5 Things You Have To Avoid During Pregnancy

Are you trying to figure out what foods are off-limits during pregnancy? The answers are different for everybody, but there are some things all pregnant women should avoid to keep themselves as healthy and safe as possible. In this blog post, we’ll explore foods your doctor will likely advise against during pregnancy. Read on to ensure you’re doing everything right throughout the nine months of your journey.

1. Don’t drink alcohol.

It’s no secret that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is a big no-no. Alcohol can pass through the placenta and reach the baby, causing a whole host of problems. It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and various birth defects. So if you’re pregnant, it’s best to abstain from alcohol altogether.

2. Don’t smoke cigarettes.

Smoking cigarettes is also extremely harmful to both the mother and the baby. Cigarette smoke contains a variety of harmful chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide. These chemicals can restrict oxygen flow to the baby, leading to health problems. Additionally, smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

3. Don’t use illegal drugs.

Just like alcohol and cigarettes, illegal drugs also harm both the mother and the baby. Drugs such as cocaine and heroin can cause placental abruption when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely. This can lead to bleeding and serious health problems for both the mother and the baby. Additionally, drug use during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.

4. Don’t eat unpasteurized cheese.

Unpasteurized cheese is made with raw milk that has not been treated to kill bacteria. These bacteria can cause food poisoning in both pregnant women and their babies. So it’s best to avoid unpasteurized cheeses altogether during pregnancy.

5. Don’t eat raw meat or fish

Raw meat and fish can also contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning in pregnant women and their babies. Additionally, certain types of fish, such as swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel, contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to the developing brain of a fetus.

Avoid These & You Will Be Fine

We have looked at the risks associated with smoking and eating unpasteurized cheese and raw fish during pregnancy. Excessive exercise is also to be avoided. However, talk with your doctor about the best advice for you and your baby. There might be other activities or dietary changes that will benefit you both. Make an effort to change your lifestyle habits to look after yourself during gestation.

Making a few minor tweaks can go a long way. Who knows, you and your little one might even feel better as a result! So take some time out of your day to focus on yourself and start planning how to spend the best nine months of your life – being healthy. Follow these steps, and you might enjoy a healthier pregnancy.