Foods to avoid during twin pregnancy

Foods to avoid during Twin Pregnancy

Healthy pregnancy diet for twins

Have you been wondering about the foods to avoid during pregnancy as well as other things to sustain a healthy twin pregnancy.

Wondering what you should or shouldn’t eat or do whilst pregnant to give the best start for your baby twins?

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

 

There are certain foods to avoid during pregnancy as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis can be of concern (these are food borne illnesses). Complications like miscarriage and birth defects can be a result if infected.

 

Foods to avoid include:

  • Unpasteurized cheeses like Feta, Brie, Camembert, Blue
  • Unpasteurized Milk, Yogurt & Juices
  • Sushi
  • Raw or Under cooked Meat, no pink meat at all
  • Deli Meats like Ham & Processed Meat like some Sausages
  • Liver Pate and Liver in general
  • Shop bought or Self Service Salads including Pasta Salads
  • Raw Eggs or any Food containing Raw Egg like some Dressings. An egg must be hard boiled to be eaten when pregnant
  • Certain Fish can contain high levels of mercury which can be harmful to your babies – these include Shark, Swordfish, Tuna among others. Talk with your health care provider for other fish you may need to avoid

 

Caffeine during Pregnancy

It is wise to cut down dramatically or cut out caffeine altogether when thinking about foods to avoid during pregnancy. It is known that caffeine can increase your chance of miscarriage as well as high blood pressure. Most commonly known to be found in coffee, caffeine is also in colas and other soft drinks as well as many teas. Maybe you could try caffeine free products and decaffeinated coffees and teas, 1 – 2 cups of coffee a day is usually OK.

 

Herbs During Pregnancy

As well as foods to avoid during pregnancy there are a number of herbs and herbal teas which you should also steer clear of. Herbs like Aloe Vera tablets, Evening Primrose (though this can be used to bring labor on, as it helps soften the cervix), and I have heard lavender is bad if you are having a boy. I think it’s best to talk this over with your health care professional as there are many yays and nays as to what herbs you can and can’t have.

 

Other things to avoid during Pregnancy

Cigarettes – avoid smoking during pregnancy

Smoking during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor , low birth weight, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and respiratory problems like asthma. Remember second hand smoke is just as harmful. When trying to quit smoking it can be difficult so talk to your doctor for advice.

 

Alcohol – avoid during pregnancy

Drinking during pregnancy can be extremely dangerous for your developing fetuses possibly causing severe abnormalities mentally and/or physically. If you have had a drink or two before you realized you were pregnant, as some of us have, don’t panic too much. It’s best to focus on being alcohol free for the rest of your pregnancy. When I had gatherings with friends I would drink non-alcoholic cocktails, you can make some delicious drinks with all the bells and whistles umbrellas and all. Sparkling grape juice was also one of my favorites.

 

Recreational Drugs – completely avoid when pregnant

Recreational drugs can cause premature birth, birth defects, low birth weight, learning and behavioral issues not to mention addiction. Talk to your doctor regarding drug use.

 

General and Prescription Medications

If you have been prescribed medication before you where pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safety of continuing; also let your doctor know when you are pregnant for future medications. Even over the counter medicines can be harmful, talk this over with your doctor. There are natural remedies you can use like a nice hot lemon drink when you have a cold, talk with you practitioner about what you can do when sick during pregnancy.

 

Changing the Litter Box – avoid during pregnancy

The good news is you won’t have to change the litter box while you’re pregnant. Doing so could cause difficulties such as eye problems, premature twins, growth issues and even brain damage of your baby twins. This is caused from toxoplasmosis present in a used litter box, if infected you may not even know as many do not have any symptoms.

 

Remember the things you avoid when pregnant are just as important as what you should get plenty of like protein, iron and water.

Have you got any further questions, then check out our Twin Pregnancy FAQs

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