Avoid Foods Containing Listeria during Pregnancy

Folic acid is one of the essential minerals which must be present in daily pregnancy diet plan. Medical experts of Center of Disease Control, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and March of Dimes suggests that women at a child bearing age must consume 400mcg of folic acid daily in her diet.

According to one of the survey on folic acid pregnancy, three women out of every four are unaware of the importance of folic acid and do not take vitamins or supplements which contain folic acid. Why folic acid is required to be taken during pregnancy? It plays a central role in cell division and production and it also includes red blood cells production. Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) would develop in baby if there is a deficiency of folic acid in the pregnant women. They are found in the foods like fortified cereals, grain products and also in the prenatal supplements. How much folic acid during pregnancy? According to the medical experts, for about 600mcg of folic acid must be present in the routine diet.

Effectiveness of folic acid may get affected by the use of harmful products like caffeine, alcohol and most important of all smoking. Avoid eating raw meat or undercooked meat as there are great numbers of chances that they get contaminated with the bacteria named Listeria. It possesses the ability to directly affect fetus by reaching through bloodstream.  Foods to avoid during pregnancy also include fish high in mercury and due to the same reason. It may also be with the bacteria that can cause harm to the baby. Food to avoid during pregnancy also encircles raw eggs. The reason is that they may be exposed to the salmonella. Not only raw eggs but recipes made of raw eggs also need to be avoided like custards, homemade ice creams, mayonnaise etc. 

Along with folic acid, and proper food diet, exercises are also important in order to get relief from pregnancy discomforts like back pain which is quite common. Kegel exercises during pregnancy helps in controlling muscles during labor and delivery. Two common problems of pregnancy can be resolved which are: hemorrhoids and bladder leaks. These exercises also help in regaining the control of the bladder.

What are the safe exercises during pregnancy? Indoor cycling, running, jogging, walking, low impact aerobics and swimming are some of the safe exercises during pregnancy. Walking is better than running as it is easier on your knees than running. Make sure while having these exercises you are wearing loose and comfortable clothing. Do wear comfy shoes while running, jogging and walking.