15 Indian Food You Should Avoid During Pregnancy

During pregnancy high doses of methi dana or fenugreek seeds should be avoided as it has heat tendency as it may induce contractions. Methi Dana contains phytoestrogens which is used to start menstruation and treat hormonal disorders. It is given after delivery to aid in milk production for breast feeding.

If you have gestational diabetes then avoid consuming methi dana water every day. This can have detrimental affect on the fetus or the unborn baby.  Also if consumed in excess it can abnormal contractions and early labor.

One must avoid consuming aloe vera or its juice during pregnancy. Taking aloe vera juice may cause uterine contractions and can also drop the sugar levels in blood. Sometimes it may cause vomiting and diarrhea which would lead to loss of electrolytes and vital minerals from the body. So avoid aloe vera in any form – be it juice, sabji or curry.

It is advisable to avoid pineapple during pregnancy especially during the early stages as pineapple contains enzymes which may cause uterine contractions. Pineapple contains Bromelain which can soften the cervix and can start labor. So strictly avoid pineapple during first trimester.

Generally the problem occurs when consumed in very large quantities like in pineapple juice or in pineapple salad. Generally consuming pineapple in small quantities is considered safe.

During pregnancy ladies crave for high salt items. But one must avoid food items like Samosas, Pakoras, Biscuits, Wafers, French Fries, Pizza, Chips and Processed Cheese. All these food items are loaded with high salt which can cause water retention and lot of puffiness.

So remember not to sprinkle extra salt on the salads and raitas. It is best to eat normal salt. Avoid pickles too as they use high level of salt for preservation.

Chinese food contains MSG – Mono Sodium Gulamate. Monosodium glutamate is a food and flavoring additive used in many cuisines and many packaged foods. Small quantities of MSG is fine but regular consumption of food items containing MSG can be harmful for the fetus development and can cause birth defects.

Also the Soya Sauce used in Indo Chinese food is very high in salt and may cause high blood pressure related issues..

Some of the other frequently ordered Indo Chinese food items are – Manchow Soup, Manchurian Balls, Chopsuey, Hot n Sour Soup, Chinese Fried Rice and Chicken Lollipops. Avoid them during pregnancy because of MSG and high salt both.

During pregnancy avoid processed foods like Refined Flours (Maida) based products like Bread, Namkeen, Mathri, Biscuits, Pizza, Pasta, Cookies, Pasta. Also avoid readymade or packaged food items like various Pickles, Chutneys, Podi Masala, readymade Pasta Sauces, Ketchups, Pickles as they have preservatives and chemicals to increase their shelf life.

During pregnancy one craves for restaurant food. Also during pregnancy sometimes you may find it difficult to cook for yourself and the family. You may opt for restaurant food. But it is best to avoid restaurant food. In general it is advisable to eat home cooked simple food as they are prepared hygienically. Restaurant foods have rich gravies made from cream, butter and vegetable oils and high salt. They are high on spices too which can cause acidity and heart burn and gas. The hygiene of the restaurant is also questionable. Any food poisoning can cause unnecessary health issue for the mother as well as the baby.