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List of foods that pregnant women should not eat. Proper nutrition during pregnancy

What not to eat and drink during pregnancy - what foods and drinks are preferred for consumption by expectant mothers? In fact, there are practically no strict restrictions for pregnant women. You can eat everything, but some foods in moderate or minimal quantities. Let's start with what pregnant women shouldn't eat, or at least shouldn't abuse it, and for what specific reasons. We will also not forget to talk about the possible consequences of non-compliance with restrictions.

1. Liver. Not only are the by-products very fatty, that is, this delicacy can simply make the expectant mother feel ill, but it also contains a high concentration of vitamin A, which can have a teratogenic effect on the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should not eat liver, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the baby’s organs are just forming, and the expectant mother herself has any manifestations of toxicosis, which may worsen due to liver consumption.
However, this is not a product that pregnant women should absolutely not eat. Later, in the second and third trimester, liver can be consumed occasionally if the body tolerates it well.

2. Sausages. There are two reasons why pregnant women should not eat sausages, sausages and small sausages. To change their mind about eating them, many people only need to carefully read the fine print on the product packaging and find out its composition. This is far from pure high quality meat. And in the best case, pork lard with beef, generously seasoned with salt, dyes and flavors to make it more appetizing. Such “meat” will not benefit the body. And the salt with which the sausage is stuffed is harmful for the expectant mother. Because due to an excess of salt, a woman retains fluid in her body. Externally, this manifests itself as swelling. And blood pressure rises, and this is already dangerous. We'll save the sausage for the holidays, for salads.

3. Sweets. A pregnant woman should not eat them because chocolate, marmalade, cookies and similar treats are quickly digestible carbohydrates. All these products have a very high calorie content, but saturate the body and relieve hunger for a very short time. This forces a woman to eat sweets again and again. By the way, the same applies to super-calorie honey. It is, of course, useful, but in the amount of literally half a teaspoon. Our women love honey in sweets, for example, in baklava. And they gain weight very quickly during pregnancy due to their passion for sweets. Meanwhile, all these calories are deposited on the mother’s body and do not bring the slightest benefit to the unborn child. But it becomes more difficult for a pregnant woman to walk, tachycardia, shortness of breath, and pain in the back and lower back appear. And after giving birth, it is very difficult to part with extra pounds.

4. Lightly salted tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. All this is a source of salt, about the dangers of consuming large quantities of which we have already written earlier.

5. Alcohol. Adequate doctors always say that pregnant women should not drink alcohol at any time and in any quantity. Few expectant mothers have heard about FAS - fetal alcohol syndrome in the fetus. It occurs in most cases when taking a large amount of alcohol at once. As a result of such maternal libation, a child may not only develop developmental defects, but also mental retardation, as well as typical facial manifestations, similar to a genetic syndrome. And it is impossible to cure FAS, only prevent it by not drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Meanwhile, the consumption of small doses of alcohol by the mother is also potentially dangerous for the fetus. It can provoke premature birth, placental abruption, and low intelligence in the child.

6. Tea and coffee. Many women consider these drinks unacceptable due to the caffeine they contain. But in reality, not everything is so scary. The level of caffeine contained in two cups of coffee is absolutely safe for an expectant mother. But 4 cups of coffee is already potentially dangerous. Pregnant women should not drink this much coffee.

If a woman regularly takes such large amounts of caffeine, the baby may experience intrauterine growth retardation. Such children are born weak and low birth weight. But caffeine does not provoke premature birth and miscarriages.

Tea also contains caffeine in large quantities, but tea has almost no effect on the body, does not have an invigorating effect, since it is almost not absorbed from this drink.

Other products, such as chocolate, contain small amounts of caffeine. But some medicines contain a lot. For example, the headache remedy Citramon contains caffeine in high concentrations. Expectant mothers should not take it.

7. Sweet carbonated drinks. They are high in calories and have zero nutritional value. Lots of preservatives, flavors and dyes in the composition. If you really want fruit flavors, drink natural juice.

8. Narzan with high mineralization. Many of us consider mineral water to be beneficial for the body. This is true, but only if it is chosen and used correctly. Narzans differ not only in their taste, but also in their composition. Some of them contain a lot of minerals and salts, and therefore should be consumed in minimal quantities and only for medical reasons, usually in sanatoriums. The temperature of narzan also plays a role in its digestibility.
It’s just that it’s better to drink water with low mineralization. No more than 3 grams per liter (indicated on the label). This water will also help with heartburn.
But salty narzans, for example, “Essentuki 17,” can provoke increased blood pressure and swelling.

