What Not To Eat In Early Pregnancy

How Many Extra Calories Do You Need During The First Trimester

During the first trimester, your babys energy needs like your baby! are still quite small. You should aim to eat about 2,000 calories a day in the first trimester, though your practitioner may recommend more depending on your activity level. This number is pretty on par with typical adult nutrition recommendations.

Aim to eat three meals a day, plus one or two snacks. If you’re having trouble with portion sizes, concentrate on quality making sure that the food you do manage to get down is both nutritious and tastes good to you at that moment.

Stick to whatever healthful foods you find comforting and provide solid first trimester nutrition.

Liver And Other Foods Containing Vitamin A

Avoid liver and liver products, such as liver pâté and liver sausage. Liver products have lots of vitamin A in them. This can be harmful to an unborn baby. It is not safe to take multivitamins containing vitamin A or fish liver oils, such as cod liver oil. It is fine to eat low levels of vitamin A found naturally in foods like carrots. But it is important to avoid any foods that have vitamin A added . It is okay to use cosmetic products, like face cream, that contain vitamin A.

Raw Or Underdone Seafood

Got a taste for some tuna sashimi? Obsessing over those oysters on the half shell? Before you visit your favorite raw bar or local sushi joint, keep in mind that uncooked or even seared seafood is off-limits during pregnancy the risk of ingesting bacteria and parasites along with your meal is too high.

So you’ll just have to say “no” to raw oysters, clams, ceviches, fish tartares and carpaccios, along with the smoked stuff that can also harbor illness-inducing parasites and bacteria.

While this doesn’t mean you should shun your favorite Japanese restaurant for the next nine months, it does mean that you’ll need to be careful about what you order. Most places, for example, offer rolls made with cooked seafood or vegetables right at the sushi bar! Just make sure that any seafood you order is well cooked: Fish should flake and shellfish should be firm.

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Unpasteurised Milk And Dairy Products

Most milk sold in shops, supermarkets and restaurants in the UK is pasteurised and fine to drink. The milk is heat-treated to kill off harmful bacteria that can cause food-poisoning from toxoplasmosis, listeriosis and Campylobacter.

You should avoid unpasteurised milk and products made from it, which are sold in some farm and health food shops. These products can include cream, yoghurt, goat’s and sheep’s milk or dairy products. If you only have access to unpasteurised milk, boil it before using.

Unripe Papaya During Early Pregnancy

This is yet another food to avoid during pregnancy. It can cause miscarriage. This is due to an enzyme called papain. The enzyme works and prostaglandin and oxytocin. These may induce pre term labor and miscarriage.

Avoid salads that contain unripe papaya. The compounds present in unripe papaya trigger powerful uterine contractions. This can induce a miscarriage. Unripe papaya can also cause lead to abnormalities in your baby.

Read More: Can I Eat Papaya in My First Trimester?

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Fish With Low Levels Of Mercury

Fish is a good source of lean protein, and some fish, including salmon and sardines, also contain omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat that’s good for the heart. It is safe for pregnant women to eat 8 to 12 ounces of cooked fish and seafood a week, as long as it’s not a high-mercury fish , according to ACOG.

What Will Happen To My Babys Growth If I Dont Eat

There is some room for relief here. When you are pregnant, your baby becomes your bodys first priority. This means that whether you eat or not, your baby takes all that it requires from your body. Your body has lot of stored nutrients which act like a reserve for the fetus. This will last till your nausea phase passes and you are back at your dining table again. So, no, your babys growth is not impacted by your loss of appetite. The only person who will suffer if you are unable to eat is, unfortunately, you. You will feel tired and lethargic all the time, which is why we hope you can follow the tips we mentioned in this article. Know about the top foods that can fill you with energy during pregnancy.Have a safe pregnancy!

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What Should You Eat If Youre Struggling With Morning Sickness And Nausea

About 75 percent of expecting moms experience nausea, upset stomach or other morning sickness symptoms during the first three months of pregnancy. To try to ease the quease:

• Fuel up with frequent mini meals every few hours instead of trying to force three big meals a day. Going too long without eating may actually make nausea worse, as can eating large portions.

• Avoid spicy and very high fat foods, as these can lead to heartburn or stomach discomfort.

• Stick with cold or room temperature bland foods when you’re feeling most nauseous, such as cottage cheese or yogurt with fruit, string cheese with nuts or a mini bagel with nut butter. Hot foods are more likely to emit odors that may make nausea worse.

• Liquid or softly-textured meals may be better tolerated if your stomach feels upset. Try a homemade smoothie, oatmeal or pasta.

• Keep dry, easy-to-eat snacks on your nightstand and as an emergency snack kit in your purse or work bag. Graham crackers, pretzels and low-sugar dry cereal are prime grab-and-go picks.

