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Diets and Nutrition

Myths and truths about nutrition during pregnancy
Diets and Nutrition

Myths and truths about nutrition during pregnancy

By Kiwilimón - 2019-05-03T14:11:31.213446Z

One of the main concerns of a pregnant woman is undoubtedly the well-being of her little one. During the nine months of
gestation, the expectant mother is constantly wondering if what she eats, drinks, or does can affect the baby's health in any way.

While it is true that a woman should monitor what she eats to avoid future health problems, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, there are certain recommendations that are simply wrong. Discover the most common myths and truths surrounding nutrition during pregnancy.

You cannot eat fish.

Much has been said about the presence of mercury in fish and its negative effects during pregnancy and lactation. This prejudice has led many pregnant women to completely avoid any type of dish that includes fish; however, it is important to remember that not all varieties of fish have the same levels of mercury. Including fish in your diet helps to increase omega 3 and vitamin D levels in your body.

The consumption of alcohol is prohibited.

Some studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption is not harmful to the baby. It can even be beneficial. Drinking a small glass of wine a week may improve blood circulation for both the mother and the baby. However, it is very important to emphasize that it is not obligatory to drink alcohol, and if you choose to do so, you should limit yourself to a few milliliters a week. Otherwise, you could put the baby's health at risk.

You should stop drinking tea and coffee.

Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic. On one hand, its consumption causes blood pressure and heart rate to increase, which is not very advisable during pregnancy. On the other hand, the diuretic effect can worsen the already frequent urge to urinate. As for teas, you should be very careful about what they contain before drinking them. Although they are natural beverages and seem harmless, some teas have abortifacient effects. Consult your doctor before including teas in your diet.

Cheeses can harm the baby.

While dairy products made from pasteurized milk are considered safe, one must be very cautious with those made from fresh milk. Certain cheeses, such as goat cheese, are generally not subjected to pasteurization processes, which means they can contain bacteria that are very dangerous for the fetus. Do not take risks and limit yourself to consuming only pasteurized dairy products.

You should not eat eggs during pregnancy.

Some foods include raw egg in their preparation. Mayonnaise, certain sauces, some desserts, and ice creams are often made with raw egg whites and yolks. To avoid the development of any type of infection that could affect your baby, it is best to avoid these foods and only consume well-cooked eggs. This will reduce the risk of contracting salmonella.

Strawberries are dangerous during pregnancy. 

In reality, strawberries themselves are not dangerous; the problem arises when they are not washed and disinfected properly. Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, you can eat any fruit during pregnancy as long as you have washed and disinfected it well.

Remember that before making any changes to your diet, it is very important to consult with your doctor. There are very specific conditions, and each case is different, so it is necessary to have your doctor's supervision and approval when you decide to include any type of food during pregnancy.