It is clear that when a woman becomes pregnant, she tries to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and saturate her diet with vitamins and microelements. Each of us knows that pregnant women need positive emotions, attention, fresh air, walking, support and understanding, and so on. But relatives and friends begin to actively bombard the expectant mother with various instructions: don’t do this, don’t eat that. What prohibitions exist during pregnancy?

What can you do during pregnancy?

Pure water should be the main and main drink for a pregnant woman. You can also use natural juices, fruit drinks, kvass (especially homemade).
Many pregnant women “break through” to. A little bit is possible, but it’s better to choose non-alcoholic.
In the last trimester, you can afford a glass of good wine (but not champagne). True, we are all different, and dosages may vary accordingly. There is an opinion that if the expectant mother feels slightly intoxicated, the baby is completely unconscious.
You can cut your hair; it will not cause any harm to the unborn baby, and the mother’s hair will not stop growing.
Of the medications, only paracetamol (3 tablets 3 times a day for no more than 3 days) are harmless.
You can sleep on your back (if you are comfortable).
There is no better physical training for expectant mothers than swimming and water aerobics.
You can use cosmetics. But face cream should not contain vitamin A (in large quantities it is very harmful), hydrocortisone (this is a steroid that is dangerous for a child if used daily), or benzoyl peroxide. Regarding body gel and lotion, it is better to choose those designed specifically for pregnant women. They are safe and contain components designed to minimize the likelihood of stretch marks and breast deformation.
Have sex if pregnancy is progressing normally. However, it would be a good idea to specifically ask your doctor about this.

What not to do during pregnancy?

, alcohol and drugs are under an iron taboo! There are no safe doses of these poisons. So stay away from them. Also avoid passive smoking.
Caffeine may cause miscarriage or low birth weight of the baby. And green tea interferes with the absorption necessary for the normal development of the baby. Therefore, it is better to refuse them. But if you really want to, then sometimes you can have a little bit.
It is not recommended to eat the following foods: raw meat, unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses, hematogen, sushi, seafood. Fast food and harmful additives are also not for pregnant women. Try not to eat spicy, salty and fatty foods.
Carbonated drinks can cause active fermentation processes in the intestines, which provokes uterine contractions.
Wearing synthetic underwear, especially thongs, is prohibited. Choose natural cotton panties and special maternity bras.
It is not recommended to dye your hair or perm your hair. During pregnancy, a woman's hormonal background changes, which often affects the skin and hair, and chemical agents can further worsen their condition. But if you decide to paint yourself, then choose gentle paints.
Changing cat litter increases the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. The result can be slowed baby growth, poorly developing brains, and damage to the fetal eyes.
You can't overheat. Therefore, you will have to give up saunas and baths.
Do not start renovations during this period - the paints and toxins will disappear no sooner than in a year.
Bug sprays are not recommended. Toxins enter your blood and from there to your baby.
The following medications are strictly contraindicated: Aminopterin, Methyltestosterone, Progestins, Quinine, Thalidomide, Trimethadine, Retinoids (isotretinoin, roancutane, etretinate, tigazone, acitretin).
You should not get any vaccinations.
It is better to give up high heels now. Firstly, it is dangerous: it increases the risk of falling. Secondly, during this period the center of gravity shifts, and the load on the spine increases. And heels enhance it. Therefore, starting from the second half of pregnancy, the risk of all kinds of radiculitis and neuralgia increases, which expectant mothers, naturally, have no need for.
You cannot raise your arms when the baby has already taken the correct position.
You cannot lie on your stomach or sit cross-legged.
They say that a newborn should not be shown to anyone until it is 40 days old. They can jinx it. In fact, doctors do not recommend bringing strangers into your baby’s home for about a month. Your home has its own atmosphere and microflora, and visiting guests have theirs. The child must develop immunity to the environment around him, so you should not gather crowds of people. But on the street, when the baby is sleeping, please show him to anyone you want.

