As appetite increases, junk food is often the choice of pregnant women to fulfill their appetite. In fact, this type of food is actually not recommended for pregnant women because it can be risky for the development of the fetus.
Hormonal changes that occur in pregnant women often make them want a variety of foods that can spoil the tongue alias cravings. One of the foods that pregnant women often crave is junk food.
Junk food or fast food is known for its tempting taste and smell. However, there is a reason why these foods are named junk or “garbage” and should be avoided, including by pregnant women.
The Right Reasons to Avoid Junk Food While Pregnant
Junk food consumed by pregnant women can be detrimental to the health of the baby they are carrying. The following are some reasons why babies in the womb will lose money if pregnant women eat fast food:
1. Does not provide the necessary nutrients
Fast food generally does not contain enough nutrients needed for baby growth and development, including the formation of important organs and the immune system.
If the food that enters the mother's body continues to be low in nutrients, there can be disturbances in the baby's growth process.
2. Increases the risk of allergies
Most junk food contains a lot of carbohydrates and sugar. According to research, women who consume a lot of sugar during pregnancy are more at risk of having children who have allergies or asthma.
3. Increases the risk of birth defects
In addition to being high in carbohydrates and sugar, junk food It is also popular for its high fat content. An animal study showed that consumption of a high-fat diet during pregnancy increased the risk of a child being born with birth defects. However, this has not been proven in humans.
4. Increases the risk of addiction
The results of other animal studies show that mothers who eat a lot of foods high in fat and sugar, such as junk food, can be said to be "programming" their children to become addicted to these foods.
Other studies also support the above statement. In another study, it was found that consumption of high-fat foods during pregnancy can increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, one of which is addiction. Although further research is needed, this should be a note for pregnant women.
5. At risk of obesity
Other clinical trials have also shown that most babies born to mothers who are accustomed to consuming food junk food have been overweight since pregnancy. This will also increase the risk of him being obese in childhood, as well as as an adult.
Besides having a bad impact on the baby, consuming too much junk food can also make pregnant women more at risk of health problems, such as fatigue, stomach ulcers, and diabetes. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy will also cause stretch marks which is difficult to lose after giving birth.
Tips for Avoiding Junk Food for Pregnant Women
To avoid the dangers of fast food, here are some things you can do:
Get used to breakfast every day
Starting the day with good nutrition can reduce the desire to eat unhealthy snacks in the hours that follow. For this reason, pregnant women are recommended to eat healthy foods, such as boiled eggs, apples, whole grain cereals, or a glass of milk at breakfast.
Prepare healthy snacks
Prepare healthy snacks during pregnancy that can be consumed at any time when you feel hungry. This is important to avoid wanting to order junk food when hunger strikes.
Exercise regularly
Exercising lightly during pregnancy is a great way to curb hunger and distract from overeating. Some of the recommended sports for pregnant women, including pregnancy exercise, Kegel exercises, yoga, and leisurely walks.
Avoid the temptation to consume junk food for pregnant women is not an easy matter, especially when pregnant women are craving these foods. However, as a solution, you can look for alternative menus that are more nutritious.
For example, if you really want to eat french fries, you can replace them with potatoes or sweet potatoes that are steamed or baked with spices to taste. If you want to eat fried chicken junk food, You can replace it with flourless fried chicken or grilled chicken.
Eating healthy food during pregnancy is an important step to prepare a healthy baby with good brain and immune development. To get more complete information about healthy eating patterns during pregnancy, you can consult a doctor.
