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.
Food And Drinks To Avoid In Pregnancy
There are some foods to avoid or take care with when you’re pregnant as they might make you ill or harm your baby.
These include:
- unpasteurised dairy – pasteurisation kills bacteria in milk through heating
- cheeses such as brie and camembert
- blue cheeses such as Danish blue, Gorgonzola and Roquefort
- pâté
- foods made with raw or under-cooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise
- raw or under-cooked meat
- cold cured meats such as salami, parma ham, chorizo and pepperoni
- liver – including liver sausage, haggis and pâté containing liver
- shark, swordfish, and marlin
- limit tuna to one 150g cooked weight fresh tuna steak or two 240g cans – 140g drained weight – per week
- raw fish
- soft-serve ice cream
Food products that are not pasteurised, or are mould-ripened, may contain bacteria that is dangerous for your baby, such as listeria.
If You Drink Coffee Stick To One Cup
Decades of research has linked consumption of coffee and other sources of caffeine to increased risks for miscarriage, preterm birth and low birth weight babies. But the research isnt clear on how much is safe to consume. Most public health groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, agree that limiting caffeine to no more than 200 milligrams per day will not majorly increase such risks.
I tell my patients its O.K. to have one cup of coffee daily, said Dr. Kiefer, no matter your stage of pregnancy.
But caffeine content can vary depending on what you drink. At Starbucks, a shot of espresso has 75 milligrams of caffeine whereas its Tall-sized brewed coffee drinks have closer to 190 to 280 milligrams. The English breakfast tea I ordered at the coffee shop that day probably had around 50 milligrams.
Also keep in mind that caffeine can pop up in unassuming places, such as in decaf coffee, colas, iced teas, energy drinks, kombucha and chocolate.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Braces While Pregnant
Foods To Avoid While Pregnant
Raw Meat: Uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided during pregnancy because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella. At home, the temperature should reach at least 145 F for whole cuts, 160 F for ground meats like hamburger, and 165 F for chicken breasts.
Deli Meat: Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby, which could lead to infection or blood poisoning and may be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming.
Fish with Mercury: Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. A sample of these types of fish includes shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation. The American Pregnancy Association recommends Safe Catch Tuna because their testing technology ensures each can of tuna is as pure as wild salmon or wild sardines.
Certain types of fish used in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury. Please see Mercury in Fish for specific types of fish and further information on how to calculate mercury levels.
What Is Nutrition And Why Is It Important During Pregnancy
Nutrition is about eating a healthy and balanced diet so your body gets the nutrients that it needs. Nutrients are substances in foods that our bodies need so they can function and grow. They include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.
When you’re pregnant, nutrition is more important than ever. You need more of many important nutrients than you did before pregnancy. Making healthy food choices every day will help you give your baby what he or she needs to develop. It will also help make sure that you and your baby gain the proper amount of weight.
Recommended Reading: Sore Breasts After Mirena Removal
Undercooked Raw And Processed Meat
Some of the same issues with raw fish affect undercooked meat, too. Eating undercooked or raw meat increases your risk of infection from several bacteria or parasites, including Toxoplasma, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.
Bacteria may threaten the health of your little one, possibly leading to stillbirth or severe neurological illnesses, including intellectual disability, blindness, and epilepsy.
While most bacteria are found on the surface of whole pieces of meat, other bacteria may linger inside the muscle fibers.
Some whole cuts of meat such as tenderloins, sirloins, or ribeye from beef, lamb and veal may be safe to consume when not cooked all the way through. However, this only applies when the piece of meat is whole or uncut, and completely cooked on the outside.
Cut meat, including meat patties, burgers, minced meat, pork, and poultry, should never be consumed raw or undercooked. So keep those burgers on the grill well done for now.
Hot dogs, lunch meat, and deli meat are also of concern, which is sometimes surprising to pregnant people. These types of meat may become infected with various bacteria during processing or storage.
Pregnant women should not consume processed meat products unless theyve been reheated until steaming hot.
Raw eggs can be contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria.