Neither yes nor no

Visiting the solarium is not recommended. But many do not agree with this. If you cover your tummy with a towel and follow the basic rules, there is nothing to fear.
If you are a soy lover, you should not deny yourself the consumption of this product. But if you haven’t tried these beans before, it’s better not to risk it. Yes, and you need to choose natural soybeans. Although there is no evidence that genetically modified foods have a negative impact on our health.
It is better not to buy antiperspirant deodorants that contain aluminum salts. But you can use perfumed alcohol deodorant.
It is better to refrain from any trips. Vibration-causing transport is a clockwork mechanism for hyperexcitability of the uterus and can provoke miscarriage or. But if a woman feels great, then she can go on vacation. But it’s better not during the period when the risk of miscarriage increases: 11-12, 26-27 and 31-32 weeks.
You can sit at the computer, but only for a short time. Abuse is dangerous from the earliest stages - it increases the risk of a non-developing (frozen) pregnancy.
Exercise is good, but this means walking and special exercises for pregnant women. Lifting weights, climbing mountains, running marathons and scuba diving should not be done.
Doctors do not recommend overusing food allergens (chocolate, citrus fruits). And in general you need to be careful with such products, that is, exclude them if possible. But opponents of the bans argue that you can eat whatever you want. After all, the body itself feels that it is allowed. In addition, while breastfeeding you will have to give up a lot, and you really want to eat for the future!
It is advisable not to take any medications. But if there is such a need, consult your doctor and study this issue further.
If you do not take pills, preferring to be treated with herbs, you need to carefully read the composition of the medicinal preparations. Harmful for pregnant women: aloe, barberry, oregano, ergot, tansy, sativum - these herbs can cause increased uterine tone. Wild strawberries and string - can cause a predisposition to allergies in a child. Sea kale, spinach, sorrel - if consumed in moderation, can cause fetal development disorders. St. John's wort - increases blood pressure in a pregnant woman. Calamus, blue cornflower, elecampane, juniper, celery - can disrupt kidney function. In addition, poisonous plants include: belladonna (belladonna), yellow egg capsule, glossy spurge, male fern, evasive peony, common lilac, horsetail, and bird cherry. These plants are sometimes used for treatment in small doses, but this should not be done during pregnancy.
The same goes for aromatherapy. If you do not have allergies, you can safely use oils. Among the safe ones are petitgrain, rose, sandalwood and tea tree, neroli, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, lavender, lemon, orange, calendula, wheat germ, jojoba. On the advice of a specialist, you can use bergamot, chamomile, peppermint, and incense oil. During pregnancy, oils of laurel, basil, nutmeg, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, thyme, sage, cloves, oregano, patchouli (in the last weeks), cedar, cypress, Schisandra chinensis, rosemary, yarrow, fennel are strictly prohibited. They can have a toxic effect on the child and even provoke a miscarriage of oils of tansy, burdock, wormwood, oregano, and pennyroyal.
They say that ultrasound can be done no more than 3 times during pregnancy. Doctors themselves disagree on the answer to this question. Some say that modern ultrasound machines are almost completely safe for the baby, and you can be examined as many times as you like. Others say that no matter how it is, irradiation is irradiation. Don't refuse an ultrasound if it really needs to be done. But it’s probably not worth going specifically to find out the sex of the child.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

Pregnancy is precisely the period when a woman pays great attention to her health and especially monitors her diet. Many dishes are forgotten for a long time, and plain water becomes the favorite drink. The statement that it is necessary to drink enough liquid and eat properly while expecting a baby is unambiguous, but what exactly you need to drink and eat is worth thinking about.

Tea and coffee during pregnancy

Tea occupies a leading place among the favorite drinks of pregnant women. It is better to give preference to green varieties, as they contain more nutrients. Black tea is rich in various minerals, theophylline, toebromine, magnesium, fluorine, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Regardless of color, tea improves the permeability and elasticity of blood vessels, has the property of lowering blood pressure, and has a positive effect on the condition of teeth. But still, it is better to drink tea with not very strong or diluted milk.

Quite rare white tea has a low caffeine content; it can be drunk even in late pregnancy. In addition, this drink has a general strengthening and antibacterial effect, increases the body's resistance to various infections and even prevents the development of cancer. It has a beneficial effect on the external condition of the skin and the activity of the entire cardiovascular system.

However, while you are expecting a baby, you can not only drink tea. An excellent means of combating toxicosis are tea leaves; they can be chewed during attacks of nausea. Rosehip tea or ginger tea saturates the body well with vitamins and iron. Mint tea has an excellent calming and relaxing effect, and a chamomile drink improves digestion. But all herbal teas should be treated very carefully; they can only be consumed with the permission of a doctor, and no more than one cup a day.

Any tea is good in moderation; too much caffeine can penetrate the placenta and harm the baby. Some herbal teas can tone the uterus and cause miscarriage. Many varieties of such teas are made from a large number of medicinal components, and the effect of each of them on the body of a pregnant woman has not yet been fully studied. Therefore, before purchasing even the most seemingly harmless herbal collection, it is worth obtaining permission from a specialist, since the growing fruit is still too defenseless against the harmful factors acting on it.

Surely all women know that even the most aromatic and delicious coffee is not recommended for consumption during pregnancy. Of course, if the expectant mother is not immediately able to give up her favorite drink, then its dose must be significantly reduced. Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and negatively affects sleep and the performance of internal organs. Even a harmless cup of coffee leads to an increase in the amount of urine produced, which in turn creates additional stress on the kidneys. In addition, coffee removes calcium from the body, increases blood pressure, and interferes with the absorption of minerals and trace elements. If a pregnant woman cannot imagine her life without coffee, then the maximum permissible dose per day is two hundred milligrams.

