A pregnant lady undergoes several hormonal changes that may trigger heartburn symptoms. Research suggests that It may add physical pressure on the growing foetus.
25 Foods That Can Cause Miscarriage in Pregnancy
A pregnant woman takes special care of her diet. Read this to know about foods that may cause miscarriage so that you can avoid them and stay healthy.
2 Mar 2021 • 8 min read
Contents
Pregnancy is the most emotional stage for every expecting mother, and no woman will take any chance with her child’s health. A mother’s body goes through many changes, and she must ensure to eat healthy foods for pregnancy
So, while preparing your diet chart, ensure that you avoid a few foods that can cause miscarriage. Pay more attention to your lifestyle, food intake, and quantity of consumption to stay healthy and active.
Let’s check out these 25 foods that can cause miscarriage in the first or second trimester.
Foods That Cause Miscarriage
Here is the list of some foods that cause miscarriage:
1. Animal Liver
Although considered highly nutritious, the animal liver is not safe for pregnant ladies. Eating it daily in pregnancy causes retinol build-up, causing harm to the unborn baby. However, eating it once or twice isn’t harmful.
2. Papaya
It is one of the common foods that can cause miscarriage. Unripe or green papaya contains many enzymes and pus that lead to uterine contraction, causing miscarriage. Due to the presence of enzymes, the uterus prompts to develop spasms, ending in miscarriage. Hence, one should avoid it in early pregnancy.
3. Aloe Vera
Can aloe vera destroy pregnancy? Yes, pregnant ladies should avoid aloe vera juice as it causes pelvic haemorrhage. It results in uterine bleeding, leading to miscarriage. It contains a laxative called anthraquinones that causes uterine contractions.
4. Pineapple
Consuming pineapple or pineapple juice in the first trimester of pregnancy causes stillbirth. Bromelain in pineapple leads to a contraction in pregnant ladies, causing miscarriage.
5. Sprouted Potatoes
Studies show that Eating sprouted potatoes harm a pregnant woman. It contains solanine which proves harmful for foetal growth.
6. Caffeine
Consuming caffeine in moderate quantities during pregnancy isn’t harmful. Studies show that increased levels of caffeine in pregnant ladies might increase the miscarriage risk or may end up in an underweight baby.
7. Mercury-rich Fish
Women should be extra careful during their first trimester while consuming fish. Some varieties of fish like tuna, marlin, king mackerel, swordfish contain high mercury levels. It affects the developing baby’s brain and the entire nervous system, increasing the risk of the immature or mentally unstable baby.
8. Raw or Undercooked Fish
Are you a big fan of sushi? However, shellfish causes several infections, like bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections. Studies show that pregnant woman is likely to get listeria infections, which can pass through the placenta to the baby, causing miscarriage.
9. Processed or Raw Meat
Raw or processed meat contains bacteria like Salmonella, E.coli, and listeria. All these are life-threatening bacteria for the baby. It may even lead to a serious neurological disorder, epilepsy, blindness, and even stillbirth.
10. Raw Eggs
Raw eggs contain Salmonella, causing harmful infections. Its symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and nausea. Hence, avoid raw egg-content foods that can cause miscarriage. It includes homemade mayonnaise, homemade cake icings, poached eggs, lightly scrambled eggs, etc.
11. Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts like mung bean sprouts, alfalfa, radish, and clover often get contaminated with Salmonella. The seeds of these veggies require a humid environment, which is ideal for the growth of Salmonella bacteria, causing harm to the foetus.
12. Unpasteurized Dairy Products
It contains harmful bacteria, like Salmonella, listeria, etc. In many situations, these dairy products cause life-threatening issues to the unborn child, like neurological disorders, or even miscarriage.
13. Alcohol
It is one of the vital things to avoid in early pregnancy. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy causes foetal alcohol syndrome, causing facial deformities, intellectual disability, and heart defects. It even causes miscarriage or stillbirth.
14. Drumstick
Women should take precautions while consuming drumsticks during pregnancy. Drumsticks contain alpha-sitosterol, which is detrimental for pregnant ladies. Hence, eat it in limited quantities or avoid it in early pregnancy.
