DEAR DOCTOR,

This is my first pregnancy and I am in my first trimester but not sure about what I should be eating. For example, I like chilli in my food but was advised not to eat it anymore. What are some of the foods you’d recommend and those I should stay away from even when breastfeeding? LAURA

DEAR LAURA, 

Heartiest congratulations on your first pregnancy. It is a time to rejoice, but is also associated with much anxiety. What to eat or not eat, to do exercise or not, are issues over which one gets lots of suggestions from well-wishers but could get confused. During pregnancy, appetite may be enhanced or marred, depending on whether one is vomiting or not. The requirement of nutrients, particularly calcium and iron, is enhanced, and failing to meet this requirement can cause joint pain and anaemia during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, it is vital to take a balanced diet during pregnancy. It should provide all necessary nutrients. 

As such, there is no restriMediaction during pregnancy to eat most of the common foods consumed. But healthy dairy products, fresh green vegetables, sweet potatoes, fresh fruits, lean meat like fish, eggs, berries, nuts and whole grains, are a good choice to eat during this period. In fact, research has shown that a high vegetable diet during pregnancy prevents hypertension and pre-eclampsia of pregnancy, a dreaded complication.  One should avoid eating foods that can make one sick in any way. Pepper is not harmful in any way for pregnancy. But it can cause heartburn, nausea and or vomiting. It can be taken, as per one’s liking and tolerance in moderation. 

Fatty food, white sugar, provide only calories and no nutrients.  They can cause excess weight gain and enhance risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Fruits like papaya and pineapple contain enzymes that can damage the foetus and cause abortion. Hence, they are best avoided. Grapes should be avoided during first trimester as they are supposed to generate much heat within the body, which can harm the unborn baby. Foods like uncooked meat, raw greens and salads, may cause food poisoning, therefore, should be avoided.

Raw or unpasteurised milk carries risk of causing food poisoning and diseases like intestinal T.B, therefore, it should be avoided, along with milk products like cheese, if made from unpasteurised milk. Canned and instant foods contain chemicals, which can cause allergy, precipitate or aggravate asthma, they are also low in nutrients, high in calories, hence best avoided. 

Alcohol and tobacco should not be touched when pregnant because they carry multiple health hazards for both the mother and baby.  It is also important to take small frequent meals, instead of one heavy meal at a time. This prevents indigestion and helps in better assimilation of nutrients. 

Dr. Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine

rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk