Well, besides the usual caffiene, and other foods - what should we avoid while pregnant? What healthy diets should we follow while preggo?

I am not a non-smoker, but i do consume a lot of tuna, and sushi. Should I stop eating sushi altogether, or just stop eating it.

I usually eat it once a week or so, is this too much?

Specific foods that are a definite no during pregnancy.

1.         Colas.

2.         Unsaturated milk or cheese.

3.         Raw/cooked food that has been left uncovered or food that is stale.

4.         Unwashed or improperly washed fruits and vegetables.

5.         Shellfish like clams, mussels and oysters, raw fish, fresh water fish.

6.         Semi cooked meats.

The above foods may cause pregnancy complications and severe congenital malfunctions in the baby.

As far as the healthy diet is concerned, it is important that you eat the right type of food during pregnancy for the link between what you eat and the health of your baby.

A mother-to-be’s diet should include a good amount of fruits, vegetables and milk. If you’re a vegetarian, all the better. You can get your protein from cereals and lentils – cereals in the form of wheat, rice and lentils will take care of your protein intake. For non-vegetarians, it should be only lean meat with fat removed. What you must avoid is meat that is fried or which is very oily.

To meet the additional need of calories and nutrients, a balance diet is essential. This includes:

-         About 4 glasses of milk in any form be it shakes curd or butter milk.

-         2 bowls of pulses. One serving of sprouts would be a healthy option.

-         2 eggs or 100 grams of meat/fish/chicken.

-         Salads, green leafy vegetables, 3-4 fruits a day, one of which must be citrus.

Most substances ingested and absorbed and absorbed by a pregnant woman seep through the placenta and reach the foetus. So, I feel, it is better to avoid tea, coffee, smoking, alcohol and even chewing tobacco during pregnancy. Particularly for the pregnant woman who smokes has increased chances of vaginal bleeding, miscarriage and stillbirth. So, no smoking please.