15. Crabs
Although packed with vital nutrients, one should avoid eating crabs in high amounts during the early pregnancy stages. It causes the uterus to shrink, leading to internal bleeding and even stillbirth. Moreover, its cholesterol level impacts the pregnant woman’s overall health.
16. Herbs
Many experts do not recommend taking herbs as they contain steroids that affect the growth of the foetus. For instance, the Dong Quai herb contains enzymes that initiate miscarriage or cause premature delivery.
17. Wild Apples
Wild apples have sour and acidic properties that induce uterus contraction, often leading to a miscarriage or premature delivery.
18. Spices
These are the basic ingredients that add flavour and aroma to any food. However, avoid certain spices during pregnancy like garlic, angelica, asafoetida, and fenugreek. It stimulates the uterus, leading to contraction, also causing blood thinning.
19. Junk Food
It does not provide healthy nutrients and is high in calories, sugars, and fats. Moreover, consuming a high amount of sugar during pregnancy causes gestational diabetes, heart ailments, and weight gain.
20. Smoked Seafood
One should avoid refrigerated or smoked seafood, specially labelled as lox or nova. It contains listeria that causes infections, leading to miscarriage.
21. Sesame Seeds
Consuming sesame seeds with honey is dangerous for pregnant women. It provides heat to the body that causes uterine contraction. However, consuming black sesame in the last stages of pregnancy helps natural delivery.
22. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables
It contains harmful bacteria, causing bacterial infections.
23. Herbal Tea
Some herbal tea contains steroids that can be harmful during pregnancy. Seek a doctor’s recommendation if you want to have one.
24. Pre-packaged Salads
It contains listeria contamination, posing a serious impact on the baby’s health.
25. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks contain a high level of caffeine. Hence, it is one of the vital foods that cause abortion if consumed in high amounts.
Foods That Cause Miscarriage In The Second Trimester
In the second trimester, a pregnant woman should continue a balanced diet rich in iron, folate, protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. However, here are the foods that can cause miscarriage in the second trimester:
- Soft cheese like blue cheese, feta
- Ready-to-eat seafood and meat
- Raw eggs, fish, and meat
- Unpasteurized dairy products
Other Things To Avoid During Pregnancy That Cause Miscarriage
Here are a few things to avoid during pregnancy:
- Massage and acupuncture: Avoid massaging or pressing points that connect to the abdomen to impact the baby. One should typically avoid massaging in the first three months.
- Painting: Modern paint products have a high risk of fumes and lead. Keep a distance from the renovating house as one may get exposed to the lead, which hampers the fetus’s brain development.
- X-rays: The radiation from the X-rays causes physical and mental defects in the baby. Hence, consider other scanning techniques like ultrasound so that harmful radiations do not reach the baby.
FAQs
Can Cashew Cause Miscarriage?
No, it is entirely safe to consume cashew if you take the necessary precautions. It is rich in essential vitamins and fibre that help fight infections and provide instant energy.
However, if you consume it in high quantities, pregnant women might face gall bladder and kidney issues. It contains oxalates which get concentrated in the body fluids, triggering pregnancy complications.
Can Cucumber Cause Miscarriage?
Generally, it is not advisable to consume cucumber during pregnancy as it may cause certain reactions in women. Doctors suggest avoiding cucumber if a woman has:
- Hepatitis
- Gastritis and gastric reflux disease
- Colitis
- Pyelonephritis
- Chronic Nephritis
Moreover, eating cucumber provides a feeling of bladder fullness, causing frequent urination. It can be discomforting in different trimesters of pregnancy. However, if you want to eat cucumbers, wash them properly, eat them raw, or blend them into smoothies.
Can Watermelon Cause Miscarriage?
Watermelon is a hydrating fruit that provides six calories in 152 grams or 1 cup. During pregnancy, the daily fluid requirement of the woman increases to ensure optimum blood circulation and support amniotic fluid levels.
Watermelon fulfils the fluid requirement of pregnant ladies. Moreover, enhanced circulation and optimal hydration reduce the chance of developing haemorrhoids, constipation, and specific complications during pregnancy. Hence, it is beneficial to consume watermelon during pregnancy.
Can Raw Garlic Cause Miscarriage In Early Pregnancy?