Salt during pregnancy

The entire nutritional system of women during the period of bearing a child differs significantly from the usual diet. Now the expectant mother must not only eat for two, but also choose the most healthy and balanced food for herself and her baby. For a long time, salt was among the prohibited foods during pregnancy. It was believed that it retained fluid in the body and contributed to the appearance of edema, which entailed other complications. However, today it has been proven that its moderate consumption is very necessary for the expectant mother, since the volume of amniotic fluid is constantly increasing and renewed, and salt plays an important role in this process. Therefore, do not needlessly torment your body with salt-free diets; salt your food to taste, but do not forget about a sense of proportion. It is better to give preference to sea or iodized salt, it normalizes metabolism and strengthens the immune system.

Vegetables, fruits and juices during pregnancy

Most of the expectant mother's daily diet should consist of vegetables, fruits and freshly squeezed juices from them. While expecting a baby, it is very important to eat as much plant food as possible; it is advisable to eat about a kilogram of fresh fruits and vegetables per day. However, there is no need to get carried away with exotic fruits or citrus fruits; they can cause food allergies in the mother or baby.

Apples are rightfully considered one of the healthiest foods; they can protect a child from developing asthma. Apples also contain a huge amount of vitamins, normalize the functioning of the digestive tract, increase appetite, remove cholesterol and improve immunity. Pomegranates are no less useful; they perfectly quench thirst, help with indigestion, treat atherosclerosis and have a general strengthening effect on the body. Pears have an excellent diuretic effect; they relieve the body of edema, lower blood pressure, normalize heart function and reduce salt deposits. Red bell pepper deserves special attention; it strengthens the child’s hair, nails and teeth, and saturates his body with keratin. Pumpkin has an excellent diuretic effect, helps fight toxicosis and acts as a natural laxative. Beetroot plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells in mother and baby. It stimulates intestinal functions, saturates the body with magnesium and removes radionuclides.

Of course, we do not always have the opportunity to get all the necessary vitamins and microelements from fruits, especially in the spring-winter season. Therefore, in order to avoid a deficiency of the substances you and your baby need, choose a reliable and balanced vitamin and mineral complex, such as Vitrum Prenatal Forte. It contains only important and truly necessary vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, iron, iodine, calcium, antioxidants, which help prevent complications during pregnancy and increase the immunity of mother and child. Find out more about vitamins and consult a specialist.

A large amount of folic acid, so necessary during pregnancy, is contained in melon; it strengthens the nervous system, improves the condition of the walls of blood vessels, and saturates the body with glucose and sucrose. In terms of healing properties, grapes can even be compared to breast milk. It has a bactericidal effect and forms a strong immune system for the child. At the beginning of pregnancy, cranberries are considered very useful. It is a source of a huge number of vitamins, which should be enough for all nine months not only for the mother, but also for the child.

Vegetables and fruits can be consumed both fresh and in the form of juices; they not only perfectly quench thirst, but also saturate the body with a lot of useful substances. The greatest preference should be given to apple, beet and carrot juices. Pomegranate juice increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and citrus juice improves the functioning of the digestive system. All the described beneficial properties are inherent exclusively in freshly prepared juices, but drinks from packages should not be consumed at all, they contain a lot of preservatives and sugar, and also have practically no beneficial properties. Naturally, any juice needs to be used in moderation and not to overuse it, since, despite the many beneficial properties, in the process of quenching thirst, they cannot compete with ordinary water.

Milk and dairy products during pregnancy

The benefits of milk during pregnancy have been known since time immemorial. First of all, it is a source of calcium, which plays a major role in the formation of the baby’s skeletal system, teeth and nails. In addition, milk is rich in protein, which contains amino acids, as well as milk sugar and a large number of vitamins. Some pregnant women avoid drinking milk due to the high amount of fat it contains. This opinion is erroneous and absolutely untrue; all milk fats are very easily digested and quickly broken down, so it will be difficult to gain extra pounds from milk.

Of course, you need to consume only natural milk, which cannot be compared with store-bought milk. Naturally, milk must be boiled to avoid possible undesirable consequences. And for best absorption, you should drink it on an empty stomach, not too cold or hot. But before bed, a glass of warm milk, to which you can add honey, is useful.

Of the dairy products a pregnant woman should give special preference to cottage cheese. This product contains even more protein than some types of meat. It contains a huge amount of methionine, which is essential in the process of fetal formation. You can eat cottage cheese every day, adding fruits, berries or sour cream to it.

