When you're pregnant, everything that goes into your mouth gets shared with your growing baby. Even though some types of foods and even some types of food poisoning may not hurt you, they may harm your little one. To avoid food poisoning, be careful not to eat any food left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours (or more than one hour in hot weather)
It’s well known that a mother’s diet during pregnancy is very important to the health of her baby. Expecting mothers need to consume more vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are helpful for a fetus’ growth and development. However, Healthline list 5 foods pregnant women can eat and 5 they should avoid.
Foods Pregnant Women Can eat
1) Dairy products
During pregnancy, you need to consume extra protein and calcium to meet the needs of your growing little one. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt should be on the docket.
Dairy foods are good sources of calcium, which is important in pregnancy because it helps your unborn baby's developing bones form properly.
2) Egg
Eggs are versatile and a good source of protein that provides amino acids you and your baby need. They contain more than a dozen vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is good for baby's brain development. However, be sure not to eat undercooked or raw eggs
3) Berri
such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and goji berries — are rich in all kinds of goodness, such as, carbohydrates, vitamin C and fiber .
Carbohydrates give you much-needed energy, and they pass easily through your placenta to nourish your baby. It’s important to eat mostly nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates like berries instead of processed, simple carbohydrates like doughnuts, cakes, and cookies.
4) Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is generally high in calories, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Pregnant women should only eat dried fruits in moderation and should avoid candied fruits altogether. It is best to eat dried fruits in addition to fresh fruits, rather than instead of them.
5) Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, a compound vital for healthy fetal development. Likewise, they contain plenty of fiber, which is known to improve digestive health and reduce blood sugar spikes.
Foods pregnant women should avoid
1) Undercooked or raw fish
raw fish can result in increased mercury exposure to your baby. When a pregnant woman is exposed to high levels of mercury, which is a metal, the health of the baby and mom are threatened. “High levels of mercury can cause brain damage, hearing, and vision problems in the baby,
2) Raw Eggs
This was due to concerns around bacteria called salmonella that was often found in uncooked eggs. Pregnant women are more at risk of infection from food poisoning, which can be caused by salmonella
3) Processed junk food
Processed junk food is generally low in nutrients and high in calories, sugar, and added fats. While some weight gain is necessary during pregnancy, excess weight gain has been linked to many complications and diseases.
4) Caffeine
Experts advise against energy drinks during pregnancy because they generally contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants, and they may cause stress and increased blood pressure and heart rate
5) Unwashed fruits and vegetable
Toxoplasma, a parasite that can be found on unwashed fruits and vegetables, can be particularly harmful to a mom-to-be and her unborn baby.
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