Food Items To Avoid In The Last Trimester Of Pregnancy

The third trimester of pregnancy is a crucial period for both the mother and the developing baby. During this month, the baby undergoes significant growth and development, which makes it important for the mother to maintain a healthy diet. However, during this period, mother should eat food which has high nutrients, but there are some foods which the mother should avoid. Moreover, certain food items can pose possible risks, and it is important to avoid them throughout this critical period to safeguard the health of both. Here are some foods mentioned below that may be harmful during the last trimester of pregnancy.

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Preggo Mums you need

1. Essential fats e.g. avocado, coconut oil, animal fats. – help in absorption of Vit. ADEK.

2. Proteins: Eggs, meat & fish.

3. Cruciferous veggies(cabbages, lettuce, broccoli)

4. Sunshine.

5. Sleep.

6. Methyl-folate
NOT sugar, juices, wheat, seed oils… pic.twitter.com/LTdd7z7P0Y

— Doctor Of The Future™ (@g_diets_) July 11, 2024

Raw and Undercooked Seafood

During the last trimester, seafood, especially raw or undercooked food, items like Shellfish or sushi, should be strictly avoided as they carry harmful bacteria and parasites, which can lead to serious infection. However, it will not only affect the mother, but also it will harm the baby, like premature birth, miscarriage or various illnesses in the newborn baby. However, it is important to cook the food thoroughly and make sure that all the harmful bacteria like Listeria and salmonella are destroyed, and therefore, it will reduce the risk of complications for both the mother as well as the baby.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

As we know nowadays unpasteurized dairy products are famous, like cheese. But during pregnancy, it is important to avoid soft varieties like Brie, Camembert, and certain goat cheeses. The unpasteurized dairy product also contains harmful bacteria, which result in premature delivery or life-threatening infection in the newborn. However, as it contains the Listeria bacterium, it is important to choose pasteurized dairy products to safeguard safety during the last trimester.

Raw or Undercooked Eggs

The next food item is raw eggs, which pose a risk of infection known as salmonella and cause food poisoning. At the time of the last trimester, pregnant women should avoid uncooked eggs as it cause dehydration and another health issue for the mother, which indirectly harms the baby. However, some of the families make their homemade mayonnaise, dessert, etc., that contains raw eggs, so the pregnant women should avoid it as well. Therefore, to reduce the risk of salmonella, the egg should be properly boiled or cooked thoroughly.

High-Mercury Fish

During pregnancy, mainly in the third trimester, it is crucial to limit mercury intake. Fish such as swordfish, sharks, and tilefish are well known to have high levels of mercury, a deadly metal that can damage the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. Therefore, it is important to avoid this kind of fish item; instead of that, choose low-mercury fish like salmon. Therefore, the dish, which is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, is beneficial for the development of the brain in the baby.

Caffeine

The intake of caffeine is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it should be moderate. Excessive intake will lead to complications in the last trimester. However, it will cross the placenta and directly affect the heartrate of the baby and metabolism. Therefore, mothers who are addicted towards caffeine should avoid or take it in a moderate way. However, it will also increase the risk of the preterm birth of the baby or low birth weight. Moreover, it is suggested to limit caffeine consumption to about 200 mg per day, which is unevenly equal to one 12-ounce cup of coffee. In addition to coffee, avoid caffeinated drinks like energy drinks, sodas, and certain teas.

Deli Meats and Processes Meats

It is important for pregnant women to avoid the various deli meats which we usually see in the market, and however, it is famous as well, like hot dogs, cold cuts and other processed meats. This kind of food also contains Listeria, which makes them a food to avoid, especially during the last trimester. However, it can cross the placenta, affect the baby with severe infection, and result in premature labor or stillbirth. There is an alternate way to consume it; if the pregnant woman is craving deli meats, it should be properly streamed before consuming.

Raw Sprouts

Raw sprouts, like mung beans, clover, etc., are highly susceptible to bacterial infection. This food is usually grown in warm, moist conditions and contains bacteria like Salmonella or E.coli, which are hard to wash off. However, it is important for pregnant women to avoid this kind of food, especially during the last trimester. It will also lead towards infection in the newborn baby and preterm labor. Therefore, the food should be properly cooked to avoid this kind of complication. Opt for well-cooked forms in dishes like fries or soups to safeguard both you and your baby from possible contaminations.

Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol is not only harmful during the last trimester but it should be avoided at any stage of pregnancy. However, drinking alcohol will increase the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend in contradiction of consumption alcohol at any stage of pregnancy to remove potential risks.

Moreover, it results towards the abnormalities physically in the baby, issues with behavior and cognitive damage. The third trimester is a serious period for brain and nervous system growth, and alcohol contact can delay these procedures, leading to long-term concerns. It has also been observed that a small amount of alcohol can affect the development of the fetus, so it is better to avoid alcohol completely during the last stage.

Spicy and Greasy Foods

As we know, during the last trimester, women face a lot of problems, including heartburn and indigestion, as the baby has grown too fast in the last two months. However, the pressure put on the stomach by the baby creates uncomfortable for the mother, so it is better to avoid greasy and spicy food, which leads to discomfort and irritation. However, it does not harm the baby in the uterus, but it affects the mother’s health and creates discomfort for them. Therefore, it is important to avoid spicy food and limit it to milder, as it is easy to digest during the last trimester.

Therefore, the third trimester of pregnancy is a period of both excitement and preparation, but it also needs sharp attention to diet and food safety. Avoiding certain high-risk foods, such as raw seafood, undercooked eggs, high-mercury fish, and unpasteurized dairy products, is vital for the comfort of both the mother and the baby. Additionally, limiting caffeine intake, completely avoiding alcohol, and handling spicy or greasy food consumption can help decrease discomfort and possible risks.

By creating informed dietary selections, pregnant mothers can care for a healthy pregnancy and safeguard a safe delivery for their newborns. Maintaining a healthy diet at this time is important when a baby’s organs are maturing and the body is preparing for the delivery. The mother’s diet throughout this time can affect both her comfort and the baby’s growth. Proper diet is vital, but so is the avoidance of possibly harmful foods.

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