Nuts and seeds during pregnancy

Nuts contain a lot of carbohydrates, vegetable proteins, dietary fiber, fatty acids and vitamins. They are very useful for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Despite all their beneficial properties, nuts have one drawback - they are slowly absorbed by the body and are not recommended for consumption in large doses. They need to be chewed for a long time and efficiently, or even soaked in water. If you are prone to constipation, it is better to limit the consumption of nuts, and if the first signs of an allergy appear, eliminate them altogether. Pine nuts and walnuts are especially useful for pregnant women; in addition, they also have a beneficial effect on lactation. But it is best to completely remove nutmeg from the diet; it can cause an excessive rush of blood to the internal organs, which is very undesirable during the process of bearing a baby.

Fish and seafood during pregnancy

Sea fish is especially rich in minerals and trace elements. It is better to eat it boiled, but you should not drink broths from it. No less healthy are baked fish dishes, which are successfully combined with various vegetables and herbs. Fried fish is not recommended for expectant mothers; it is difficult to digest and increases the load on the liver and kidneys. Sea mollusks – mussels – are very rich in proteins, but they should be included in a pregnant woman’s diet with great caution, as they can cause serious food poisoning. But healthy women can consume seaweed without any restrictions. It is very useful for women prone to obesity. Only pregnant women suffering from kidney disease, peptic ulcers, gastritis or intestinal dysfunction should not eat it.

Many doctors do not recommend eating swordfish, shark, or king mackerel during pregnancy. These types of fish contain high levels of mercury, which is dangerous for the child’s nervous system. In addition, you should not eat sushi, as raw fish can be dangerous to the health of the mother and fetus.

Meat during pregnancy

For women expecting a baby, meat should only be an addition to the main diet, and not the other way around. Pregnant women only need one hundred grams of this product per day to get the required amount of nutrients. It is better to take the rest of the proteins from other sources. The most useful dietary meat is rabbit, lean poultry, as well as young veal or pork. Fresh vegetables can be an excellent side dish for meat; they will not only add taste, improve digestion, but also neutralize the harmful substances present in this product.

Towards the end of pregnancy, the amount of meat consumed should be reduced. In addition, the process of its preparation deserves special attention; it is recommended to boil or fry the meat well. It is necessary to store meat exclusively in the refrigerator, and wash your hands before and after contact with meat products.

Oil during pregnancy

The healthiest oil for pregnant women is olive oil. It is deservedly called liquid gold because of its unique abilities to prevent various diseases. This product has a beneficial effect in the process of formation of the baby’s nervous system. The oil also helps prevent toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy, successfully fights constipation, and strengthens the immune system. Olive oil can be an excellent way to prevent stretch marks and postpartum depression.

Sunflower seed oil saturates the body with vitamins A, E, D, K, improves the elasticity and appearance of the skin, normalizes metabolism, and is a good helper in the fight against hair fragility and loss.

For normal development of the fetus, one hundred to one hundred and fifty grams of butter per day will be enough. But you should not abuse this product, it is quite high in calories and can lead to excessive weight gain.

Prohibited foods during pregnancy

Of course, a pregnant woman herself chooses for herself a list of the products that she consumes during pregnancy. For some pregnant women, a doctor selects a diet, taking into account existing concomitant diseases. However, there are also products that are strictly contraindicated for everyone, regardless of the course of pregnancy.

So, under a strict ban for expectant mothers are chips, crackers, any fast food products, crab sticks, chewing gum, colored butter creams, fried, smoked and spicy foods, seasonings and spices, strong teas and coffee, vinegar, fatty fish and meat, carbonated drinks, exotic fruits and, of course, alcohol.

Any pregnant woman should clearly understand that everything she does will certainly affect the health of her baby. Some foods may indeed have a negative impact on a child's development and require abstinence from them at a specified time.

The diet of the expectant mother greatly influences the speed of metabolic processes in her body and the absorption of nutrients necessary for the development of the baby. The rate of metabolism determines the supply of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and beneficial microelements to the fetus, its uniform growth and development, as well as weight gain, the functioning of the kidneys, heart and blood vessels of the woman herself.

On the one hand, there are many foods that pregnant women should not eat. On the other hand, some expectant mothers are on a strict diet.

You shouldn’t go to extremes, you just need to figure out how unhealthy nutrition during pregnancy can actually harm you.

Why is proper nutrition so important during pregnancy?

