20 Food items that may cause miscarriage

A healthy diet leads to a healthy tomorrow. A balanced diet is important for each and everyone but it becomes extremely important when you are pregnant. You become the resource for all vitamins and minerals for the tiny one to grow healthy. 

You may crave for several edibles in your pregnancy and there is no harm in having it in moderation. 

As there is a list of safe food in pregnancy; there is also a bunch of them which is a strict NO in pregnancy and may lead to miscarriage.

Food items that may cause miscarriage:

1. Papaya

Especially, the green papaya and papaya leaves contains a high amount of enzyme papain that reduces progesterone release (key hormone to build endometrium), increases the contraction of the uterus and leads to miscarriage.

2. Pineapple

Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain that induces uterine walls to become smooth and leads to miscarriage. The pineapple juice is generally used during delivery to fasten up the whole process.

3. Pomegranate

Pomegranate seeds are many times taken as a natural means to induce abortion. It contains an enzyme that stimulates the uterine contraction.

4. Peaches and Wild Apples

These fruits contain very high heat that may lead to termination of pregnancy.

5. Raw and Unwashed Vegetables

Vegetables may contain a harmful parasite, toxoplasma gondii which may result in toxoplasmosis to mother and may pass it on to the unborn. It is very important for a pregnant woman to wash or soak in salt solution, rinse and peel the vegetables before consumption.

6. Drumsticks

Drumsticks are rich in vitamins, iron and potassium. Eating in very little quantity may be beneficial. But it also contains alpha-sitosterol that terminates the pregnancy.

7. Crabs

Crabs contain a high amount of cholesterol that may shrink the uterus and cause the miscarriage.

8. Animal Liver

The infected liver may produce toxins that might hamper the growth of a baby. Also, it contains a high amount of Vit. A and cholesterol that may end the pregnancy

9. Sprouted Potato

Unused potatoes may develop buds or sprout that contain solanine in high amount; this hampers the fetal development and can cause neural tube defects.

10. Mercury-rich Fishes

Mercury is the toxic metal that retards brain development in the baby.

Several fish species are rich in mercury content and is just ‘NO’ in pregnancy. The list includes mackerel, tuna, marlin, swordfish and many more.

11. Seafood

Raw seafood such as oysters, prawns, sushi etc. may be contaminated with several parasites, listeria and may lead to food poisoning and listeriosis. If you still want to have it, make sure that the food is well cooked before consumption.

12. Unpasteurized Milk & Cheese

Unpasteurized milk and variety of cheese contains harmful bacteria - Listeria monocytogenes that unnecessarily creates several health complications.

13. Raw eggs

Consumption of undercooked egg, that contains salmonella bacteria, may cause intestines distress, vomiting, cramps and may even lead to miscarriage. Be sure, that the egg is well cooked before consumption that kills the bacteria.

14. Meat

Meat products provide the best shelter to several harmful parasites such as listeria, toxoplasma gondii, listeria and many more that leads to GIT distress. This in severity may cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birthing. 

If at all one feels to have it in a confined portion, make sure it is well cooked.

15. Certain Herbs

Not all herbs, but few herbs tend to terminate the pregnancy. Cintonella is one such example which contains the steroids that leads to liver damage. Another example is Dong Quai that results in premature birth.

16. Cinnamom

Cinnamon contains an enzyme that stimulates the uterine contraction and may lead to miscarriage if overconsumed.

17. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can lead to pelvic haemorrhage and thus is restricted in pregnancy.

18. Raw Sprouts

Humid environment (needed to sprout) becomes the nest for bacterial growth such as Salmonella and may lead to several health complications. A well-cooked sprouts is safe to consume.

19. Excess caffeine

Caffeine is found safe in pregnancy in moderation. But excess caffeine leads to dehydration and may lead to either abortion or a low weight baby.

It is recommended to not exceed more than 200 mg of caffeine per day.

Tea, coffee and several chocolates have caffeine as a key ingredient.

20. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol not only retards the fetal development but may result in stillbirth or miscarriage.

Conclusion

Do not get tensed or stressed if you have had or feel like having something. Anything consumed with minor care in moderation is completely safe for your and your baby. Calm your cravings and enjoy the pregnancy.

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