Symptoms of salmonella infections include fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Foods that commonly contain raw eggs include:
Although this is mostly
Raw Or Undercooked Meat
Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly so it is steaming hot and there is no trace of pink or blood. Take particular care with poultry, pork, sausages and minced meat, including burgers.
Don’t eat rare meat. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that can be found in meat, soil, cat faeces and untreated water. If you are pregnant the infection can damage your baby, but it’s important to remember that toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is very rare.
If you feel you may have been at risk, discuss it with your doctor, midwife or obstetrician. If you are infected while you’re pregnant, treatment for toxoplasmosis is available.
Wash all surfaces and utensils thoroughly after preparing raw meat. It’s also important to remember to wash and dry your hands after touching or handling raw meat. This will help to avoid the spread of harmful bugs such as salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli that can cause food poisoning.
Don’t Miss: Vagisil And Pregnancy
Fish From Local Waters
Unless you know your local streams, bays, and lakes are unpolluted, avoid eating fish you catch yourself. Some lakes and rivers are contaminated with industrial chemicals. Locally caught bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye may be affected. Check with your state’s fish and wildlife department for more information.
Broccoli And Dark Leafy Greens
No surprise here: Broccoli and dark, green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, pack in so many of the nutrients youll need. Even if you dont love eating them, they can often be squirreled into all kinds of dishes.
Benefits include fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, iron, folate, and potassium. Theyre a bonanza of green goodness.
Adding in servings of green veggies is an efficient way to pack in vitamins and fend off constipation due to all that fiber. Vegetables have also been linked to a reduced risk of low birth weight .
Try this kale eggs Florentine recipe or blend some spinach into a green smoothie and you wont even know its in there.
You May Like: Risks Of Donating Plasma While Pregnant
Managing Some Common Problems
Constipation
The iron in prenatal vitamins and other things can cause constipation during pregnancy. So try to get more fiber than you did before you became pregnant. Try to eat about 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Your best sources are fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads, cereals, or muffins.
Some people use fiber tablets or drinks or other high-fiber products, but check with your doctor before trying them.
If constipation is a problem for you, your doctor may prescribe a stool softener. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, when increasing fiber intake, or you can make your constipation worse.
One of the best ways to avoid constipation is to get more exercise. Drink plenty of water between meals each day to help soften your stools and move food through your digestive system. Sometimes hot tea, soups, or broth can help. Also, keep dried fruits handy for snacking.
Gas
Some pregnant women find that broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and fried foods give them heartburn or gas. You can plan a balanced diet to avoid these foods. Carbonated drinks also cause gas or heartburn for some women, although others find they calm the digestive system.
Nausea
If you’re often nauseated, eat small amounts of bland foods, like toast or crackers, throughout the day. Some women find it helpful to eat foods made with ginger. To help combat nausea, you can also:
A Detailed List Of 12 Worst Fruits To Avoid During Pregnancy
1. Pineapple
Among the fruits mentioned in the list of fruits to avoid during pregnancy, pineapple is the fruit that you need most attention. Pineapple is one of the delicious and nutritious fruit that many people love. Pineapple has many benefits. It makes the bones stronger. Pineapple contains nearly 70% of manganese that our body needs. This substance plays an important role in the development of bone and connective tissue. However, for pregnant women, this is a bad fruit because it contains bromelain one of the promoters of uterine contractions, softening the uterus, causing abdominal pain, and may cause abortion. Some pregnant women have diarrhea or allergies after eating pineapple or drink pineapple juice. In particular, pregnant women should not eat or drink unripe pineapple juice because it can cause poisoning.
Maybe you dont know that pineapple helps with immunity. Pineapple contains vitamin C to strengthen and protect the immune system for pregnant women. In addition, bromelain in pineapple is also effective against common cold symptoms. If you have a cold or sore throat, pregnant women may eat a piece of pineapple.
Pineapple contains high fiber to help mothers prevent constipation during pregnancy. In addition, the amount of bromelain in pineapple has the effect of breaking down protein, helping digestion to occur faster. Therefore, in the last stages of pregnancy, you can eat a few pieces of pineapple to help your childbirth take place more easily.
