Foods to avoid during 1st trimester

Foods to Avoid During 1st Trimester

If you are looking at what not to eat in the first trimester of pregnancy, then, first of all, congratulations! We at Purplle understand your excitement and your concern, which is why we’re going to tell you about the food items to avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy. 

1.Caffeine

If the mother-to-be loves her coffee, she's not going to like how we are starting this list. But because we care for you so much, we have to give it to you straight and bitter, just like your morning espresso. So, long story short, you absolutely cannot have caffeine as it can often increase your blood pressure, which might not be suitable for the developing fetus. Moreover, caffeine often messes with our sleep cycle and mood. This is why it’s best to stay away from coffee in such an intricate phase of the baby’s development.

2.Alcohol

This has to be among the foremost important things to avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy. Do remember that at no point in your pregnancy is it safe to drink alcohol. Not even a little drop, not even on just one occasion. Alcohol can seriously interfere with the brain and nervous development of the fetus. Women who used to drink in their pregnancy have children born with cognitive disorders and sensory issues.

3.Unripe Papaya

Yes, there is a clear distinction in the kind of papayas you can have during your pregnancy. However, to be on the safer side, you should include all sorts of papayas on your list of foods to avoid in the first month of pregnancy. We say you cannot have unripe papaya because it contains latex and papain. These chemicals are known to induce uterine contractions and a false sense of labor, which may weaken the bond that a mother is supposed to have with the fetus to support its growth and nutrition. 

4.Raw Cabbage

Who doesn't love cabbage in a good salad? But you’re not supposed to eat it raw during your pregnancy. Cabbage is very high in fibers, and during pregnancy, the stomach lining might be too vulnerable and receptive towards fiber, which may lead to nausea and indigestion. Although you can have cooked cabbage as much as you like, not cooking it is a problem, and overcooking it is also a problem.

5.Black Grapes

Black grapes are highly acidic. Although you can eat green grapes during your pregnancy, you should avoid eating black grapes.

6.Too Much Sugar

Almost all studies and researches recommend against eating too much sugar. While that holds true, pregnant women must intake sugar very cautiously. Too much sugar can lead to a hike in your blood sugar level, and it will also lead to added obesity. This is why you should measure your sugar intake and try to avoid it.
 

7.Too Much Salt

We understand that some mothers-to-be kind of have a craving for salty food items during their pregnancy. In that case, you should go for black salt instead of common salt. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure or urination, which can drain out other important nutrients from your body. Moreover, the sodium chloride present in salt is rich in sodium, which is often linked with water retention. This can make your skin and joints look more bloated, and it makes your body movements more painful.
 

8.Raw Sprouts

While there are many advantages to eating beans and raw sprouts, you shouldn’t consume them during the first trimester of your pregnancy because this can lead to indigestion and allergies. But more importantly, it can lead to you developing some chronic diseases because in raw sprouts and beans, bacteria such as salmonella and e.coli sneak in through the cracks to give you disorders such as diarrhoea and cholera. Diseases can make a pregnancy complicated and affect your child adversely.
 

9.Junk Food

We know you would probably crave for some burgers and pasta during your pregnancy. We need you to know that it is okay to give in to your cravings once a week, but not regularly! Do not make junk food a habit as it contains dubious ingredients and is overloaded with sugar. That is why it is best to go for more homemade food in your first trimester.
 

10.Street Food

We, in India, are blessed to have street food that is rich and delicious. But again, the quality of oils used and the unhealthy fats that go into making these food items will add to more stressful weight management for you after your pregnancy. That is why you should only rely on ghee when you are expecting. Prepare your meals using the purest ghee you can find.  

Now that we have told you what to avoid, we feel we should also mention what you can eat. Here is a list of foods to have in 1st trimester.

You can eat pulses, green leafy vegetables, eggs, and dairy proteins, as long as they are all heated or cooked properly, since heat kills all the bacteria. To make sure you and your baby get nothing but the best, make sure to clean and cook all food before consuming it. 

What lies ahead of you is an exciting journey, and at the end of your 9 months, your baby will be a part of your external world. Enjoy all the ups and downs of this roller coaster ride! Happy pregnancy! Stay safe!