7 Daily Things And Indian Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

You are going to be a mom soon, in a few months you will be holding your little bundle of joy! But, these 7 things (including a list of Indian foods to avoid during pregnancy) that you indulge in on a daily basis should definitely be avoided while you are pregnant, especially for those who are experiencing a troublesome pregnancy. It is time for both physical and psychological changes. To first-time to-be mothers, every passing acquaintance will leave a word of advice. So then what is it that expecting mother should do and what should she avoid? Here is a list of seven things that one needs to avoid on a daily basis.

Indian foods to avoid during pregnancy and 6 other things to steer clear of:

1. Watch what you eat

The most important and the oft-repeated advice that any pregnant woman comes across is with regards to what to eat and what not to eat. While most of it is based on superstition and hearsay, some of the Indian foods to avoid during pregnancy include certain fruits such as papaya and pineapple that can trigger marked uterine contractions, leading to early labor. Some nuts and seeds may also weaken vital membranes that support the fetus.

List of Indian foods to avoid during pregnancy:

• Sesame seeds
• Papaya
• Ajinomoto, aka an MSG (monosodium glutamate) product, is the fifth taste, altogether different from sweet, salty, sour and bitter. It is widely used to intensify and enhance umami flavours in Chinese and Italian cuisine, especially sauces, soups et al
• Pineapple
• Fennel and fenugreek seeds

List of healthy fruits for pregnant woman:

To stay fit and eat healthy food, you could consult a dietician and create your own diet chart for pregnancy.

Here is a list of other food items that should avoided at any cost:

• Raw and deli meat: Raw or not properly meat has the risk of carrying infections. It is best to avoid such food during pregnancy. Deli meat too has the risk of being contaminated. Bacteria and listeria from such meat pass through the placenta and infect the fetus
• Raw eggs: Raw eggs pose a risk of salmonella infection. Thus it is best to avoid food that might have raw eggs in it.
• Fish containing a high level of mercury: Even if your taste buds demand it or your baby craves for it, it is best to avoid sea fish like tuna and mackerel that might carry high levels of mercury. Instead freshwater fish is a better option.
• Unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheese: These can contain listeria, so it would be best for expecting mothers to watch what they eat.
• Caffeine intake: The most important part to remember is that caffeine crosses the placenta. While you may require those cups of tea and coffee for stimulating your body and mind, your growing baby does not. But if taken in moderation it does pose a threat. Another point to note is that apart from tea and coffee, caffeine can be found in chocolates, sodas, and certain over the counter medicines.

2. Avoid medicines as much as possible

While there are some medications that should be totally avoided during pregnancy, it is also advised that a medicine-free pregnancy will save the growing baby from any untoward harm. So it is best to avoid over-the-counter medications or self-prescribed supplements without consulting the doctor.

3. Passive smoking – Must avoid during (pregnancy at any cost)

Most of the expecting mothers know that they shouldn’t smoke during their pregnancy and feeding period. But it is also important to avoid being passive or secondhand smokers. Secondhand smoke carries the risk of about 4000 cancer-causing chemicals. It also carries the risk of premature delivery, miscarriage, low birth weight, learning, or behavioural issues in the growing up years and sudden infant death syndrome.

Not sure of your exact due date? Find out through our pregnancy calculator. Scroll down!

4. Do not drink, not at any cost

Alcohol passes the placenta and the umbilical cord. It can harm the baby’s developing brain and organs. It can also lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth, birth defects, brain damage. Therefore it is best to avoid any drink that can contain alcohol.

5. Wearing stilettos

As the belly grows during pregnancy, the centre of gravity also changes. This can lead to the unsteadiness of the feet at times. Wearing stilettos or unstable heels carry the risk of falling down. Flip flops, wedges, and platform heels are more comfortable during such times. Comfortable footwear will also help in the problem of swollen ankles and feet.

6. Avoid standing or sitting for too long

Both these positions if continued for too long during pregnancy can cause a lot of problems, like varicose veins and swollen ankles. Taking a short break is required. If you have been sitting for too long, then get up and walk around. And if you have been up on your feet for a long time, then sitting back and relaxing with your feet up is something that you must do.

Some of the most common symptoms that are associated with varicose veins include bruising, heavy legs, itching, or swollen legs. All these are quite common to pregnant women and as soon as you get any of these you should head to a vein doctor immediately without wasting any time. With early detection and treatment, you will be able to handle this issue quickly and efficiently.

7. Stay away from over-exposure to X-rays and harmful radiations

Too many abdominal x-rays should be totally avoided during pregnancy. The harmful radiation puts the fetus to the risk of birth defects and even cancer like leukemia later in life. Also stay away from any machines, home appliances, or transmissions emitting radiation as it can lead to abortion, birth defects, and genetic defects in babies.

Don’t get perturbed by the long list of do’s and don’t’s. It is just a matter of nine months so that you have a trouble-free pregnancy and the end result is of a healthy and happy baby in your arms.

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