For some women, being pregnant is a time for guilt-free indulgence into the richest and most decadent foods available.  In fact, the term “eating for two,” which is synonymous with pregnancy, provides women with carte blanche enabling their desire to eat whatever they want whenever they want. 

Although eating-for-two is not supported scientifically, the sentiment of eliminating calorie counting while blindly consuming all food for the nine months it takes to build a baby makes sense, right?  Well, yes and no.  Not all foods should be consumed with blatant disregard of the ingredients.  Some foods may be harmful to the developing child especially during the first trimester.

Here are a few that should be avoided or a least eaten with caution.

SUSHI and SASHIMI
While California rolls and other forms of sushi where the fish is cooked is fine, sushi made with raw fish and sashimi are quite dangerous. The raw fish used to make sushi and sashimi, especially salmon and tuna, is high in mercury that may easily pass through the umbilical cord to the unborn child.  Mercury is a highly toxic metal that can have damaging effects on a developing fetus. 

CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES
With its ability to quicken the heartbeat, caffeine is considered a mild danger during pregnancy.  Most women create a slight aversion to coffee in the beginning of pregnancy, but then are able to consume small amounts in the later stages. This aversion seems right since a more developed baby may be less vulnerable to the effects of caffeine.

CINNAMON
Cinnamon should be avoided during the first few months of pregnancy and used only sparingly the rest of the time.  A natural eliminator, cinnamon can trigger the body into an unwanted miscarriage.  Any foreign substance in the body, including any organism that is separate from but connected to your body, otherwise known as your baby, is at risk in the presence of cinnamon.  The most crucial period is the first trimester.  During this time, women planning to continue with pregnancy should not consume cinnamon.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Scientifically proven to have damaging effects on an unborn child, alcohol should not be consumed during pregnancy.
A collective sign of relief is warranted here since fan favourites like potato chips and popsicles are exempt from the do-not-eat list.   Having said that, empty calorie foods like these should be kept to a minimum as much as possible. 
And remember, our senses are heightened during pregnancy so if you are fortunate enough to be healthy while you are pregnant, make a pointed effort to pay close attention to the rich flavours in all of your favourite foods.

Image from MorgueFIle

Alison Taylor
		About the author:
		Alison Taylor studies English literature at the University of Toronto. Dissecting language and absorbing literary theory provides her with intellectual stimulation, but Alison’s passion for overall wellness and contemporary culture compels her to write for the mainstream reader as well as her professors.  When Alison isn’t at her computer, she is hanging out with her very own “mini me”, personally training clients in her home studio, or baking cookies in an attempt to pacify an insatiable sweet tooth.
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