During pregnancy, it is crucial for women to be mindful of what they
eat. The food choices made during pregnancy not only affect the mother’s
health but also have an impact on the unborn baby’s development. While
some foods are beneficial, others can be harmful and toxic to the
developing fetus.
A recent University
of California study claims that certain chemicals in modern foods can
trigger various complications during pregnancy. Chemicals like caffeine,
alcohol, and methylmercury can lead to fetal development issues and
childbirth defects as well.
But, which foods can potentially harm
your unborn baby? Don’t fret. Below, we list 4 toxic foods and beverages
that are a strict no-no during pregnancy.
1. Canned Foods
Canned
food contains a chemical called bisphenol-A or BPA, which can lead to
many problems including hyperactivity, aggression, and reproductive
problems during pregnancy. Canned fish, in particular, contains
methylmercury, which can lead to learning difficulties and attention
issues. Canned salmon contains PCB or polychlorinated biphenyl, which
leads to mental impairment, delayed reflexes, and stunted development
for babies. In addition to the lovely tasting fish, avoid asparagus,
mushrooms, and baked beans.
2. Caffeine
We’ve already
determined that consuming too much coffee can have a detrimental effect
on your fetus, and can lead to many complications during childbirth and
even after your child grows up. While you may love your morning cuppa,
opt for a safer option, at least until you begin to wean your baby.
Excess caffeine intake can lead to birth defects, fetal death, and low
birth weight during pregnancy.
3. Undercooked Meat
While
some animal meat is rich in minerals and is loaded with vitamins, raw or
undercooked meat is a home for parasites or bacteria like salmonella
and listeria. These organisms have the potential to not just harm the
mother by causing severe abdominal pains, vomiting etc., but also harm
the baby by entering through the placenta.
All meat should be
cooked to about 145 °F (the heat can be increased or decreased depending
on the kind of meat that you are cooking). This also means that
refrigereated meat has to be consumed with greater precautions and
should be bought from places that have a fresh stock.
Branded and approved foods (by food authorities) are the best ones to consume, but not before giving them some heat!
4. Soft Cheeses And Unpasteurized Milk
Soft
cheeses, especially the ones that are imported, may contain listeria,
just like unpasteurized milk. Cheeses such as brie, Camembert,
Roquefort, feta, Gorgonzola, and Mexican should be a big no no! Look for
cheeses which are made from pasteurized milk as they kill all the
harmful microorganisms. It is a myth that pasteurization destroys
essential nutrients and vitamins in milk.
Avoid the above for a
healthy baby and you. And, if you are living in areas which do not have
potable tap water, try switching over to mineral water for all drinking
purposes!