There isn’t any official guideline on the amount of garlic dangerous for pregnant women. However, consuming it as a flavouring is generally safe. Consuming large amounts of garlic supplements increases the bleeding risk.
Garlic contains sulphur compounds called ajoene that inhibit platelet formation. Platelets are small blood cells that ensure the body forms clots, helping prevent bleeding. Increased bleeding increases the risk of miscarriage.
A pregnant lady undergoes several hormonal changes that may trigger heartburn symptoms. Research suggests that It may add physical pressure on the growing foetus.
How Many Raw Eggs Can Cause Miscarriage?
Raw eggs do not cause abortion. Raw or undercooked eggs contain disease-causing bacteria called Salmonella, causing food poisoning. If one gets sick due to Salmonella bacteria, one can have a high fever, diarrhoea, dehydration, and vomiting.
In many conditions, these symptoms get so serious that it causes preterm labour or miscarriage. Generally, doctors do not recommend eating raw or partially cooked eggs. Avoid eating any raw or uncooked eggs poached or soft-boiled eggs during pregnancy.
Can Coconut Water Cause Miscarriage?
No, fresh coconut water cannot cause miscarriage. It is a healthy beverage, providing refreshing and hydrating benefits. Even commercially available coconut water is pasteurised, killing harmful bacteria if any.
The cold-pressed or unpasteurized coconut water uses a microfiltration process. It helps remove bacteria and produce a sterile product. It becomes ideal to consume it before the finished date.
Is Papaya good for pregnancy?
No. Papaya generates heat in the body. Therefore, it acts as a laxative that may result in premature labour.
Is Pineapple good for pregnancy?
No. Pineapple contains bromelain that can soften the cervix and might cause bleeding and contraction.
Should we eat sabja seeds during pregnancy?
According to experts, sabja or chia seeds are nutritious and suitable for breastfeeding.
Can I eat guava in pregnancy?
Yes. Guava relieves constipation during pregnancy as it is a powerhouse of soluble fibres.
Are dates good for pregnancy?
Yes. Dates are fully loaded with fibres, vitamins, and proteins. So if you eat dates during the ninth month of pregnancy, it can ease labour pain.
Are grapes good for pregnancy?
Yes. Grapes prevent infections and help with biological changes during pregnancy.
Is banana good for pregnancy?
Yes. During the early pregnancy stage, bananas give relief from vomiting and nausea.
Can pregnant women eat sesame seeds?
No. Sesame seeds are a heat-generating food and can trouble pregnant women, especially if consumed with honey.
Is pomegranate good for pregnancy?
Yes. According to Medical News Today, Pomegranate decreases the placenta’s risk of injury.
References
Ekhator C. N., Osifo U. C.. Abortifacient Efficacy of Moringa oleifera Leave: An Experimental Study on Adult Female Wistar Rats. (American Journal of Biology and Life Sciences) file:///C:/Users/win10/Downloads/1.pdf
Joseph R Hibbeln, John M Davis (2007) Maternal seafood consumption in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood (ALSPAC study): an observational cohort study (PubMed) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17307104/
Wenli Ni, November 2018; Maternal periconceptional consumption of sprouted potato and risks of neural tube defects and orofacial clefts – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6262956/
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4 Things That Can Cause a Miscarriage and 4 Things That Absolutely Can’t
Can stress cause a miscarriage? What about sex, exercise, or certain foods? We spoke with experts to break down common myths about the causes of pregnancy loss.
Updated on October 18, 2022
About 15% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). But it might be reassuring to know that by the time you see a heartbeat on an ultrasound—usually by week six or seven—your chance of having a miscarriage drops to less than 5%, regardless of your age, says Michael Lu, M.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
It’s understandable that many pregnant people worry about how miscarriages happen and that they might inadvertently cause one. However, that is unlikely. Usually, miscarriages are caused by factors beyond your control.
However, despite how common miscarriages are, many people are surprisingly in the dark about what actually causes them, according to research from Ohio State University College of Medicine. “Much misinformation is shared among women or passed down from older generations,” says Jonathan Schaffir, M.D., an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Ohio State University College of Medicine, who authored the study.
What Actually Causes Miscarriages
The majority of miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the developing embryo, something that’s completely out of your or your partner’s control. Here are four common causes of miscarriages.