Raw Processed And Undercooked Meats

The pregnant individuals body is more susceptible to infections and illnesses caused by various types of bacteria and parasites. These could harm your babys well-being eventually even if you develop a simple fever. Bacteria and parasites can come from untidy places and the foods that you eat, such as raw, processed and undercooked meats. Put these on top of your what-not-to-eat-during-pregnancy list!

Toxoplasmosis, for example, is an infection caused by Toxoplasma parasite and can be found in raw or undercooked meats. It is usually harmless in non-pregnant people. In pregnant individuals, it can cause stillbirth, miscarriage or organ damage to your baby. As much as possible, stay away from raw meat, or make sure to wash and cook thoroughly before consumption.

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Dontdrink Too Much Caffeine

This is an especially tricky one in this first trimester of pregnancy because you are so very tired. But caffeine can cross the placenta and affect your growing babys heart rate.

What if you just cant seem to stay away from the coffee pot? Dont fret. Research suggests that some caffeine is OK in the first trimester up to about 200 milligrams a day, about two cups of coffee but some studies suggest that drinking too much caffeine during pregnancy might be associated with a greater risk of miscarriage.

Food Cravings During Pregnancy

You’ve probably known women who craved specific foods during pregnancy, or perhaps you’ve had such cravings yourself. Some old theories held that a hunger for a particular type of food indicated that a woman’s body lacked the nutrients that food contains. Although this turned out not to be so, it’s still unclear why these urges occur.

Some pregnant women crave chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, and comfort foods, such as mashed potatoes, cereals, and toasted white bread. Other women crave non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch. The craving and eating of non-food items is known as pica. Consuming things that aren’t food can be dangerous to both you and your baby. If you have urges to eat non-food items, notify your doctor.

But following your cravings is fine as long as you crave foods that contribute to a healthy diet. Often, these cravings let up about 3 months into the pregnancy.

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Foods With Added Sugar

If you have developed gestational diabetes, it becomes important to avoid intake of foods that contain added sugar for these can upset the blood glucose control. However, same is recommended for those without diabetes as well. You can get these simple carbohydrates from milk and fruits, while complex carbohydrates can be obtained from rice, bread, pasta, and potatoes.

Do Limit Your Exposure To Pesticides By Choosing Organic And Locally Grown Foods When Possible

“The developing immune system is so much more sensitive than the adult’s,” says Rodney Dietert, Ph.D., professor of immunotoxicology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, whose research has linked prenatal pesticide exposure to later- in-life immune dysfunctions.

Other research has connected pesticides in the water supply to premature births and possibly birth defects. “We have a lot of evidence now that nitrates and pesticides have the ability in very small doses to interact with the hormonal milieu of the pregnancy,” says Paul Winchester, M.D., a clinical professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Washing your produce helps, Winchester says, but may not be enough. The types of produce harboring the highest pesticide concentrations tend to be fruits and vegetables with thin skins, such as peaches, apples, bell peppers and strawberries. Also know that foods imported from other countries, such as Mexico or Chile, may contain pesticides that are prohibited in the U.S.

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Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy: The Rules For Coffee Sushi And More

Advice on what to eat when you’re expecting can be confusing. We rounded up what you should avoid, and where guidance gives a little wiggle room.

Checking food labels can become the norm during pregnancy.

Pregnancy gives a whole new meaning to food. Not only does what you eat help nourish and grow a human being, but it can also send you running for the bathroom as you discover smell that disgusts you. On top of that, it can be stressful to stay on top of which foods you cannot eat while pregnant and which are OK, in moderation.

Because you likely have a lot on your mind right now if you’re expecting, we rounded up a list of foods and beverages to avoid so you can continue to figure out how best to fill your plate during this important time in your life. We also rounded up a list of foods that experts continue to debate if they are safe to eat during pregnancy.

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Foods To Eat In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you should eat well-balanced, healthy meals that are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fluids, and fiber. Add the following to your diet to ensure that you and your baby remain healthy:

• Vegetables like spinach and broccoli that are rich in folic acid and iron
• Colorful fruits like avocados, bananas, apples, pears, cherries, grapes, and watermelons, and vegetables like peas, tomatoes, bell peppers, asparagus, and sweet potatoes
• Citrus fruits like grapefruits, oranges, and sweet limes, which are rich in folic acid
• Well-cooked lean meat and eggs
• Seafood with low levels of mercury like shrimp, lobster, salmon, catfish, and canned light tuna
• Pasteurized dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and low-fat milk
• Whole grains like wheat, oats, barley, corn, millet, and rice
• Lentils and nuts, provided you are not allergic to them
• Lots of water and other fluids for hydration
• Prenatal vitamins and supplements

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Unpasteurized Milk And Cheese

If your cheese or milk product has “unpasteurized” on the label, it’s best to skip because the potential infection with Listeria could lead to miscarriage, preterm delivery or affect a newborn. Goat cheese, feta, Brie, blue cheese, Camembert and queso fresco or blanco typically contain unpasteurized milk and are best to avoid, Parents reported.

