Get your omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts during pregnancy

During both my pregnancies i would eat plenty of dry fruits, esp walnuts. I heard eating walnuts which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial to mother and her baby as these fats help to develop brain and heart health. The infant brain grows more rapidly in its gestation stage and omega-3 fatty acids which is supplied through the mothers diet to her baby, is essential for its growth. So while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, eating just a quarter cup of walnuts daily will provide you that 90% of your omega-3 fatty acid requirements. Having walnuts raw instead of roasting them is a better option.

You can find omega-3 fatty acids in other food sources like fish, etc... but be careful to take it in moderate amounts daily.

Good news is that women can eat a ripe papaya safely during pregnancy

Have you heard your grand mom asking your mom never to eat a papaya while she was pregnant? Those words rang through my ears throughout my childhood because of a huge family and most were females, from my fathers side, his sisters.. and i used to wonder what does the papaya got to do with pregnancy. I finally got the answer one day when i read it somewhere that it would result in a miscarriage, which i dint know the meaning of but then my mom explained it to me:) I was even during my own pregnancy, reluctant to eat a papaya but not anymore because i've just come across some usual info and would like to share it with everyone.

There is no doubt you can eat it, just by being a little cautious because a fully ripe papaya is not considered dangerous, while a raw is... especially in the early pregnancy. A RAW PAPAYA IS CONSIDERED DANGEROUS MOMS, NOT A FULLY RIPE ONE :)

During pregnancy healthy eating is important and one source of vitamin c should be included in the diet of a pregnant woman, and papaya contains that vitamin c to help you get that recommended 70 mg daily.

"Papaya also serves as a natural way to soothe the heartburn experienced during pregnancy. The papaya enzyme that helps soothe indigestion is called papain, or vegetable pepsin. Papain is found in the fruit's latex and leaves. A fully ripe papaya is not considered dangerous, however a papaya that is the least bit unripe contains a latex substance that is believed to trigger uterine contractions and may lead to early labor or miscarriage. Researchers have noted that unripe papaya latex acts like prostaglandin and oxytocin, which the body makes to start labor. Synthetic prostaglandin and oxytocin are commonly used to start or strengthen labor contractions"

Its also recommended you eat the papaya only if your sure of its 100% ripeness, especially during early stages of pregnancy to avoid risks. In the later stages of pregnancy a ripe papaya can assist with heartburn control. If your in the 38 week and a natural method of induction is recommended by your doc, a slight unripened papaya is a good option.

Have a safe delivery, friends :)

foods to avoid during pregnancy

It seems like every time you turn around someone is telling pregnant women to avoid something.

A healthy, well-balanced diet is important during pregnancy. Most fresh foods are wholesome and safe to eat, however some foods should be avoided during pregnancy.

What not to eat when you are pregnant:

Raw Meats and Seafood including sushi - all uncooked and rare meats and seafood should be avoided due to high risk of listeria and salmonella poisoning.

Deli meats including hot dogs - these deli meats might be contaminated with listeria bacteria which may result in miscarriage or even a stillbirth. It's safe to eat deli meats if you reheat them until steaming hot.

Refrigerated smoked seafood - for the same reason of listeria contamination. It is safe if they are contained in cooked dishes. Canned and shelf-stable versions are safe to eat.

Raw eggs - raw eggs may contain salmonella. Some Caesar salad dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream and custards as well as Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs. It is best to check with your server in a restaurant; if in doubt, it is best to avoid it. In addition, unpasteurized eggnog should be avoided.

Fish high in mercury - avoid high-mercury fish such as Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel and Tilefish. Also limit fish intake to no more than 2 servings per week. For more info - read Is it Safe to eat Fish during Pregnancy?

Soft cheese - avoid the following soft cheeses: Feta, Brie, and Camembert cheeses, blue-veined cheeses, queso blanco, queso fresco and Panela. They are safe to eat if they are labelled pasteurized.

Refrigerated pâtes or meat spreads - for the same reason of listeria contamination. It is safe to eat the canned or shelf-stable versions.

Liver - liver is a rich source of iron. However it contains a high level of Vitamin A. Large amounts of Vitamin A can be harmful to the baby.

Unpasteurized milk and juices

Alcohol - many documented fetal abnormalities and birth defects have been associated with alcohol use during pregnancy.