The outcome of a pregnancy depends significantly on the lifestyle of a would-be mommy. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is particularly important in this context.
An expectant woman requires a nutrient-dense diet to sustain a healthy pregnancy. During these nine months, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole cereals, lean meats, and dairy products supply all her body requires. At the same time, she needs to be aware that certain foods can be detrimental to her health as well as that of the baby.
Most women would be surprised to know that eating such foods could cause something as drastic as a miscarriage. Such foods have been scientifically linked with an elevated risk of pregnancy loss. It is important to know all about these foods and ensure they are not included in the pregnant woman’s diet. She can seek advice from her specialist to know all about them.
Here are some foods that should be avoided during pregnancy as these can induce miscarriage:
Raw Eggs
Surprisingly, eggs, regarded as an excellent protein source, can harm a pregnancy if consumed raw. Foods containing raw eggs, such as mayonnaise, soufflés, and mousses, should be avoided. The culprit is a bacterium called salmonella, which lurks in uncooked eggs and can cause abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, food poisoning, and even miscarriage. Conversely, cooked eggs are safe for consumption during pregnancy.
Unpasteurized Milk
Another miscarriage-inducing food is milk in its unpasteurized form. Direct milk consumption in its raw form exposes the expectant woman to potentially dangerous bacteria called listeria. Besides causing severe food poisoning, the bacteria are capable of crossing the placenta and causing damage to the fetus. Therefore, it is important to consume only pasteurized milk during pregnancy.
Canned Seafood
The Canned Seafood is likely contaminated with listeria, the same bacteria found in unpasteurized milk. The risk of miscarriage can be reduced by avoiding the food item. Additionally, seafood high in mercury is prohibited for pregnant women.
Such foods can cause an array of complications, including fetal brain damage and developmental delays. These include crab, swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel.
Raw Papaya
Gynecologists recommend avoiding papaya, particularly raw papaya, during pregnancy as it is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. The fruit contains an enzyme which can lead to uterine contractions and result in miscarriage.
Pineapple
Pine Apple is another fruit to be ditched by mommies-to-be during the first trimester of pregnancy. Pineapple juice should be avoided, too. The fruit is high in bromelain, which softens the uterine muscles and induces early labour. Therefore, having the fruit or its juice during early pregnancy is considered dangerous. On the other hand, pineapple juice is used to ease labour and have faster contractions during delivery.
Sprouted Potato
The Sprouted potato is a toxic food that is dangerous for everyone, let alone pregnant women. The green sprout is high in solanine, a toxin that is detrimental to fetal growth. It can subsequently cause miscarriage, too. A pregnant woman should be careful about eating potatoes and discard the sprouted ones.
Liver
Animal liver is regarded as a high-nutrient food source but may be contaminated with toxins if it comes from an infected animal. Another reason to avoid the liver during pregnancy is that it is high in cholesterol and vitamin A. Excess of vitamin A can influence fetal development and cause complications such as spina bifida, urinary tract malformations, and hydrocephalus. It can also be responsible for inducing miscarriage.
Drumstick
Drumstick leaves are high in calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Yet, they are considered dangerous food for pregnant women as the tree contains alpha-sitosterol. It has an action similar to the female hormone estrogen and can cause smoothening of the uterine muscles. As a result, it puts a woman at the risk of miscarriage.
Aloe Vera
Although aloe vera has been revered for its medicinal value, it should be avoided during pregnancy. Aloe Vera and its products (such as gel and juice) should not be taken during the first three months of pregnancy. The reason is that it can cause pelvic haemorrhage and miscarriage.
Peach
Another food that may cause miscarriage is peach, as it heightens the risk of bleeding. The shell hair of this sweet fruit is particularly dangerous. It generally causes a burning and itching sensation in the throat but can also have dangerous consequences such as miscarriage.
Though these food items may not have the same effect on all pregnant women, it is better to avoid them to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Pregnancy is when extra care and precaution can make all the difference. Therefore, a pregnant woman should look for constant guidance from her doctor to know all she can do to have a safe pregnancy.
Gaudium IVF is one of the best IVF clinics in Delhi. Patients can access affordable yet high-quality infertility treatment and gynecological care from experts. The expert team also provides counselling and support for pregnant women to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Visit here for a free second opinion from Dr Manika Khanna, the top infertility specialist in Delhi.