Hispanic people who are pregnant might be much more susceptible to listeriosis because their diets are more likely to include soft cheeses like queso fresco or blanco, panela and asadero. If queso blanco and queso fresco are made with pasteurized milk, it’s safe to eat.

It’s best to eat small amounts of highly processed foods during pregnancy because they usually offer little nutritional value.

Best Foods For The First Trimester

Nutrition pros recommend the following foods in particular since theyre rich sources of the vitamins, minerals and macronutrients your body needs to thrive.

• Lean meat. A good source of iron and protein, thoroughly-cooked lean meats like sirloin or chuck steak, pork tenderloin, turkey and chicken offer all of the amino acids that act as the building blocks for cells.

• Yogurt. The calcium and protein in each cup supports bone structure.

• Edamame. These soybean pods are packed with vegetarian protein, plus some calcium, iron and folate.

• Kale. This dark leafy green offers a potent combo platter of nutrients, including fiber, calcium, folate, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K.

• Bananas. Bland enough to be palatable for queasy stomachs, bananas are among the best dietary sources of potassium.

• Beans and lentils. Iron, folate, protein and fiber are all hiding inside these small-but-mighty powerhouses.

• Ginger tea. Ginger products, like ginger tea or ginger chews, may help combat nausea.

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Pregnancy Diet Misconceptions And Weight Gain During Pregnancy

“Weight gain during pregnancy often has an ebb and a flow over the nine months,” Krieger said. It’s hard to measure where pregnancy weight is going, she said, adding that a scale does not reveal whether the extra pounds are going to a woman’s body fat, baby weight or fluid gains.

When it comes to pregnancy weight gain, Krieger advises mothers-to-be to look at the big picture: During regular prenatal checkups, focus on the fact that the baby is growing normally rather than worrying about the number on a scale.

The total number of calories that are needed per day during pregnancy depends on a woman’s height, her weight before becoming pregnant, and how active she is on a daily basis. In general, underweight women need more calories during pregnancy overweight and obese women need fewer of them.

The Institute of Medicine guidelines for total weight gain during a full-term pregnancy recommend that:

• Underweight women, who have a body mass index below 18.5, should gain 28 to 40 lbs. .
• Normal-weight women, who have a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, should gain 25 to 35 lbs. .
• Overweight women, who have a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9, should gain 15 to 25 lbs. .
• Obese women, who have a BMI of 30.0 and above, should gain 11 to 20 lbs. .

Rate of weight gain

Twins

What About Listeria And Pregnancy

Theres also listeria, a food-borne illness thats riskier for pregnant people. You are more likely to get it when you are pregnant, and you are more likely to have complications from it.

It is very rare, but there are still instances of it every year.

So how do you avoid it? Take extra food safety measures to keep yourself safe regardless of which foods you decide to eat:

• Practice safe food handling
• Clean your fridge and kitchen regularly
• Cook things until well-done

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Raw Or Partially Cooked Eggs

Make sure that eggs are thoroughly cooked until the whites and yolks are solid. This prevents the risk of salmonella food poisoning. Dont eat foods that contain raw and undercooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise. If you wish to have dishes that contain raw or partially cooked eggs, consider using pasteurised liquid egg. Dont use cracked or dirty eggs.

Unpasteurized Foods And Raw Meat

According to the USDA, pregnant women are at high risk of getting sick from two different types of food poisoning: listeriosis, caused by the Listeria bacteria, and toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite.

Listeriosis is about 20 times more common in pregnant women than in the rest of the population, according to a study published in the journal Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology. The CDC says that Listeria infection may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term labor, and illness or death in newborns.

To avoid listeriosis, the USDA recommends avoiding the following foods during pregnancy:

• Unpasteurized milk and foods made from it, such as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, queso blanco and queso fresco. Pasteurization involves heating a product to a high temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
• Hot dogs, luncheon meats and cold cuts, unless heated to steaming hot before eating to kill any bacteria.
• Store-bought deli salads, such as ham salad, chicken salad, tuna salad and seafood salad.
• Unpasteurized refrigerated meat spreads or pâtés.

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The 15 Best Foods For Morning Sickness And Nausea

Wondering what you can possibly stomach when you’re suffering from queasiness in early pregnancy? We rounded up the best foods to eat when nauseousplus what to eat after throwing upso you can show morning sickness who’s boss.

There’s no question morning sickness stinks, but scientists aren’t entirely sure why it happens. It seems that pregnancy trips the part of the brain that controls vomiting, which leads to nausea. The quease may also be linked to increases in some hormones and your heightened sense of smellMother Nature’s way of protecting your baby. “Your body uses odors to assess safety,” explains Miriam Erick, M.S., R.D.N., author of Managing Morning Sickness. “Sensing rotten food saves you from eating something bad.” But that sensitive nose can make perfectly safe meals a no-go as well. Here, we rounded up the best foods to eat when nauseous or throwing up in pregnancy.