Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but it can be filled with many questions and concerns. Not only will the body go through a series of different emotions, but pregnancy also causes enormous physical changes that can affect your health and the health and wellness of your unborn baby. To have a healthy pregnancy, certain things should be avoided. With this guide, you will know a few foods and beverages to avoid while pregnant.
High-Mercury Fish
You have probably heard that you should avoid fish while pregnant, but you are most likely confused by which types of fish are dangerous.
Fish with high levels of mercury will not only be dangerous to you, but it can also affect the growth and development of your unborn baby. Mercury has been linked to affecting the brain and nervous system, reducing a person's ability to see, speak, and think.
To protect yourself and your unborn baby, avoid mackerel, shark, and tilefish, since they contain high levels of mercury.
Consuming small amounts of white albacore tuna, salmon, and shellfish is acceptable. Not only do these fish contain low levels of mercury, but they are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain development.
Deli Meat
Listeria is bacteria that leads to dangerous infections. Unfortunately, listeria is found in many common food products, such as packaged deli meats and unpasteurized dairy products.
Consuming foods that may contain listeria can lead to miscarriage while in your first trimester of pregnancy. During the later stages of pregnancy, listeria can cause premature labor and an early birth that can be extremely dangerous to your baby.
Most pregnant women do not even realize they have the infection until it has already passed to their unborn baby. Since pregnant women are 10 times more likely to develop the infection, avoiding deli meat and unpasteurized milk products is imperative.
Caffeine
As a pregnant woman, you most likely feel physically and emotionally tired thorough the day. Because of this fatigue, you may want to consume caffeinated beverages to give you some energy. Unfortunately, caffeine is an unhealthy substance to consume while pregnant.
Caffeine increases your blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to pre-eclampsia and early labor. Thankfully, you do not have to give up caffeine completely. Consult your doctor to determine the healthy, appropriate amount of coffee, tea, or soda you can consume daily during your pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or expecting to become pregnant, educating yourself on proper diet and healthcare is key. This guide and your doctor's help will teach you which foods and drinks to avoid for a healthy, happy pregnancy. Contact a clinic, like Desert Rose OBGYN PC, for more help.
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