serving of brewed coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine. Likewise, an equivalent portion of brewed tea contains about 47 mg. Meanwhile, a 12-ounce (360-mL) caffeinated cola carries around 33 mg.
3. Lower Alcohol
It’s vital to understand that no quantity of alcohol has been demonstrated as safe during pregnancy. As a precautionary measure, it’s strongly advised to abstain from alcohol entirely.
Assess the potential risks. Consuming alcohol while pregnant heightens the likelihood of miscarriage and stillbirth. Additionally, it can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, resulting in facial abnormalities and decreased cognitive abilities.
If you have concerns regarding alcohol consumption prior to knowing about your pregnancy or if you feel you require assistance in ceasing alcohol intake, it’s crucial to engage in a conversation with your healthcare provider.
4. Avoid unpasteurized dairy items
Avoid unpasteurized dairy items such as raw milk since they may harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, which are associated with various forms of foodborne illnesses. These infections pose serious risks to the health of an unborn child.
Bacterial contamination can happen naturally or during the handling and storage of dairy products. Pasteurization effectively eliminates any harmful bacteria while preserving the nutritional integrity of the products. To mitigate the risk of infections, opt for pasteurized dairy options exclusively.
5. Avoid consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables.
To eliminate potentially harmful bacteria, thoroughly wash all raw produce before consumption. Refrain from eating any raw sprouts, such as alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean, as they may contain harmful bacteria. Ensure that sprouts are fully cooked before consumption.