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An expectant mother is always cautious about what she put into her body as pregnancy brings about a list of dos and don’ts. But come monsoon, we tend to forget about our health which was a priority up until that point. Pregnancy brings about a lot of cravings that become even harder to resist with the perfect weather. After all, who wouldn’t love to drink a warm cup of chai with some pakoras at the comfort of your home watching the rain?
But the damp weather may be more favorable for microbes and pathogens and increases the risk of waterborne illnesses and other infections. Hence it is important that pregnant women prioritize their health and hygiene during this time. Continue reading the post as we list down 5 nutritional tips for expectant mothers during monsoon.
1. Say No To Street Foods
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We know this can be especially hard during monsoons as no other food may be able to satiate your cravings. But before you rush off to your street food vendor, remember that their foods may not be prepared in good hygienic conditions. Since several monsoon illnesses tend to spread through contaminated water and food, it’s best to steer clear of street foods during your pregnancy. Instead, try preparing the same food at home or look for a restaurant that follows good hygiene practices.
2. Be Wary Of Green Leafy Vegetables
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You may have been advised by everyone around you to include more greens in your diet for its nutritional value. However, during monsoon season, it’s best to be extra cautious while consuming your leafy greens. Avoid anything that may be contaminated with worm or mud. If you must consume them, make sure they are washed properly in saltwater. The best way to eat greens during monsoon is by cooking them.
3. Avoid Raw Vegetables
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It’s best to eat cooked veggies as raw vegetables may have bacteria on them, especially those that have been kept outside for a long time. Similarly, cut vegetables may also pose a health risk as they may be contaminated with bacteria. Several stalls serve cut fruits and veggies that have been kept in the open for a while. It’s best to avoid them especially if they are not refrigerated as pre-cut fruits and vegetables can be easily contaminated by germs such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli (1). So, cooked and boiled vegetables are your best bet to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
4. Be Careful When Eating Meat
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Raw and uncooked meat should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy. Raw meat, seafood, and poultry carry the risk of contamination from salmonella and toxoplasmosis (2). Though the infection caused by toxoplasmosis may not be life-threatening or as harmful for non-pregnant women, it can cause stillbirth, miscarriage as well as other damage to the developing fetus in pregnant women (3). Deli meat and smoked seafood are also recommended to be avoided by pregnant women as they could be contaminated with listeria, which can be life-threatening to the developing baby (4).
5. Stay Hydrated
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Because of the low temperature, pregnant women may not feel the need to drink as much water as they did before. But monsoons are usually accompanied by humidity and it’s important that you keep yourself hydrated during this time. Water helps flush out toxins from your body and improves the overall well-being. So, make sure you drink plenty of water that has been boiled and cooled down. You can also increase your water intake by drinking warm soups, which are perfect for the monsoon season.
Irrespective of any season, pregnant women are recommended to follow a well-balanced and nutritional diet throughout their pregnancy. So, it’s important that you follow the above tips without compromising your diet in any way. If you have any queries or concerns about certain foods, talk to your doctor or consult a dietitian for proper guidance.
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