FOODS TO EAT AND AVOID DURING FIRST MONTH OF PREGNANCY

The diet during the first month of pregnancy affects the health of the developing fetus.Here is the list of some foods to eat and avoid during first month of pregnancy.  

Food to Eat in the first month of Pregnancy

1- Dairy Products

 Dairy products like yogurt and milk especially fortified ones are a great source of calcium, vitamin D, protein, healthy fats and folic acid.

2. Folate Rich Foods

 Add folate rich foods to your diet. Even if you are taking folic acid supplements. Examples of such foods are citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, rice and fortified cereal.

3- Whole Grains 

Whole grains like barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur wheat, millets and oatmeal are healthy sources of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin B complex and minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium.

4- Eggs

 Eggs are a good source of proteins vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B12, D and K  and minerals like phosphorus, selenium, calcium and zinc. Poultry is also rich in proteins.

5-Fruits 

Fruits such as muskmelon, avocado, pomegranate, banana, guava, oranges, sweet lime, strawberries and apples contain several vitamins and antioxidants necessary for the baby's growth in the womb.

Foods to avoid in the first month of Pregnancy 

1. Soft Cheese

 soft cheese is made from unpasteurized milk and contains bacteria that can cause food poisoning hence it's best to avoid soft cheese during early pregnancy

2. Packaged and Processed Foods

 packaged and processed foods such as juices microwave ready meals cakes biscuits condensed milk etc contain preservatives and empty calories some packaged foods may also contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning

 3-Seafood with High M ercury

avoid seafood with high levels of mercury as it could lead to fetal brain damage and a delay in developmental milestone.

4- Unripe and semi-ripe Papayas 

 Unripe and semi-ripe papyas contain latex which triggers you to rhyme contractions and causes pre-term labor or even miscarriage.

5- Pineapples 

pineapples contain bromelain which can soften the cervix and lead to miscarriages of free term labor

6. Raw or undercooked Eggs and Meats

 Raw or undercooked meat may be contaminated by bacteria salmonellalisteria etc. It can affect the unbornchild's development. 

Eat healthy foods. Had small meals at regular intervals. Stay hydrated, do light exercises and be stress free to keep yourself and your baby healthy and happy.