When pregnant, many things have to be done with more care. One of them is eating. Because, there is some foods that should be avoided by pregnant women because they have the potential to endanger health fetus in womb.
Completing nutritional needs during pregnancy is mandatory to keep the fetus healthy and able to grow properly. Anything consumed by pregnant women will affect the fetus in the womb. There are foods that are beneficial for fetal growth and development, but there are also foods that actually harm the health of the fetus, so pregnant women need to avoid them.
List of Foods Pregnant Women Should Avoid
Although pregnant women are encouraged to eat a variety of foods, not all foods should be consumed by pregnant women. The following are some types of food and drink that pregnant women need to avoid:
1. Unpasteurized milk or cheese
Pasteurization is a heating process that serves to kill bacteria in food or beverages, without destroying the nutritional content. Therefore, pregnant women should not consume milk that has not gone through this process, because it may contain bacteria that can harm the health of the little one in the womb.
2. Seafood is high in mercury
swordfish (swordfish), mackerel, shark, tuna, and shellfish are some types of seafood that contain high mercury. If consumed in excess, mercury can cause pregnant women to experience disorders of the nerves, kidneys, and immune system. In addition, the fetus can also experience defects and growth disorders.
If pregnant women want to eat seafood, the maximum recommended serving is 300 grams or about 2 servings per week.
3. Raw or undercooked fish
If pregnant women like to eat sushi, you should avoid these foods during pregnancy. Eating raw or undercooked fish and shellfish can increase the risk of pregnant women experiencing infections.
Pregnant women can still eat fish and shellfish, as long as they are cooked thoroughly.
4. Raw or undercooked meat
Always make sure the meat that pregnant women consume is cooked. This is very important, because undercooked meat can contain harmful germs. When they enter the body of pregnant women, these germs can cause diseases, such as listeria, which can harm the fetus and pregnant women themselves.
5. Unwashed fruits and vegetables
Don't forget to always wash fruits and vegetables before pregnant women eat them. Otherwise, germs and parasites attached to the fruit or vegetable can cause infection.
One type of parasite that can contaminate fruit or vegetables isToxoplasma. This parasite can cause blindness and brain disorders in the fetus.
6. Offal
Pregnant women should not just eat offal, although basically this food has a lot of nutrients. Offal should only be consumed by pregnant women once a week, with sufficient portions. Eating too much offal can interfere with fetal growth, and cause liver problems in pregnant women.
7. Raw eggs
Raw eggs and foods made from raw eggs, such as fresh mayonnaise, are at risk of being contaminated by bacteria salmonella.
These bacteria can cause infections that make pregnant women vomit, fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In some cases, abdominal cramps due to this infection can even lead to premature birth.
8. Caffeine
Actually it's okay to consume caffeine during pregnancy, but must be limited. Caffeine found in coffee, tea, and chocolate has the potential to interfere with fetal development. Caffeine can even cause miscarriage, if pregnant women consume it in excess.
During pregnancy, caffeine consumption in a day should be no more than 200 mg, or about 2-3 cups of coffee, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.
9. Alcohol
Pregnant women are advised not to consume alcohol at all. Even in small amounts, alcohol can interfere with fetal development and cause a series of health problems such as: fetal alcohol syndrome. In addition, alcohol consumption also increases the potential for miscarriage.
If pregnant women have allergies or certain diseases, other foods that need to be avoided are of course foods that can trigger allergic reactions or worsen the condition of the disease. To be sure, consult directly with a gynecologist. The doctor will tell you what foods to avoid during pregnancy, according to the condition of the pregnant woman.