On a warm summer evening, Ms. Zhang, a six-month-old mother-to-be, was having a barbecue outdoors with friends. Enjoying the skewers of incense, she didn't realize that the meal could be potentially risky for her and the baby in her womb. A few weeks later, her routine check-ups revealed some worrisome indicators, which shocked her and her doctors. This incident quickly raises an important question: can pregnant women masertion?
This is not only Ms. Zhang's personal confusion, but also a topic of common concern for many pregnant women. Pregnancy, a special and delicate period, makes food choices particularly important. Some foods that are usually harmless can become potential threats during pregnancy. Barbecue food, especially skewers, while delicious, hides hidden risks.
During pregnancy, women should be extra cautious about their food choices. Although barbecue (skewers) is a popular delicacy in many cultures, for pregnant women, this food can hide hidden health risks.
1.Carcinogens in barbecued foods
Barbecued foods are prone to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines, which are known carcinogens, during high-temperature cooking. These compounds can enter the body through the food chain and pose a threat to the health of pregnant women and their fetuses. Especially during the grilling process, incompletely burned charcoal or wood can release these harmful substances that adhere to the food.
2.Unhygienic problems in barbecues
Barbecued food can easily become contaminated during preparation and storage, which can lead to food poisoning in pregnant women. Meat that is not fully cooked may also contain pathogenic bacteria, such as salmonella and listeria, which can be especially dangerous for pregnant women.
Eating a diet during pregnancy should prioritize safety and nutrition, and here are a few categories of foods that pregnant women should avoid:
1.Processed meat products
Processed meat products, such as sausages, ham, etc., often contain high levels of sodium and preservatives. These ingredients may adversely affect blood pressure and weight in pregnant women and may also increase the risk of gestational diabetes. In addition, nitrates and nitrites in these foods may be converted into carcinogenic nitrosamines at high temperatures.
2.High mercury fish
Fish is good for high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids**, which are beneficial for both pregnant women and fetuses, but certain large deep-sea fish such as sharks and swordfish contain higher levels of mercury. Mercury is a toxic metal that can be passed across the placenta to the fetus, affecting the development of its nervous system.
3.Food that has not been heated at high temperatures
Pregnant women should avoid foods that have not been heated at high temperatures, especially meat, poultry and seafood. These foods may contain pathogenic microorganisms such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause severe food poisoning and affect maternal and fetal health.
4.High-sugar and high-fat foods
Foods high in sugar and fat not only cause pregnant women to gain weight too quickly, but may also increase the risk of gestational diabetes. These foods are often low in nutritional value and do not provide the key nutrients needed during pregnancy.