Knowledge Centre
Home / Health Insurance / Wellness Corner / Essential Diet Tips For Pregnant Women During Monsoon EST READ TIME: 4 minutes )

Diet Tips Pregnant Women Should Follow in Rainy Season

During monsoons, pregnant women need to be especially careful as their immune system is comparatively vulnerable. Some essential diet tips during rainy season include avoiding junk food, staying hydrated, avoiding raw or undercooked meat and vegetables, etc. So, here are some pregnancy diet tips to follow so you can enjoy monsoons to its fullest

Street Food is a Big No-no!

With wistful rains, overcast skies, and cool weather in monsoon, saying no to fast food is tough and this becomes more difficult at times of pregnancy because of the hormonal changes which induces food cravings. As the risk of infection is highest in monsoons and the immunity levels are low in pregnancy, eating street food is definitely a strict no. Instead one should carefully plan their pregnancy diet to stay healthy and must ensure to stick to it. Try to eat home-cooked food as much as possible and avoid any food from dubious outlets.

Good Hygiene is a Must

No matter where the food is cooked, it is important that the preparation is hygienic and safe. You can regularly disinfect disease prone areas of your house and if someone else is cooking for you, then ensure that they thoroughly sanitize their hands and utensils. Also, never leave the food uncovered as it attracts pathogens and avoid any leftovers. Eat fresh food as much as possible.

Hydration is the Key

The body needs water to perform vital functions and remove toxins from our bodies. However during monsoons our water intake can drop and be inadequate, especially for pregnant women. So aim to drink at least 8 to 12 cups of water daily.

Apart from food digestion, water helps in development of adequate amount of amniotic fluid which surrounds the foetus. As water-borne diseases increase during the monsoons, it is advisable to drink only filtered and boiled water. Moreover, you can add fruit juices to your diet to meet the requirement of fluid and mineral intake.

Pay Heed to Meat

If you are a meat eater, lean meats such as chicken and seafood can be the best option to meet the high protein requirement during pregnancy. However, the humidity during monsoons makes it easier for microbes to quickly multiply. So avoid meat from shops or vendors which do not have proper cold storage and make sure the meat is perfectly cooked. Also, avoid raw dishes like sushi.

Avoid Eating Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables can carry a lot of pathogens in monsoon season. So, it is best to thoroughly wash and boil veggies before consuming. Microbes in raw vegetables can alter body's enzyme activities, resulting in indigestion and nausea.

Intake Fruits with Care

Doctors always ask you to make fruits as a core element of your pregnancy diet as they contain a lot of nutrients and can be the best option for snack. However, fruits also have a lot of water content. So to avoid infection, they must be washed thoroughly and eaten immediately after they are cut as leaving them cut open for longer period increases microbial activity in them. Also, opt for fresh juices instead of packaged ones.

Conclusion

The monsoon season increases chances of infection, especially if you are pregnant. Therefore, it is essential for an expecting mother to follow a healthy pregnancy diet to boost immunity and decrease the risk of diseases. While resisting cravings for street food can be difficult, you need to stay strong as health of the mother and foetus can easily be compromised during the rainy season.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the Wellness Corner.

On the other hand, fresh home-cooked meals prepared in a hygienic way will keep you and your baby healthy and happy. Find healthy food options and follow the pregnancy diet tips above to stay safe this rainy season.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

Related Articles

Pregnancy Tips - Do's & Don'ts During Pregnancy

9 Ways to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy

Know What You Should Not Eat When You're Pregnant

Published on August 01, 2022