Everyone would agree that a healthy diet can provide good health. In pregnancy, eating healthy can significantly help decrease the risk for specific conditions like birth defects. Eating healthy doesnt only mean eating a balance diet but also, choosing the type of food that you ingest and avoiding things that can cause harm such as alcohol. Some pregnant women have underlying conditions and certain medications will be prescribed to them which may have an effect on their pregnancy. For instance, women with PTSD are given antidepressants although some of them are not responsive to the medication. However,
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What Should Pregnant Women Avoid
These are some of the things that pregnant women should avoid or limit to make the pregnancy as healthy as possible.
Alcohol
In pregnancy, alcohol should be avoided because it has been linked to a number of conditions which include birth defects, premature deliveries, mental retardation and low birth weights.
Caffeine
Caffeine crosses the placenta thus it can have a direct effect on your baby. It is also a stimulant which has the ability to keep you and your baby awake. A number of studies show that it can cause an increased risk for stillbirths and miscarriages in pregnant women if ingested in large amounts. Numerous animal studies have shown that it can cause birth defects but there were no conclusive studies in humans so far. Bear in mind that caffeine is not only found in coffee but in other things such as tea, soda, chocolate and other OTC medications.
Saccharin
Saccharin is a sweeter that has been associated to a number of health conditions. It is used in products like drinks, biscuits, and toothpaste. When taken during pregnancy, it may cross the placenta and stay in the fetal tissues.
Soft Cheeses and Unpasteurized Milk
Soft cheeses and unpasteurized milk may contain the bacteria called Listeria. This bacteria may enter the placenta and infect your baby and that may lead to infection or blood-poisoning.
Certain Medications
Medications are also regulated in such a way that pregnant women and their doctors would know the appropriate medications that they should be taking. A pregnancy category has been made by the regulating body, US FDA, to serve as guide. The reason for this is that some medications, like antidepressants, have known risks for the growing fetus during pregnancy. Parents and doctors alike are concerned regarding Zoloft birth defects for instance.
