Pregnant Women Should NOT Eat These Foods

Summary

The video discusses essential dietary guidelines for pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of increased protein, calories, and specific micronutrients such as calcium, iron, and cholesterol for fetal development. It highlights the risks of certain foods, including caffeine, alcohol, unpasteurized cheeses, and high-mercury fish, as well as the dangers of consuming raw or street food. The expert advises against veganism during pregnancy, stresses the need for proper weight gain, and addresses common mistakes, such as indulging in junk food. The goal is to ensure both maternal and fetal health with balanced nutrition and a focus on well-cooked, fresh foods.

Takeaways

• 😀 Increased protein requirement: Pregnant women need an additional 15g of protein daily.
• 😀 Extra calories: An additional 300 calories should be consumed daily, but they should come from healthy, organic foods, not junk food.
• 😀 Vitamin and mineral intake: Calcium (1,100-1,200 mg), iron, and B12 are particularly important during pregnancy for both the mother and baby.
• 😀 Cholesterol for brain development: Eggs, milk, and paneer are great sources of cholesterol for fetal brain development.
• 😀 Vegan diet concerns: Vegan moms are advised to reconsider their diet during pregnancy as they might not get enough nutrients like calcium and B12.
• 😀 Iron-rich foods: Iron-rich foods must be included to prevent deficiencies that can impact the baby's health.
• 😀 Weight management: Pregnant women should aim for a weight gain of 8-10 kg to ensure proper nutrition reaches the baby.
• 😀 Gestational diabetes: Managing gestational diabetes is critical, as uncontrolled sugar levels can lead to complications like larger babies and preeclampsia.
• 😀 Foods to avoid: Green tea, excessive caffeine, unpasteurized cheese, mercury-rich fish, raw foods, and street food should be avoided during pregnancy.
• 😀 Common pregnancy mistakes: Many women overeat or indulge in junk food thinking they are eating for two, but this can harm both the mother and baby.

Q & A

What are the basic dietary requirements during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman's protein requirement increases by around 15 grams extra per day, and she needs 300 extra calories compared to her pre-pregnancy intake. Fat, calcium, and certain vitamins also increase in demand. The intake of iron-rich foods is essential, and certain vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, D3, and omega-3 fatty acids are important for both the mother and baby.

Why is calcium important during pregnancy, and how much is required?

Calcium is vital for bone mineralization and the overall development of the baby's skeleton. During pregnancy, the calcium requirement rises to about 1100-1200 mg per day. It's crucial for both the mother's and baby's bone health.

Why are eggs, milk, and paneer recommended during pregnancy?

Eggs, milk, and paneer are rich in cholesterol, which is important for the development of the fetus's brain. Cholesterol also plays a key role in hormone production and the formation of cell membranes, making it an essential part of the pregnancy diet.

What should pregnant women avoid to ensure proper nutrient absorption?

Pregnant women should limit or avoid green tea, as it can decrease the absorption of folic acid, and tea or coffee, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium and iron. Caffeine should be kept to a minimum to avoid hindering the body's ability to absorb key nutrients.

What types of cheese should pregnant women avoid?

Pregnant women should avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, such as blue cheese and cream cheese. These cheeses may contain harmful bacteria that can pose a risk to both the mother and baby.

Why is it advised that vegan women reconsider their diet during pregnancy?

Vegan diets during pregnancy may lack highly absorbable sources of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, and protein, which are critical for both the mother's health and the fetus's development. It is recommended that vegan women include dairy or other animal-based sources of nutrition during pregnancy.

What are the risks of excessive weight gain during pregnancy?

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. It also reduces the amount of nutrition available to the baby through the placenta, potentially affecting fetal development. Ideally, mothers should gain around 8-10 kg during pregnancy to ensure optimal health for both mother and baby.

How does gestational diabetes impact pregnancy and how is it managed?

Gestational diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels, which may cause the baby to grow excessively large. It increases the risk of complications such as preeclampsia. Management includes careful monitoring of sugar levels and maintaining a controlled diet to prevent excessive weight gain and ensure healthy baby development.

What are some common diet-related mistakes pregnant women make?

Common mistakes include overeating junk food, indulging in street food, and consuming raw foods like uncooked sprouts or salads, which can carry harmful bacteria. Pregnant women should focus on freshly prepared, well-cooked food and avoid eating from unhygienic sources.

What are some unsafe food practices during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should avoid eating street food, raw sprouts, or salads that may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as listeria. Additionally, they should avoid consuming microwave popcorn, as it can contain toxic substances, and Teflon-coated air fryers, which may release harmful chemicals during cooking.