Harmful food for pregnant women

 

Pregnancy is an important physiological state in which a woman needs special diets and regimens. In this period what one should not ingest is more important than what one should eat and drink. In the period of pregnancy, a fetus develops inside a woman's womb. The nourishment of the fetus depends upon maternal dietary intake. A healthy and hygienic diet and drinks are needed for the proper development of the fetus. Any wrong diet or drink taken by the mother may impart a hazardous effect on the fetus or mother or both. A well-balanced diet for a pregnant woman is one that includes foods from all food groups in appropriate amounts, to ensure proper nutrition. Proper nutrition ensures that all essential nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water) are supplied to the body to maintain optimal health and well-being. Good nutrition is essential for normal organ development and functioning; normal reproduction, growth, and maintenance; for optimum activity level and working efficiency; for resistance to infection and disease; and for the ability to repair bodily damage or injury.

Foods to avoid

1. Cause miscarriage.
2. Cause food poisoning.
3. Cause hormone imbalance.
4. Harmful for the unborn baby.

Effect of incorrect diets on the fetus

• Malnourishment of fetus
• Growth retard
• Abortion / premature parturition
• Teratogenicity
• Stillbirth

Effect of incorrect diets on gravida

§  Mal nourishment

§  Pregnancy complication

§  Post Partum complication

Foods to avoid

§  Seafood that contains mercury: Avoid shark, swordfish, and marlin, or keep the intake to an absolute minimum.

§  Uncooked or partially cooked meats should be avoided.

§  Uncooked shellfish: This is due to a risk of bacterial or viral contamination, which can cause food poisoning.

§  Raw eggs: Avoid these and any foods that contain them.

§  Soft, mold-ripened cheese: Cheeses such as brie and camembert carry a risk of Listeria contamination. Listeria is a group of bacteria that can cause potentially fatal infections in pregnant people and their babies.

 

Alcohol: There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol in the blood passes to the fetus via the umbilical cord, and too much exposure to alcohol can seriously undermine fetal development. the baby will develop a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This can result in vision or hearing problems, issues with attention, and low body weight, among other complications.

Caffeine: Consuming too much caffeine during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, fetal development issues, and low birth weight.

Pineapple: Eating pineapple during pregnancy is not good so resist consuming pineapple during pregnancy. Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which can cause the softening of the cervix leading to early labor.

Papaya: The seeds of papaya in the parasite killing as well as supplements containing papain enzyme should be avoided during the third and final trimester of pregnancy. For this reason, Papaya is on the list of foods to avoid during pregnancy.

Grapes: Generally, a high amount of resveratrol is present in grapes. This chemical can cause toxicity for the expectant mother. But, eating grapes during pregnancy can also give you vital nutrients like vitamins A and C. Hence, use it with caution.

Lac (accifer lacca R.): Used as Muhazzil (Weight Reducing Agent). It has Anti-ovulatory, anti-implantation and estrogenic activities hence contraindicated for expecting pregnancy. Also not safe for pregnant women.

Avoid Unwashed Raw Fruits during Pregnancy:

§  To avoid infections from toxoplasmosis.

§  Fruits should be an integral part of every pregnancy diet.

§  Don't use soap, detergents, or bleach solutions to wash.

 

Food in the first trimester: This is the period of organogenesis, hence avoid any chemical-based diet and drugs. Take a sufficient amount of vitamins and trace elements for proper growth and development of the fetus. This period carries the highest risk of miscarriage.

A prenatal supplement contains all the necessary nutrients: Folate, Choline, Vitamin B12, Iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Magnesium, Zinc, Omega-3s

TEMPERAMENT OF DIET: All those diets, drugs, and regimens that can produce an excess of any quality (kaifyaat) should be avoided in pregnancy. For example, the diets or drugs of 4^th grade of haar or barid temperament should be avoided. The diets or drugs of 3^rd  grade of haar or barid temperament should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

abortive, purgative, diuretic: Diet and drugs with the property of Mukrij janeen wo masimah (abortive, purgative, diuretic) is contraindicated in pregnancy.