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During pregnancy, there are various reasons to be extra careful about what you eat – it is important to know which foods are safe to eat and which you need to avoid. Some foods contain toxins which could lead to defects in your unborn baby, others contain food-borne bacteria which could weaken your immune system and cause damage to the foetus. Make sure most foods you eat are cooked and when choosing a recipe, be selective about what you eat to protect your baby against harmful bacteria and damage while it’s still developing.
Keeping the right things in mind
Foods to avoid when pregnant are actually quite varied, so it is very important that you keep a good list in your head of the foods you should avoid to ensure health development for your bub. Not only is it important to keep a healthy diet of food overall, but at the same time, remember not to diet or keep your weight down as eating healthy is the main priority and not dieting to keep your weight gain to a minimum.
Another thing to think about if you are eating out is to try and make sure the food is served steaming hot and not lukewarm nor cold. Also, try and avoid too much fast food as they can be high in sugars and saturated fats.
Limit the intake of caffeine and forgo alcohol (it’s only for a little while) as there is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been linked to low IQ in babies, low birth weight (LBW) and birth defects. It also stops the absorption of folic acid and iron and reduces the calcium in your bones.
The number one rule to remember is to eat when you are hungry. Try not to worry about your changing appetite, just consider the above foods to avoid and try to gain weight at the recommended rate which your doctor or midwife will no doubt monitor.
