Foods That Can Cause Miscarriage

Pregnancy is a crucial phase when you must take good care of your overall well-being to prevent associated complications. While many foods can benefit you and your baby, certain foods can harm your health and increase the risk of miscarriage. Here, we will highlight some foods that can cause miscarriage, so make sure you avoid them throughout your pregnancy.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Following foods should be avoided to prevent miscarriage -

1. Papaya

This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy as this fruit contains certain enzymes that can cause uterine contractions and miscarriage.

2. Pineapple

An enzyme called bromelain in pineapples can harm pregnant women. Consuming pineapple juice during pregnancy can also cause stillbirth.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera juice can cause pelvic haemorrhage in pregnant women, which can lead to uterine bleeding and miscarriage. Hence, it is best to avoid aloe vera in any form during pregnancy.

4. Animal liver

Though this food is nutritious, it is not safe for pregnant women and the foetus. This is because animal liver contains high amounts of a type of vitamin A called retinol, which can harm the unborn baby.

5. Raw sprouts

Raw sprouts can get contaminated with harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli, which can harm you and your foetus and cause miscarriage.

6. Sprouted potatoes

Sprouted potatoes contain a toxic glycoalkaloid called solanine in high concentration, which can enhance the risk of congenital disabilities and miscarriage.

7. Spices

Certain spices, such as garlic and angelica, can cause blood thinning. Therefore, excessive consumption of these can result in uterine bleeding and miscarriage. You must also avoid asafoetida, Ajinomoto and fenugreek to prevent premature contractions during pregnancy.

8. Unpasteurised dairy products

Avoid consuming raw or unpasteurised milk products during pregnancy. These include raw milk, soft cheese, and any other products made from raw milk. This is because raw milk can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria, which can harm the foetus and lead to miscarriage.

9. Uncooked eggs

If you include eggs in your diet, make sure they are cooked well, as raw or partially cooked eggs contain Salmonella, the harmful bacteria that can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps. These health issues can harm the foetus and can cause miscarriage.

10. Raw meat and fish

These raw foods can contain harmful bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections and other conditions. Raw meat can also cause neurological conditions in the child and stillbirth.

In addition, you must also stay away from smoked seafood, junk food, crabs, high-mercury fish, peaches, wild apples and energy drinks during pregnancy. Also, it is wise to avoid drumsticks and sesame seeds in the first trimester to avoid complications. Wash and peel fruits and vegetables properly before consuming them.

Causes of Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the unfortunate scenario where a mother loses her unborn baby due to several factors. The loss of the foetus happens before the 5th month or the 20th week of pregnancy. According to experts, many reasons, such as genetic reasons, infections and other underlying health issues, can cause miscarriage. However, following an incorrect diet during pregnancy can also lead to miscarriage in most cases.

Why are These Foods Risky During Pregnancy?

In the above section, we mentioned the list of dangerous foods you should avoid when pregnant. These foods are highly risky and may lead to a loss of pregnancy because:

• These foods may contain certain dangerous germs which may enter the placenta. This can hamper the development of the foetus.

• Some of these foods may contain toxins, such as mercury and caffeine. Exposure to these toxins can impact the growth of the foetus in your womb.

• Some of the high-risk foods mentioned above can cause imbalances in pregnancy hormones and trigger unnecessary problems in the uterus, thereby causing miscarriage.

How to Avoid Foods That May Cause Miscarriage?

To keep yourself safe from foods causing miscarriage, you can follow these tips:

• Choose safe & heealthy food options

This could include making wise choices like pasteurised milk instead of unpasteurised milk and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, cod, etc.) instead of fish rich in mercury (swordfish, king mackerel, etc.). These healthy choices provide the mother and unborn baby with vital nutrients.

• Good eating etiquette

Certain foods may trigger illnesses and infections, leading to miscarriage. The best way to avoid this is to follow proper eating etiquette always. This includes washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, using clean utensils for cooking and separate vessels for meat and vegetarian products.

• Extra caution while buying food products

Always read the labels of food products thoroughly before buying them, especially if you are pregnant. Avoid foods made from raw compounds and foods very high in caffeine content (energy drinks, snacks, etc.), as these pose a huge risk to your pregnancy.

• Proper cooking

Foods, especially eggs, seafood and meat, should be completely cooked to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria. Stay away from partially cooked or raw foods (sushi, eggs cooked sunny-side-up, rare steak, etc.) to avoid the risk of miscarriage.

• Follow your doctor’s advice

Always check with your doctor before selecting a particular diet during pregnancy. Certain foods, like herbal teas, may seem to be safe, but they could cause imbalances in your pregnancy hormones.