Planned nutrition and diets are important for ensuring balanced foetal development and delivery of a healthy baby. Therefore it’s important for pregnant women to follow nutritious and balanced diets and avoid foods likely to affect foetal health and well-being. Here are foods to avoid during pregnancy, writes Mini P.

Diet sodas/colas

Diet sodas use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Though many people believe that diet sodas reduce excess calories, aspartame is a dangerous ingredient known to affect children below 12 years, as it has the potential to cross the thin brain-blood barrier. It is best for pregnant women to stay away from diet sodas/colas.

Coffee

Excessive consumption of caffeine can cause constipation and acidity, leading to digestive problems. It is also linked to attention deficit disorder and migraines in new moms and low birth weight infants. Moderate consumption is advised as caffeine is passed into the foetus which is not programmed to process it safely. Remember, caffeine is present not only in coffee and tea, but in other beverages such as colas, energy and flavoured fizzy drinks.

Fish

Some fish such as tuna, shark, king mackerel and swordfish have high mercury content. Mercury damages infant brain development. Raw fish such as sushi is also not recommended because it could contain parasites. Fish with low mercury content like tilapia, anchovies and salmon can be safely consumed and are good for the foetus because of omega-3 fatty acids content.

Half-cooked eggs/meat

Meat not properly cooked contains bacteria like e.coli, listeria and salmonella, all of which have the potential to induce miscarriage or stillbirth. Half-cooked eggs also pose the same danger. Ensure that all non-vegetarian food is properly cooked.

Organ meats

While organ meats like liver and heart provide nutrients, they also pose the risk of overdose of vitamin A. High quantities of vitamin A induces body toxicity. Raw foods Unwashed vegetable and fruit peels, or raw sprouts are often contaminated with bacteria, including toxoplasma which affects foetal development leading to child blindness and learning disabilities. Clean and wash raw foods thoroughly. Cooking is the safest way to kill bacteria. During pregnancy, avoid eating raw foods.

Alcohol and smoking

Alcohol consumption affects foetal brain development, prompting fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) often resulting in heart and facial deformities. Abjure alcohol altogether. Ditto cigarettes which contain nicotine and many additives that often cause birth defects.