Can you eat Indian takeaway when pregnant?
In this article we are going to answer: can you eat Indian takeaway when pregnant, what cautions should I take when eating Indian takeaway when pregnant, and what Indian food should you avoid when pregnant.
Can you eat Indian takeaway when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat Indian food takeaway when pregnant. You should eat it in moderation as all take away food because it tends to have more calories than food made at home. Also, be careful with spicy food because it can cause heartburn and discomfort if you are pregnant.
What cautions should I take when eating Indian takeaway when pregnant?
Indian takeaway food doesn’t harm the baby or the mom. You can follow this tip to make healthier options so Indian takeaway doesn’t add too many calories to your diet when pregnant.
- If you already have heartburn or digestive problems choose milder rather than spicy Indian dishes. Also, try to avoid creamy curries such as korma or butter chicken.
- A lot of Indian food has yogurt or cream, just ask if they are made with pasteurized products.
- Try to choose lean proteins instead of deep-fried Indian entrees.
- You can try dal or chana dal, they are a good source of iron.
- Chutneys, pickles, and sauces are usually safe to eat.
- Side options such as rice are safe to eat. Naan bread or Peshwari usually are high in calories.
- Try to avoid papadums on the side or fried rice such as pilau rice.
- Indian desserts are also safe but if you have gestational diabetes stay away from them.
- If you order takeaway food, heat it again until steaming hot at your home to be sure of killing any bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
What Indian foods should you avoid when pregnant?
There are some foods that even if they are not included in Indian takeaway food you should know it is better not to eat.
- Raw papaya
- Tutsi Leaves
- Aloe Vera Juice
- Fenugreek Ladoo
- Fennel seeds
Raw papaya
Raw papaya is healthy but it has an enzyme that can trigger uterine contractions and can induce labor and abortion.
Tutsi Leaves
They are not considered safe to eat during pregnancy. You can only use one or two leaves in your Indian dishes.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera can trigger a uterine contraction and can cause several reactions such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Fenugreek Ladoo
When eaten in high amounts, they stimulate menstruation and boost milk production. It contains phytoestrogens that can alter your hormones. You can eat a pinch in your Indian dishes but not use it too much.
Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds also have the potential to stimulate menstruation. It has phytoestrogens that can alter your hormones.
What healthy diet should I follow when pregnant?
In general, when pregnant you should follow a healthy diet. Try to avoid as much fried food and junk food as you can. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
A few nutrients need special attention during pregnancy, like folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids.
- Ideally, 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day
- Increase your intake of whole grains and cereal foods. Choose high fiber options
- Milk, hard cheese, and yogurt are great options because they are high calcium foods.
- Choose low-fat options and good fats: fats from vegetable sources like almonds, olive oil, and avocado.
- Choose lean proteins and choose low mercury fish options.
- Drink plenty of water
- Always stay active
Weight gain should be closely monitored because the mother and baby’s health depends on it. If you gain too much weight during pregnancy there are several complications mom and baby can suffer.
- Gestational Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Complications during birth
- Baby health
Gestational Diabetes
You can develop gestational diabetes, you may need to take medication and the mother can develop diabetes even after the baby is born.
High Blood pressure
You can develop eclampsia and preeclampsia. Both can lead to mother and baby complications and even death.
Complications during birth
If you gain too much weight it’s more likely that you end up in cesarean because vaginal birth tends to be more difficult with excess weight. Also, babies of mothers who gain too much weight are usually bigger.
Baby health
Moms that gain too much weight tend to have babies with high birth weight and these babies have more risk of being obese and developing diabetes when older.
Here are the NHS guidelines for you to follow about weight gain in pregnancy.
Conclusion
This article answered can you eat Indian takeaway when pregnant, what cautions should I take when eating Indian takeaway when pregnant, and what Indian food should you avoid when pregnant.
Citation
https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/10-well-known-indian-foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy/
