Avoid Eating These Foods They Can Cause Spontaneous Abortion

Being malnourished alone during pregnancy doesn't lead to spontaneous abortions, premature births, or cause women to lose their babies shortly after birth. In fact, teratogens, lifestyles, consuming the wrong foods, or too much of certain foods are all responsible.

The Effects of Malnutrition

In countries ravaged by famine or war, such as Somalia or Rwanda, the effects of malnutrition on child development are apparent. There are usually high rates of miscarriage and failure to thrive. However, even in developed societies such as the U.S, a small percentage of all live births have shown indications of fetal malnutrition.

However, researchers believe most fetal malnutrition occurs in low-income families simply because, during pregnancy, these often economically disadvantaged women cannot afford the proper nutrition-- precisely, a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium. However, in this post, we will focus primarily on some foods known to cause spontaneous abortion.

A Balance Diet is Important

To minimize the risk of spontaneous abortion, a balanced diet is essential. However, it's equally crucial that pregnant women also know precisely what foods to avoid.

Foods to Avoid

Excess Vitamins

Ingesting excess amounts of vitamin A, which can become toxic, is not suitable for the health of a fetus, especially during certain critical stages of development.

Fish

Fish with mercury exposure, such as sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and others, should be avoided. Even though canned, chunk light tuna has shown to have a lower mercury level, it still should be eaten in moderation, as it increases the risk of spontaneous abortion.

Other Foods to Avoid

 Any blood-borne pathogen that can cross the placenta may infect an unborn baby. Deli meats, for example, have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which can cross the placenta leading to the infection of a fetus and consequently a miscarriage. Therefore it's recommended that all Deli meats be reheated to a safe temperature before being eaten (If you are pregnant).

What is Listeriosis

Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium found in soil and water. It can be found on vegetables, meats, dairy products, and processed foods such as soft cheeses and in cold cuts. Thus, it's best to always wash all vegetables, avoid unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses, and cold cuts, and cook meats to recommended safe minimum internal temperatures should you ever become pregnant.

Toxoplasmosis

Fetal ToxoplasmosToxoplasmosis, the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, can also cause spontaneous abortion if a pregnant woman passes toxoplasmosToxoplasmosisfetus. You might ask yourself the question, how will this parasite be able to find its way into her body in the first place? The explanation is simple. Suppose a pregnant woman unconsciously or accidentally places her hands in her mouth (after gardening, cleaning a cat's litter box, or touching anything that has been exposed to the cat's feces)she can introduce the eggs of this parasite into her body.

Other foods can cause miscarriages, such as some fish used in sushi bars, raw shellfish, raw eggs, and more. Since restaurants don't usually cook or prepare separate dishes for pregnant women, you have to be careful with your food selection whenever you dine out, or it's best to try to design your own meals.

One final word of advice --- because pregnant women usually experience changes in metabolism and circulation which may increase the risk of food poisoning, infections, and consequently spontaneous abortion --- they should make it their duty to do their own research. This is just to confirm the following information shared above and have their health care providers further validate it.