Many expectant parents imagine the “harmfulness” of a particular food product literally: if a pregnant woman eats something, it will reach the fetus and harm it. However, this is not so: in reality, the situation with “forbidden” products is much more complicated. There is no direct digestive tube between the body of mother and baby. Food eaten by a pregnant woman is broken down in her digestive tract into the basic products necessary for the normal functioning of the body and the development of the fetus - proteins, fats and carbohydrates. These substances are necessary for energy metabolism. Through the intestinal wall they are absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered through the blood vessels to the baby.

The placental barrier (a unique double microfilter from the walls of the capillaries of the uterus and placenta) protects the baby from most harmful components of modern food products - food additives, flavor enhancers, preservatives, dyes, flavors. If the placenta does its job well, then the molecules of harmful substances literally do not pass “customs control” and do not enter the fetal bloodstream.

Among the foods that we traditionally eat, there are none that could directly affect the health of the fetus. There is no such dish, drink, fruit or vegetable, nut, berry, etc., which is usually healthy, but becomes harmful during pregnancy. However, this does not mean at all that the expectant mother can safely eat whatever she wants without fear for the health of the unborn baby. Pregnancy is an additional burden on a woman’s body, and a very significant one at that. All its organs and systems work in “wartime mode”, sometimes in the most literal sense: the growing uterus puts pressure on neighboring organs, including the stomach and pancreas, liver and gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, bladder and a large number of large blood vessels. With this mode of operation, any error in nutrition, which in normal times would manifest itself as a slight malaise or would go unnoticed, can seriously affect the metabolism and worsen the well-being of the expectant mother.

In fact, no food product can directly harm the baby. However, the consumption of harmful foods always has a detrimental effect on the health of the expectant mother herself, on which the course of pregnancy and the development of the fetus depend. Thus, reviewing your diet during pregnancy is not an empty reinsurance, and you need to take it wisely and seriously.

What a pregnant woman should not eat: “black list” of toxic foods

Of course, the expectant mother should create a “forbidden list” for herself, which includes all products that are known to be hazardous to health. Pregnant women should not eat chips, chemically sweet drinks, food with flavoring additives and artificial colors, and canned food.

They contain harmful substances that impede digestion, liver and kidney function, and are toxic to the body as a whole. During pregnancy, these dubious delicacies are strictly prohibited: the woman’s body experiences a double load, and improper nutrition during this period can much more quickly lead to serious health problems, which will immediately affect the condition of the fetus.

The most common consequences of eating unhealthy foods during pregnancy include cholelithiasis. These diseases, accompanied by severe pain and a significant deterioration in the well-being of the expectant mother, often require urgent surgical intervention, which significantly increases the risk of miscarriage.

In addition, while waiting for the baby you should not use coffee and alcohol– these products can provoke a rise in blood pressure, uterine hypertonicity and the risk of placental abruption. In addition, the half-life products of alcohol circulating in the blood of a pregnant woman are toxic to the fetus.

Nutrition during pregnancy: how to avoid excess weight?

In addition to the “prohibited list,” there are other products that it is desirable to significantly limit for various reasons. So it is better to reduce the consumption of bread, pasta and all kinds of baked goods, confectionery, as well as meat and meat products high in fat (lard, bacon, fatty sausages), since they contribute to excessive weight gain.

They literally harm the health of mother and baby, sometimes jeopardizing the very fact of pregnancy. Excess weight creates increased stress on the cardiovascular system.

Against the background of pathological weight gain, a pregnant woman’s blood pressure often increases, the tone of the uterus increases, and placental blood flow decreases. As a result of such changes, the fetus experiences a lack of nutrition and oxygen - fetoplacental insufficiency develops, often leading to (oxygen starvation) of the fetus.

Pregnant women with significant weight gain (15 kg or more) are at risk for the development of late toxicosis, or gestosis, characterized by the appearance of edema, increased blood pressure and loss of protein in the urine. Without timely treatment, this complication can lead to premature placental abruption, the development of eclampsia (convulsive syndrome due to an uncontrolled rise in blood pressure), and uterine bleeding.

Unfortunately, these most dangerous complications, threatening the lives of mother and child, in the vast majority of cases (82%!) develop in pregnant women with pathologically overweight. Therefore, the expectant mother needs to monitor uniform weight gain and limit pleasant “excesses” in her diet.

Foods that interfere with digestion during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is recommended to significantly limit consumption smoked, spicy, fried foods, as well as legumes, corn and highly carbonated drinks. The reason why the listed dishes fall out of favor is simple: during pregnancy, due to the pressure of the growing uterus, the digestion process becomes significantly more difficult, so foods that are difficult to digest cause the expectant mother particular discomfort.

An abundance of spicy and fried foods can cause hepatic colic and vomiting even in a completely healthy expectant mother, and legumes and soda can cause prolonged flatulence (bloating), which gives the pregnant woman a lot of discomfort and often becomes an indirect cause of increased uterine tone.

