Gynecologist warned of foods harmful to pregnant women

Pregnancy is an exciting period in a woman's life that requires special attention to health and nutrition. Proper nutrition not only provides the necessary nutrients for the development of the child, but also helps the future mother to feel well and avoid possible complications. Anastasia Sokolova, a gynecologist at the SM-Clinica reproductive health center, told Izvestia on February 21 about what foods should be avoided during pregnancy.

"Proper nutrition during pregnancy is an investment in the health of the future child and the well-being of the mother. It directly affects the formation of organs and systems of the fetus, as well as the course of pregnancy and childbirth," Sokolova noted.

Speaking about the products that are recommended to exclude or limit during pregnancy, the doctor named raw or undercooked meat, fish and eggs. Their danger lies in the fact that they may contain bacteria (e.g. salmonella, listeria) and parasites (e.g. toxoplasma), which can cause serious illness and lead to miscarriage or premature birth, so pregnant women are advised to eat only heat-treated products. You should make sure that meat and fish are well fried or cooked and eggs are hard-boiled before eating.

The doctor did not recommend unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses. The problem is that they may contain the bacterium listeria, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, so only pasteurized dairy products and hard cheeses should be chosen. Soft cheeses such as brie, feta, camembert should be avoided unless you are sure they have been pasteurized.

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Certain fish high in mercury should be avoided - shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tuna (especially tuna steaks). Mercury can negatively affect the development of the nervous system of the fetus. The gynecologist advised to consume fish with low mercury content, such as salmon, cod, pollock, sardines, as well as to limit the consumption of canned tuna to 170 g per week.

In addition, the expert told about the dangers of raw sprouts: they can contain bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Therefore, sprouts should be thoroughly washed and heat-treated before consumption.

Sokolova drew attention to the fact that alcohol can cause serious birth defects in the child, including fetal alcohol syndrome. Therefore, such a drink during pregnancy should be completely excluded.

In addition, a large amount of caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Therefore, its consumption during pregnancy should be limited to 200 mg per day (about one cup of coffee), explained the gynecologist.

Processed foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats are also harmful. Their consumption does not provide the necessary nutrients and can lead to overweight gain, gestational diabetes and other complications. It is better to favor whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients, the doctor added.

Along with this, some herbal teas may have adverse effects on pregnancy. Therefore, a doctor should be consulted before consuming them.

"Every pregnancy is unique and nutritional needs may vary. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to make an individualized nutrition plan that takes into account your peculiarities and the needs of your baby," Sokolova emphasized.

Earlier, on February 12, doctor-endocrinologist, doctor-dietitologist "SM-Clinica", candidate of medical sciences Oksana Mikhaleva told "Izvestia" that porridge should not be eaten by people with intolerance to lactose or cow's milk protein, as well as those who are overweight. In addition, those with gluten intolerance should also refuse this dish.