Which Fruits To Avoid During Pregnancy?
What you eat is what you reap and the same applies to your health during pregnancy. Although fruits are good for health there are certain fruits to avoid during pregnancy and certain fruits to eat. Since pregnancy is a sensitive period in life and diet and lifestyle should be changed accordingly. Let us look into fruits that are good for your pregnancy besides knowing which foods to avoid during pregnancy.
What Causes Abortion?
Abortion or miscarriage is the result of many factors underplay. Although it is not a serious problem and about 87% of women who had miscarriage give birth and have safe pregnancies knowing the causes of abortion will help to avoid unwanted complications. The most universal causes are;
- Infections
- Exposing to the workplace and environmental hazards like toxic agents and radiation
- Maternal age, women aged 20s and 40s are more prone to miscarriages
- Irregularities of hormones
- Inappropriate insertion of a fertilized egg in the uterus lining.
- Abnormalities of uterine
- The incompetence of cervix (it begins to broaden and open up too early in the pregnancy middays, without even giving the signs of labor or pain.)
- Lifestyle factors like consumption of alcohol, smoking or usage of drugs
- Immune system disorders including lupus- A kind of an autoimmune ailment
- Severe kidney infections
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Congenital heart disease
- Thyroid issues
- Radiation
- Certain medicines like the acne drug isotretinoin
- Group B beta strep
- Severe malnutrition
Although stress and sex are considered the reasons for abortion they aren’t.
Benefits Of Eating Fruits During Pregnancy
Whatever the reasons for miscarriage, proper lifestyle, and having a correct diet filled with pregnant-friendly fruits can lead to a healthier delivery and avoid abortions.
One diet habit to follow during pregnancy is having fruits as they are excellent sources of nutrients that are quintessential for pregnant women. They provide fiber, vitamins, folate, and a lot more which together aid the womb and woman stay healthy. The properties in fruits even assist in relieving the majority of the common pregnancy symptoms.
Pregnant women must make it a habit to eat a minimum of 5 different portions of vegetables and fruits every day. Good fruits during pregnancy consist of apricots, oranges, mangoes, pears, pomegranates, avocadoes, guavas, grapes, berries, bananas, dried fruits, and apples.
Apart from taking the above-mentioned fruits, they should even limit the intake of fruit juices and dried fruits as these are rich in sugar and high in calories in comparison to fresh fruits.
The other rule to keep in mind is to vary the fruits every day besides being sourced fresh and free of chemicals, preservatives, and pesticides. It is better to avoid dry, frozen, and canned fruits.
The Thumb Rule For Fruit Serving Is;
- 1 fruit piece for fruits larger than a tennis ball
- 1 cup of chopped fruit for others
Remember that fresh fruits give women the needed nutrition to keep the development of the baby and also eradicate few defects and diseases thereby giving pregnant women overall health.
[Also Read: Best drinks for heartburn during pregnancy]
Which Fruits To Avoid During Pregnancy?
Although fruits are in general good for health there are few fruits that may be unhealthy for pregnant women due to hormonal surges and imbalances.
1. Pineapple
It is high in bromelain that could lead to the softening of the cervix and further cause early labor. Besides, consuming pineapple can lead to stomach issues such as diarrhea leading to the dehydrated condition.
2. Grapes
They are rich in heat-producing properties and can affect both the womb and woman. It also has resveratrol, a compound that elevates hormonal imbalances in pregnancy.
3. Papaya
This is the most notorious fruit for women who are carrying. It promotes early labor and in worst cases may also lead to miscarriages. The unripe & half-ripe papayas are high in latex-known to activate uterine contractions.
4. Bitter Melon
It irritates the uterus and could lead to miscarriage or premature birth. They have highly toxic substances such as quinine, medicine, and saponin glycosides. When the body absorbs them they lead to rashes, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
In addition to these, it is better to forego some fruits in the early days of pregnancy. The fruits to avoid during early pregnancy include berries, dates, watermelon, bananas, and tamarind.
Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
In addition to pregnancy-unfriendly fruits, there are also few not good foods to avoid such as;
- Undercooked or raw foods of any kind should be avoided.
- Unpasteurized dairy products.
- Raw sprouts
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Uncooked eggs
- Processed seafood and meat
Pregnancy is a sensitive condition and since now you know which foods and fruits to avoid during pregnancy besides knowing what fruits are good we believe you will have a safe and healthy pregnancy.