Pregnancy is a delicate period in a woman’s life where she has to be cautious about what she eats. While most vegetables are generally safe to consume during pregnancy, there are a few that women should avoid. One such vegetable is brinjal, also known as eggplant.
Here are some reasons why women should avoid brinjal (eggplant) during pregnancy:
Contains solanine:
Brinjal contains solanine, which is a toxic substance that can cause digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, and even lead to miscarriage in severe cases.
Increases the risk of bleeding:
Brinjal is known to increase the risk of bleeding, which can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy. Consuming brinjal during pregnancy can lead to excessive bleeding, which can cause complications during delivery.
May cause allergic reactions:
Some women may be allergic to brinjal, which can cause skin rashes, itching, and other allergic reactions. These reactions can be particularly harmful during pregnancy and can even lead to miscarriage in severe cases.
May lead to gestational diabetes:
Brinjal has a high glycemic index, which means it can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. This can be particularly harmful to women who are at risk of developing gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Other foods that you should avoid during Pregnancy
- Unpasteurized dairy products – Unpasteurized milk and dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, may contain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can cause foodborne illnesses and harm the developing fetus.
- Raw or undercooked eggs – Raw or undercooked eggs may contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses and harm the developing fetus.
- Processed meats – Processed meats, such as hot dogs, deli meats, and sausages, may contain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, and should be avoided or cooked thoroughly.
- Fish with high levels of mercury – Pregnant women should avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as swordfish, shark, and king mackerel, as mercury can harm the developing nervous system of the fetus.
- Alcohol – Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause physical and mental disabilities in the baby.
- Caffeine – While small amounts of caffeine are generally safe during pregnancy, excessive caffeine consumption can increase the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.