3. Longan
Read Also: Can Donating Plasma Hurt An Unborn Baby
Unwashed Fruits And Vegetables
Its always worth giving produce a quick rinse before eating, but its especially important to clean raw fruits and veggies these days. Harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella or E. coli can lurk on the outsides of produce and the microbes can easily spread to the inside flesh when a fruit or vegetable is cut, juiced or peeled.
No need to break out a special produce-cleaning spray, however. A thorough rinse under running water before eating or prepping will get the job done, and if you spot any lingering dirt, scrape it away with a produce brush. Finally, cut away any bits of produce that seem bruised or damaged, since these areas are more likely to harbor bacteria.
Good And Bad Sex Positions During Pregnancy
While sex is safe for most couples in pregnancy, it may not be all that easy. You will probably need to find different positions. This can be a time to explore and experiment together.
Sex with your partner on top can become uncomfortable quite early in pregnancy, not just because of the bump, but because your breasts might be tender. It can also be uncomfortable if your partner penetrates you too deeply.
It may be better to lie on your sides, either facing each other or with your partner behind. You may also want to try being on top during sex or being penetrated from behind while on your hands and knees. Use pillows to make yourself comfortable.
Recommended Reading: Vagisil While Pregnant
Nutrient Needs During Pregnancy
A person needs more water- and fat-soluble vitamins during pregnancy and lactation. This includes folate, choline, and vitamins B12, A, and D, among others.
Doctors
To help prevent illnesses and other complications during a pregnancy, avoid:
- Seafood that contains mercury: Avoid shark, swordfish, and marlin, or keep the intake to an absolute minimum.
- Uncooked or partially cooked meats: Opt for thoroughly cooked meats.
- 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.
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.
Also Check: Using Vagisil During Pregnancy
Should Pregnant People Completely Stop Drinking Alcohol
There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. It is safest to drink none at all.
Alcohol in the blood passes to the fetus via the umbilical cord, and too much exposure to alcohol can seriously undermine fetal development.
Also, there is a risk that the baby will develop a . This can result in vision or hearing problems, issues with attention, and low body weight, among other complications.
Be Careful With These Foods:
- Lunch meats, hot dogs, and cold cuts. These meats may contain Listeria so if you eat them, be sure to heat them to 165°, even if precooked.
- Fish: Many fish have high mercury counts. You can eat up to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish a week.
- Caffeine: while you don’t have to cut it out completely, try to limit caffeine intake to 200 mg a day, according to the .
In addition to removing or limiting these potentially harmful foods from your diet, you should also try to replace foods that are high in calories and low in nutrition. Focus particularly on highly refined carbohydrates and snack foods that are high in fat.
Switch out a doughnut for a whole-wheat English muffin with fruit spread, or a bag of potato chips for some air popped popcorn. While it’s not always ton of fun, making alternative food choices can ensure you and your baby are getting the needed nutrition, and that you won’t be riddled with extra weight to loose after the baby comes.
Also Check: Is It Ok To Use Vagisil While Pregnant
Hot Dogs And Deli Meat
That double turkey, salami and onion with extra mustard might be tempting your pregnancy-crazed appetite, but it may not be the healthiest option out there right now.
As a mom-to-be, you’ll want to steer clear of those foods that have been preserved with nitrates and nitrites, chemicals used in food preservation that aren’t good for a developing fetus.
Along with that double-decker sandwich, you might want to forgo hot dogs and pâté. Besides being loaded with preservatives , these foods also run the small risk of carrying Listeria.
If giving up deli is too big a sacrifice, switch to nitrate-free lunch meats and heat them up until steaming to get rid of any bacteria before you eat them .
Raw Undercooked Or Deli Meats
Raw or undercooked meats can carry harmful things like toxoplasmosis and salmonella, while other foods can have listeria. These include:
- Hot dogs
- Cold cured meats like salami and smoked fish
To be extra safe, cook meat well and either avoid cold cuts while youre pregnant or heat them thoroughly. And be sure to wash your hands really well with soap and hot water after handling raw meat such as chicken and pork.
Recommended Reading: Can I Get Lasik While Pregnant
