What Foods Should I Avoid While Pregnant?

When they’re pregnant, some women end up being diagnosed with gestational diabetes and other health conditions. In these situations, avoiding certain foods can significantly improve the health of the baby and pregnant mom. After all, some foods can be downright harmful during that critical time. According to FoodSafety.gov, “Immune system changes in pregnant women place the women themselves, their unborn children, and their newborns at increased risk of foodborne illness [. . .] doctors provide pregnant women with specific guidelines about foods that they should and should not eat.” The good news is that LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers medically tailored meals (MTMs) to ensure people follow their doctor’s prescribed diet while pregnant.

How Does a Person’s Diet While Pregnant Affect Overall Health?

Pregnant women experience changes in their hormone levels and immune system. Some women develop temporary health issues or notice changes in their overall fitness caused by pregnancy. Because of this, pregnant women should follow their doctor’s instructions regarding what foods to increase or avoid during pregnancy. Medical professionals may sometimes recommend MTMs to ensure pregnant people have the nutrients they need to stay healthy and nurture a healthy baby.

A person’s diet during pregnancy may affect the following:

• Moods and emotional stability
• Energy levels throughout the day
• Quality of sleep
• Physical health and overall wellness
• The health of the baby

Pregnant individuals have unique nutritional needs. According to MyPlate.gov, “In addition to a healthy diet, your doctor may recommend a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement to help you meet your needs.” LifeSpring Home Nutrition enriches meals using nutraceuticals and high-quality whole ingredients to help people supplement their weekly meals.

Gestational Diabetes and Other Conditions

Dietary changes may reduce some symptoms of gestational diabetes and other conditions caused by pregnancy. Some of the most common health issues experienced during pregnancy include:

• High blood pressure
• Clinical depression
• Preeclampsia
• Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
• Anemia
• Obesity
• Kidney problems

A person’s diet may impact how these conditions manifest. For example, proper portion control and eating nutritious foods reduce the risk of obesity and obesity-related conditions. A person’s diet also contributes to iron levels, blood pressure levels, and optimal organ function. Some of the most common health issues experienced by pregnant women can be avoided or managed by eating healthfully. Every pregnant woman has different needs and food preferences. For that reason, LifeSpring Home Nutrition provides a wide range of meal options to meet various medical needs.

How Do Different Foods Affect the Gut Microbiome of Pregnant Individuals?

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in mood, emotion regulation, and overall health during pregnancy. According to The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, “The prenatal period is marked by unique inflammatory and immune changes that alter maternal gut function and bacterial composition as the pregnancy advances.” Research has shown that “[t]he composition of the maternal gut microbiome contributes to obstetric outcomes with long-term health sequelae for mother and child.” Some women may need to adjust their diet as the pregnancy progresses to remain healthy.

Meals delivered by LifeSpring Home Nutrition are prepared using high-quality ingredients and are enriched with nutraceuticals. Each meal is carefully designed to provide essential vitamins and minerals to support gut health. Pregnant women have many food options to choose from to ensure their weekly meals taste delicious and provide nutrients for them and their babies.

What Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

Women absorb fewer nutrients during pregnancy. This is because babies require additional nutrients and energy, which increases the risk of malnutrition for the mother. Ensuring an iron-rich diet with a good balance of vitamins and minerals is important. Avoiding foods that negatively impact digestion improves overall health by ensuring the body absorbs enough vitamins and minerals. Many pregnant people do not know how to adjust their diets to meet their new nutritional needs.

The foods women should avoid during pregnancy vary depending on many factors. However, a few common foods women tend to avoid during pregnancy include:

• Raw fish
• Undercooked meat
• Raw milk
• Alcohol
• Raw eggs
• Ultra-processed foods

Pregnant women may also need to lower their caffeine intake to reduce it. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Pregnant women who consumed the caffeine equivalent of as little as half a cup of coffee a day on average had slightly smaller babies than pregnant women who did not consume caffeinated beverages, according to a study by researchers.” People who typically use caffeine for an energy boost can choose from a range of home-delivered meals full of energy-boosting ingredients.

How Does Lifespring Home Nutrition Support Pregnant People?

Pregnancy complications or co-occurring health conditions may interfere with women’s ability to maintain a healthy diet. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers nutritional support, including:

• MTMs and specialized food plans
• Weekly home deliveries
• Nutrition education and guidance
• One-on-one discussions with a registered dietitian (RD)

Pregnant women often report easier births and healthier babies if they follow their doctor’s dietary guidelines. LifeSpring Home Nutrition helps women maintain necessary dietary changes during and after pregnancy. Weekly home-delivered meals ensure that people have access to essential vitamins and minerals that improve their overall health.

Pregnant women may experience multiple health issues if they have an unhealthy diet. Avoiding certain foods and eating healthier meals tailored to a pregnant woman’s unique medical needs reduces her risk of experiencing gestational diabetes or other conditions. Doctors, nutritionists, dietitians, and other medical professionals may provide meal prescriptions or specific guidelines for people to use to manage their health while pregnant. Medically tailored meals (MTMs) are a common treatment service provided to pregnant individuals with special dietary needs. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers MTMs and other meal options to support women during pregnancy. To learn more about our various meal options or how to sign up to receive our home-delivery services, contact our office today at (800) 798-5767.