Avoiding allergens during pregnancy

The expectant mother should use “allergenic” foods with caution - citrus fruits, exotic fruits and dishes.

During pregnancy, a first-time allergic reaction to foods that a woman ate without any consequences before pregnancy is often discovered. Allergies are dangerous for an expectant mother because they are a predisposing factor in the development of early and late toxicosis of pregnancy - complications that sometimes cause miscarriage. Therefore, you should not rely on “recognized” allergens.

Many people believe that if the expectant mother eats allergenic foods during pregnancy, then... This is the most common misconception about the diet of a pregnant woman. But it is important to understand that there are no food products that directly affect the health of the fetus. Allergies are genetically determined at the time of fertilization or acquired during life under the influence of external unfavorable factors (for example, poor ecology or hazardous production). However, it is precisely in the embryonic period (during intrauterine development) that a person is reliably protected from the influence of unfavorable factors with the help of the placental barrier. Thus, the development of allergies in a child has nothing to do with the mother’s consumption of allergenic foods during pregnancy. You should only avoid those foods that provoke allergies in the pregnant woman herself.

The magical nine months of waiting give a woman a generous gift in the form of positive emotions and boundless joy. But this is not a reason to forget about the essentials. It is very important to choose the right one diet in early pregnancy to ensure the full development of the baby and maintain the health of the expectant mother.For the formation and growth of the embryo, nutrients, minerals and biologically active elements are necessary. Naturally, he receives them through the blood vessels connecting the fetus to the mother’s body. That is why it is important to replenish their deficiency in a timely manner in order to maintain the strength and vitality of two organisms.

This does not mean at all that a woman needs to increase the amount of food she eats by one and a half to two times. The main thing that foods in early pregnancy ensure a sufficient supply of vitamins and microelements.

Read in this article

Weight gain during pregnancy is considered a natural process. On average, over 9 months a woman gains from 10 to 15 kg. The norm is 11-12 kg. If the weight gained is below normal, gynecologists recommend taking a special multivitamin complex for pregnant women.

With increased weight, swelling occurs, breathing becomes difficult, and heart rhythm disturbances may occur. In this case, it is recommended to refrain from eating fatty, rich foods for some time and limit yourself to vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and fiber.

If you are thinking about how to eat healthy in early pregnancy , remember a few important rules:

a pregnant woman's diet should be balanced;
the choice is given in favor of healthy food (exclude processed foods and dishes with high cholesterol levels from the diet);
it is necessary to adhere to a constant diet (at least three times a day).

What can a pregnant woman eat and in what quantities?

Microelements requiring special attention

During pregnancy, the female body experiences an increased need for microelements such as iron and calcium.

Iron is responsible for. If, when taking tests, the level of hemoglobin in a woman’s blood is below 100 g/l, then the mother and unborn child are automatically diagnosed with anemia. The causes of anemia may be a lack of folic acid or vitamin B12. Well, the consequence of a lack of hemoglobin is often delayed growth and development of the fetus, as well as premature birth.

Calcium is directly involved in the formation of all hard tissues: bones, teeth, nail plate. To prevent the expectant mother from starting to crumble her teeth, it is recommended to eat dairy products enriched with this component every day.

Many women are interested in the question, what does the embryo eat in the early stages of pregnancy? Until a direct blood supply between the placenta and the mother's body is established, the fetus receives nutrients from glycogen that has accumulated on the inner walls of the uterus. It ensures a complete and timely supply of amino acids - the main sources of vital energy.

Nutrition for toxicosis

Toxicosis is a common symptom that occurs in women in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is accompanied by such unpleasant reactions of the body as:

irritability;
drowsiness;
apathy;
dermatoses;
lack of appetite;
nausea;
vomiting (especially in the morning);
change in taste sensations.

To reduce these symptoms to a minimum, you should choose the right nutrition for toxicosis in early pregnancy.

The activity of toxicosis will decrease if food is consumed not 3 times a day, but 6-7 small portions. In the morning (without getting out of bed) and in the evening before bed, you can eat a few white bread crackers, pieces of dried fruit or a couple of nuts.

Warm mint tea with the addition of a lemon drop reduces the urge to vomit. It is strongly recommended to replace powdered juices with dyes with herbal infusions, mineral water without gases or fruits containing a large amount of liquid (watermelon, melon, grapes).

Heavy foods for a pregnant woman’s stomach should be replaced with steamed ones. For example, instead of fried potatoes or pork chops, it is better to give preference to a steamed fish or chicken cutlet with boiled vegetables as a side dish.

