Foods to avoid during pregnancy

[nlakshmi]

Raw Shellfish

Raw shellfish is one of the top causes of seafood-borne illness. The culprits include parasites and bacteria that are generally not found in cooked seafood. Shellfish is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as you cook it thoroughly. Cook oysters, clams, and mussels until the shells open. If any don't open, throw them away.


Fish from Local Waters

Unless you know your local streams, bays, and lakes are unpolluted, avoid eating fish you catch yourself. Some lakes and rivers are contaminated with industrial chemicals. Locally caught bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye may be affected. Check with your state's fish and wildlife department for more information.


Potluck Foods

You may not want to insult your friends by avoiding their potluck offerings. But there's reason for concern if the food is left unrefrigerated for too long. Follow the 2-Hour Rule: Don't eat potluck dishes that have been sitting at room temperature for longer than two hours. When temperatures are above 90° F, the cut-off should be one hour.


Unpasteurized Milk

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a farm and tasting milk fresh from a cow? If you're pregnant, it's best to postpone that outing. Freshly collected milk has not yet been through the pasteurization process that protects it from listeria. Only buy milk, cheese, or dairy products from a local farm, if the label says "pasteurized."


The Caffeine Question

Good evidence now shows that a moderate amount of caffeine is safe during pregnancy. But the jury is still out on whether higher amounts of caffeine can increase the odds of a miscarriage. The March of Dimes recommends women who are pregnant or trying should limit caffeine to 200 mg per day. That's one 12-ounce cup of coffee. But remember, caffeine is also found in soda, tea, chocolate, and many energy drinks.

[nlakshmi]

Alcohol

You already know that heavy drinking during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects. What you may not know is that even small amounts of alcohol could be harmful. No amount of drinking has been found to be safe during pregnancy, so it's best to avoid all forms of alcohol. This includes wine, beer, coolers, and traditional egg nog, which contains alcohol and raw eggs.


Doggie Bags

Unless you're headed straight home from the restaurant, it's best to skip the doggie bag. The inside of a car can get warm quickly, allowing bacteria to multiply. If you do take home leftovers, put them in the fridge within two hours of when the meal was originally served.


Source: WebMD

[soundarya11]

can we have bitter gourd during pregnancy?

[nlakshmi]

Hi soundarya,

Bitter gourd

contains nearly all the essential nutrients necessary by human beings. Nutrients such as phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and zinc are present in bitter gourd. It is also among the best-known sources of thiamine, foliate and riboflavin.

Vitamin

B1, B2, B3 and Vitamin C are included in its vitamin content and it is also a rich source of calcium, iron and beta-carotene. Bitter gourd seeds and fruits have great nutritional value but by cooking its nutritional value decreases. People suffering from diabetes, bitter gourd is very advantageous for them. Consuming bitter gourd daily on an empty stomach is found very good and effective but excessive consumption may lead to diarrhea and other stomach problems.

but bitter gourd is also said to start abdominal cramping and start periods. It will also lower your blood sugar level. But some say its a good vegetable for the people who have Gestational diabetes. so Its safe and recommended to first consult with your Gynec and start eating it...hope it helps.

can we have bitter gourd during pregnancy?

[khoobsurati]

Thanks for the tips sweetlalitha. Wanna share some more tips. Foods prepared with maida or high in sugar content should also be avoided during pregnancy.

[Bron martin]

I think during the pregnancy you have avoid the oily food like the fish.You have to avoid the raw meats.Eggs are also affected during the pregnancy.

[loveanbu]

Thanks for your useful info

[Gloria454]

Hi, it depends on a condition of a woman but here you can read the info what to avoid during pregnancy if it'll help I'll be glad https://saymommy.com/mom_903_tips-avoid-pregnancy.html good luck!!!

[subitchaka]

Butter Milk and Tender coconut water are really very good during this time. It will help you to manage your water consumption of the day as well as helps you get rid of Urinary track infection (which is very common during 1st trimester

[Pitermartin]

Pregnant women are added afflicted to listeria because of their arrangement accustomed system. If you ambition to eat cafeteria meats, be constant that you chef them until they are bleared hot, which will admonition abate any bacilli that adeptness be present.