10 Foods to Avoid During Young Pregnancy

Becoming a mother is a special moment that many women look forward to. Pregnancy is a phase full of changes and adjustments, including in terms of diet.

Moms need to pay more attention to their nutritional intake to support personal health and fetal development.

However, on the other hand, there are several types of food that should be avoided during young pregnancy to minimize the risk to the health of mother and baby.

The following are 10 types of foods that should be avoided during young pregnancy:

1. Fish High in Mercury

Certain marine fish such as shark, swordfish, marlin, and king mackerel are high in mercury. Mercury is a neurotoxin, a substance that can damage the development of the fetal nervous system, especially the brain.

Exposure to high amounts of mercury in pregnancy can cause various disorders in the baby, such as:

• Microcephaly: the baby's head size is smaller than normal.
• Delayed cognitive development
• Cerebral palsy: muscle coordination and movement disorders
• Autism

2. Raw or Undercooked Meat and Poultry

Raw or undercooked meat and poultry have a high risk of being contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

These bacteria can cause serious infections in pregnant women called listeriosis and salmonellosis.

Symptoms of these infections can include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Although rare, these infections can pass to the fetus through the bloodstream and cause fetal death, premature birth, or low birth weight.

3. Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs are at risk of being contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Consumption of contaminated eggs can cause salmonellosis in pregnant women, with symptoms as mentioned earlier.

In addition, raw eggs are also at risk of containing Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), a bacteria that can cause food poisoning in babies after birth.

To be on the safe side, make sure you always cook your eggs until they are fully cooked, i.e. the whites and yolks are set.

4. Milk and Raw Milk Products

Raw milk and dairy products, such as fresh unpasteurized milk, soft cheese, and certain yogurts, are at risk of contamination with harmful bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella.

This bacterial contamination can cause listeriosis infection in pregnant women, which can harm the fetus.

Pasteurization is the process of heating food to kill harmful bacteria. Make sure you only consume milk and milk products that have gone through the pasteurization process.

5. Offal

Offal such as liver, kidney, and spleen are high in vitamin A in the form of retinol. This form of vitamin A is different from beta-carotene, which is found in orange fruits and vegetables.

Consumption of excessive amounts of retinoids (vitamin A in the form of retinol) in the first trimester of pregnancy can cause birth defects in the baby, such as:

• Facial defects (craniofacial defects)
• Congenital heart defects
• Defects of the central nervous system

Although you still need vitamin A during pregnancy, you should limit your offal consumption and get your vitamin A intake from safer sources, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Consult your doctor about your daily vitamin A needs during pregnancy.

6. Young Pineapple

Young pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can theoretically soften the uterine wall and trigger contractions.

Although there is no strong scientific evidence regarding the effect of young pineapple on miscarriage, it is still recommended to consume it carefully, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.

If you want to consume pineapple, choose ripe pineapple that has a lower bromelain content.

7. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cross the placenta and affect the fetal heart rate. Excessive caffeine consumption during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk:

• Miscarriage
• low birth weight
• Premature birth

The effects of caffeine on pregnancy are cumulative, meaning that the more caffeine consumed, the greater the potential risk.

8. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption in any amount can harm fetal development.

Alcohol can cross the placenta and interfere with blood flow to the fetus, hindering its growth and development.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause various problems in the baby, such as:

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): severe physical and mental disabilities
• Impaired cognitive development: learning and memory difficulties
• Congenital heart defects
• Fetal death

Avoid alcohol consumption completely during pregnancy.

9. Foods High in Sugar and Saturated Fat

Excessive consumption of foods high in sugar and saturated fat can increase the risk of obesity and gestational diabetes in pregnant women.

Obesity and gestational diabetes can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and labor, such as:

• Premature birth
• Stalled birth
• Preeclampsia
• Birth of a large-weight baby

Choose foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Limit your consumption of processed foods, ready meals, and fast food which are usually high in sugar and saturated fat.

10. Unhygienic Food

Make sure you always eat clean and hygienic food to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption, especially leafy green vegetables. Cook food until it is fully cooked, especially meat, poultry and eggs.

By adopting a healthy lifestyle and following the doctor's advice, Moms can have a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy, and welcome the baby with love and happiness.

Always consult a doctor or nutritionist to get the right dietary guidance during pregnancy.