Vomiting is accompanied by another unpleasant symptom – dehydration. Therefore, it is very important to replenish fluid reserves in a timely manner. A pregnant woman should drink about 2 liters of clean water per day. But overdoing it in this matter is dangerous, since excessive fluid intake will lead to swelling.

What is healthy to eat

Let's define what is the best thing to eat in early pregnancy . To create food groups, first let’s look at the calorie content of food. In the first three months, the daily calorie intake for a pregnant woman is 1800 kcal. Of them:

About 50% should come from carbohydrates. They are found in whole grain pasta, potatoes, and cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice, millet).
The body should get only 30% of its calories from fat. Moreover, this is not fatty meat or fish, but butter, dairy products,...
The remaining 20% of calories belong to the protein group of foods: eggs, legumes, fish, poultry.

What does a pregnant woman's daily diet look like?

During pregnancy, it is better to eat fresh food, steamed or over an open fire. A balanced daily menu for a pregnant woman looks like this:

Recommended meals and meal times	Alternative
8 ocloc'k
Partially skimmed milk - 200 ml 2 pieces of biscuit Coffee, optional with sugar (1 spoon)	Whole milk – 150 ml Whole yogurt - 1 jar Low-fat yogurt - 2 jars Tea – 1 cup
10 hours
Seasonal fruits – 150 g	Orange juice - 1 glass A piece of unsweetened biscuit
13 hours
Pasta (70 g dry) or rice with cheese (15 g), tomato and butter (1 tsp) Lean meat (beef, veal, chicken, rabbit, liver) - 150 g Bread - 1 slice Fresh fruit – 100 g Morse - 1 glass	Stewed vegetables - 100 g with herbs (parsley, dill) Fresh or frozen fish - 200 g (exclude eel, mackerel, fish in oil)
17 o'clock
Partially skimmed milk - 150 ml	Whole milk – 170 ml 1 piece of unsweetened biscuit + tea Low-fat yogurt - 1 jar Orange juice - 1 glass
20 hours
Seasonal fruits – 150 g Vegetable soup (without potatoes and beans) Fish – 200 g	Orange juice - 1 glass 1 piece of unsweetened biscuit Vegetable soup with potatoes or beans Fresh grated cheese - 100 g Boiled beef – 100 g Lean meat (veal, chicken breast) - 150 g

Leading products in nutritional value

Now we will talk about what is healthy to eat in early pregnancy . There are some products in which the amount of nutrients and microelements is at the highest level. They are recommended to be consumed in case of vitamin deficiency and low hemoglobin levels.

Figs This sweet oriental fruit is rich in fiber, which normalizes the functioning of the digestive system. In addition, in 100 gr. The product contains about 25% of the daily requirement of calcium. It can be consumed fresh or dried, and can also be added to homemade baked goods.

Artichokes. They are a valuable source of iron, fiber and folic acid. Most often, soups and salads are prepared from artichokes. Very often this plant is used to prepare Italian dishes: pasta, pizza.

Pumpkin seeds. 100 gr. peeled seeds contain 5 grams. vegetable protein. They help strengthen the expectant mother's muscles and ease the strain on her back and abdomen. Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds also contain magnesium, which normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Bee products. Honey is a real storehouse of vitamins and microelements. It can be safely used instead of sugar, added to fruit salads or desserts. 100 gr. contains 14 mg of calcium, 36 mg of potassium, 18 mg of phosphorus, 0.8 mg of iron, as well as B vitamins.

What is it better to avoid?

So what should you not eat in the early stages of pregnancy? What can negatively affect the development of the unborn baby and the condition of the mother?

First of all, nutrition in early pregnancy must be of high quality. Before consumption, products must undergo all sanitary processing standards, including thermal processing. This is necessary so that bacteria, fungi and other harmful microorganisms cannot interfere with the normal development of the child in the womb.

Raw fish and meat, including caviar and some Japanese dishes, can cause helminthiasis, which can affect the fetus.

Flour and sweet foods in large quantities will lead to rapid weight gain . The diet in this regard should be adjusted already in the early stages of pregnancy, so that by 8-9 months a pregnant woman can easily move without heaviness in her legs, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Smoked products (meat, sausage, fish), as well as canned food, contain substances that negatively affect liver cells. If you abuse these products, your newborn baby will develop “jaundice” (botulism).
Alcohol is strictly prohibited for pregnant women . Toxic substances contained in alcohols can harm the baby's health.
When compiling a daily menu, each woman independently chooses which products to use based on her own taste preferences. And, nevertheless, we advise you to listen to our recommendations about what to eat in early pregnancy . Proper, healthy food, as well as a constant diet will help spend the entire 9 months of waiting with great pleasure for mom and baby.