Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is essential for the growth and development of the baby. Many women tend to have a difficult time deciding what to eat and what not to eat during their pregnancy.

While it is necessary to consume a well-rounded diet that includes all the necessary nutrients, it is equally important to stay away from certain types of fats. Here is a list of fats that pregnant women should avoid.

Trans Fats

Trans fats or hydrogenated fats are considered to be the unhealthiest type of fats. These fats are often found in fried foods, junk food, processed foods, and baked goods.

Trans fats increase the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body, which can lead to blockages in the arteries and heart diseases.

Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature and come from animal sources, including meat, cheese, butter, and cream. These fats can increase both bad cholesterol (LDL) and good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body.

During pregnancy, too much saturated fat intake can lead to high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and other health problems.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the body, but consuming too much of them can lead to inflammation and other health issues. Most people consume a sufficient amount of omega-6 fatty acids through their daily diet.

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However, certain foods, such as vegetable oils, fried foods, and processed snacks, contain a high amount of these fatty acids which needs to be avoided during pregnancy.

Avoid Low-Fat Diets

Low-fat diets deprive the body of essential fatty acids, which are necessary for the development of the baby’s brain and eyes. A low-fat diet can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and other health problems.

Women should consume an adequate amount of healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and oily fish. However, it is equally important to not over-consume these fats as it can lead to heart diseases and other complications.

Palm Oil

Palm oil is an inexpensive oil used in many processed foods. However, palm oil is high in saturated fats, which can increase the body’s bad cholesterol level (LDL) and cause heart diseases.

It is best to avoid palm oil during pregnancy and opt for healthier fats like olive oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, consuming a healthy and balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy.

Avoiding certain types of fats, such as trans fats, saturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids, and palm oil, can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, and prevent heart diseases and other health problems. It is highly recommended to consult a physician or a nutritionist for a personalized diet plan during pregnancy.