Pregnancy is the time wherein a mother needs to be cautious in the things she does, activities she performs, and the foods she eats. What the mother loved to eat when she was still not pregnant may not be safe anymore for the little baby inside her. Here are some of the foods that need to avoid during pregnancy because they may have components that is harmful to the fetus.

• Foods that has caffeine

Caffeine rich food and beverages should be minimized if not eradicated during pregnancy. Caffeine is a central nervous stimulant associated with acid secretion in the stomach and rapid increase in heart rate. Low birth weight infants are associated with mothers who drink more than two cups of coffee daily. Caffeine is not just limited to coffee but to other food sources as well. Carbonated drinks like soft drinks, tea , and chocolates are also good sources. However, some of these preparations are modified to have less caffeine contents in them. Caffeine intake is not totally contra indicated in pregnancy, but limiting ones intake can minimize the effects this substance may give the fetus.

• Food that has artificial sweeteners

The reason why pregnant woman are not encouraged to have large amount artificial sweeteners in the diet is because intake of this substance by pregnant women is not yet established or proven by the Food and Drug Administration. Natural sugars and carbohydrates are best to use in pregnancy rather than those who are artificially prepared.

• Diet food preparations

During pregnancy it is a given fact that dieting is prohibited during pregnancy. Having few of minimal intake of calories and other foods may lead to babies having neural tube defects. Eating of diet food and supplements and dieting should not be done by a pregnant mother. Her nutritional intake should be more than what is required because she is not just eating for herself but her baby as well.

Eating the right kind and ample amount of foods during pregnancy is essential to ensure that the health of both mother and baby is in the optimum level. What is important is that the mother contacts her health care provider and nutritionist and asks for advice as to what foods are healthy to eat during pregnancy. When the mother takes care of health and eats the right kind of food, she in not just taking care of herself, but her baby as well.

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