When you are pregnant everything you eat, breathe, and put on your skin gets passed on to the fetus you carry. This is how they grow and build bones, organs, etc. That is why it is so important to be careful to get enough vitamins and nutrients to help ensure proper growth. However, in addition to getting the right things to help your fetus grow, you need to be sure to avoid the things that could possible damage your fetus. The following is a short list of some of the things you should avoid ingesting when pregnant:
Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol during pregnancy should be avoided if possible. Alcohol can slow heart rate, and affects the physical and mental development of the fetus. The risk of injury is particularly high in the early months. Consuming alcohol when pregnant leads to higher risk of birth defects or complications so it is best to avoid it all together.
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Caffeine
Caffeine is found in a lot of things, but in too high of concentrations it can be very harmful to a baby. It has a stimulating effect, which is why many people drink coffee, but for a fetus this means an increased heart rate, and can almost double how fast it beats which endangers it. Coffee, black tea, cola drinks, energy drinks, and cocoa (chocolate), as well as several other foods contain caffeine. Since caffeine in the blood of a pregnant woman affects the heartbeat of the baby, which almost doubles, it is best to limit how much caffeine you intake, or if possible avoid it. Pregnant women may safely drink up to two cups of coffee or four cups of tea a day without endangering the fetus. This roughly translates to a few sodas, or chocolate bars.
Tobacco
Tobacco is extremely harmful not only to the fetus but to you as well, and should be avoided all of the time, but is especially dangerous when pregnant. With each inhalation from a cigarette, nicotine enters the mother's circulatory system and also that of the fetus through the placenta. This causes the blood vessels to contract and the oxygen supply of the fetus to be compromised. This means when you are pregnant you should avoid smoking, chewing, and inhaling smoke from tobacco. This includes secondhand smoke.
Fish (in large quanitities)
Fish is a debatable subject, as some countries live off fish as a dietary staple, and their children are born just fine. However, fish tends to have higher levels of mercury than other meats, and thus during the first trimester, can pose risks to your developing fetus. Eating it in small quantities is just fine, but you should limit it to less than 3, 6 oz servings a week.
Okay, so these are a few of the big no-nos, your doctor may include other things you should avoid, and chances are several people will tell you tons of things you should not be eating while you are pregnant. If you ever have a question ask your health care professional.
In addition to avoidance it is extremely important that you are sure to eat three meals daily plus small snacks. Don't skip breakfast, ever as this gets your day started out right, and gives you increased energy, something hard to come by when pregnant. You should try to eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Do not ever go on a weight loss diet while you are pregnant, and use moderation in sweets.
