Congratulations, you’re pregnant! This is an exciting and life-changing time for you. However, with great power comes great responsibility, especially if you're in your first trimester of pregnancy. It’s important to remember that everything the mother eats or drinks can affect her unborn baby.
In this article, we will discuss some foods to avoid during your first trimester that may cause harm to your developing fetus. So sit tight and read on!
Why Is Being Cautious Important In The First Trimester?
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the organs and neural system of a foetus are being formed and environmental disturbances could have a severe impact on their development. Again, it's essential to be cautious of what you put into your body because harmful substances can easily cross through the placenta.
Some major organ systems typically develop in the early stages such as:
- Nervous System
- Circulatory System
- Digestive System
So imagine introducing unknown substance(s) - some with harmful effects when consumed in vast amounts -which could disturb these formation processes? You don't want that kind of guilt afterwards.
What Are Some Foods To Avoid During The First Trimester?
Here's our rundown list:
Unripe Papaya
Papaya contains 'papain', an enzyme known for aiding digestion but has been observed (in massive amounts like green papayas) by experts to have detrimental effect on embryos/fetuses' development.
If properly ripe without seeds mixed/present around it , papaya is actually healthy for pregnant mothers (with vitamin A content) but in its unripe form better save yourself from running into potential risks.
Raw or Undercooked Eggs/Meat
Experts suggest avoiding undercooked eggs and meat due to food poisoning reasons which might set off Gastroenteritis syndromes with its associated symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Although eating processed meat (e.g., hotdogs) is allowed if heated up very well.
Fish Low in Mercury
While it's healthy to take fish during pregnancy because of their omega-3 fatty acid content that boosts fetal brain development (and a whole lot of other benefits), some fish are high in mercury which can have devastating effects on the central nervous system when taking them regularly or in vast amounts.
You might want to check with your doctor how often you should eat fish without risking both maternal and fetal health. Examples of low-mercury alternatives include Tilapia, Salmon, Catfish and Haddock.
Deli Meats
Do these remind you of class birthday parties? Yummy! Well as tempting as they may appear at a restaurant or sandwich bar alike despite making a delicious snack for an expectant mum--deli meats are just not safe. This isn't due to hygiene concerns only but also the preservatives added while preparing cold cuts e.g salami,bologna..etc
These substances might increase the risk of contracting Listeriosis from infected animals causing mild flu-like symptoms so sharp ears be careful here!
Caffeinated Beverages
Excessive caffeine intake could lead to complications related pregnancy like stillbirths lower infant birth weight among others this is why Medical experts advise expectant mothers consume less than 200mg daily from all sources (tea/chocolate/soft drinks/coffee).
Remember that coffee isn’t our only source of caffeine; teas – green tea included- , Coke Cola contain a measurable amount too.
Alcohol
This item tops our list. Many believe avoiding alcoholic beverages/mixers altogether during pregnancy would prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome( FAS.) A severe syndrome responsible for autism cases caused by alcohol intake by pregnant women/partially breaks down inside the baby’s body.
If you’re pregnant and need just one reason to quit drinking, imagine a smaller brain size for your unborn child! It's advised that every expecting mother, regardless of the trimester stays alcohol-free during their pregnancy journey.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is quite an experience with its attendant moments: from joy to worry, to mild hysteria. As women often say "a good diet equals good health". True but what trumps that? A safe diet for both you and your growing fetus!
In this piece we have discussed some foods - while usually enjoyable in moderation- can be harmful when consumed excessively or improperly prepared which can cause complications amongst mothers-to-be.
Remember that any action by mom could potentially affect baby & caution should always take precedence especially during the first trimester where most fetal organs are formed. So fellow would-be moms stay healthy& fab...and watch it with those papayas!