- Genetic factors
- Certain health conditions
- Excessive caffiene
- Drug and alcohol use
It’s also important to understand that there are many possible causes behind an unexpected, one-time miscarriage, and doctors often aren’t able to determine with certainty what factors were involved.
Because the majority of people who experience a miscarriage and conceive again go on to have a healthy pregnancy, it’s common to remain in the dark. Things may look a little different when you’re dealing with recurrent miscarriage (two or more back-to-back pregnancy losses), at which point your doctor may be more likely to recommend doing some testing to pinpoint a possible cause and determine the best course of action.
While it may be hard to pinpoint an exact reason that pregnancy loss can occur, here’s what experts do know about the most common causes of miscarriage and some of the factors that may increase a person’s risk of having one.
1. Genetics can cause a miscarriage
Up to 70% of first-trimester miscarriages and 20% of second-trimester miscarriages occur because of a glitch in the fetus’s genes, according to the March of Dimes. “When the chromosomes of the egg and those of the sperm fuse to form an embryo, they usually pair up correctly,” says Henry Lerner, M.D., an OB-GYN at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Massachusetts. “But sometimes they get scrambled; if they’re paired incorrectly, the embryo stops developing.”
It doesn’t mean that anything’s wrong with the parents or their genes. Because chromosomal abnormalities in embryos are often random, one-time events, they’re unlikely to happen again.
2. Some health conditions can cause a miscarriage
Certain health conditions can cause miscarriage, especially those that restrict blood flow to the uterus. Chronic conditions that are associated with a higher risk of miscarriage include diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, and heart disease. Hormone-related disorders and autoimmune disorders like antiphospholipid syndrome have also been linked to miscarriage. Certain types of uterine infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also play a role.
Problems with the uterus or cervix such as fibroids and cervical insufficiency, which is when the cervix dilates too soon during pregnancy, can also lead to miscarriage. Other health-related factors include certain medical procedures such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), which carry a very small risk of miscarriage (one of the reasons why these procedures are reserved for cases where the benefits outweigh the risks).
Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
3. Excessive caffeine may raise the risk of miscarriage
Let us be clear: one cup of coffee a day is perfectly fine. It’s when the caffeine consumption gets a little higher that there may be a risk. Much of the conversation about caffeine and miscarriage is based on a 2008 study that found that people who consumed 200 milligrams or more of caffeine each day (about two cups of regular coffee or five 12-ounce cans of caffeinated soda) had twice the miscarriage risk as those who didn’t have any. And a newer 2020 study in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth did find a link between increased bleeding in early pregnancy and caffeine consumption.
The risk associated with caffeine is also not limited to the pregnant person. For instance, a study from 2016 published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) demonstrated that the amount of caffeine consumed by both biological parents in the weeks leading up to conception had a significant impact on the risk level of miscarriage.
4. Drug and alcohol use can cause a miscarriage
Finally, excess drug and alcohol use can also lead to miscarriage. “Exposing a fetus to large amounts of these chemicals on a regular basis can cause miscarriage because they have a poisonous effect on all those developing cells,” says Dr. Schaffir.
Using tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, or misusing or abusing prescription drugs can lead to miscarriage. Researchers note that the risk of stillbirth is raised by 1.8 to 2.8 times with tobacco use, 2.3 times with marijuana use, 2.2 times with stimulants or prescription drug use, and even 2.1 times greater risk of miscarriage from passive exposure to tobacco.
What Doesn’t Cause Miscarriage
While we know what things can cause or increase the risk of miscarriage, there are still plenty of myths surrounding miscarriage. We asked Dr. Schaffir to debunk some major misconceptions about miscarriages. “It’s important for women to understand that these are just old wives’ tales—and not only are they not true but in some cases, believing them can affect your health and well-being,” he says. Here are four things that absolutely cannot be blamed for a pregnancy loss.
1. Exercise
Exercising or picking up a (reasonably) heavy object—such as a grocery bag, a toddler, or the like—are extremely unlikely to cause a miscarriage. In fact, most experts agree that exercise during pregnancy, with your doctor’s approval, can lower miscarriage risk and make you and your baby healthier. That’s because exercise reduces stress, relieves aches and pains, lowers your risk of gestational diabetes, and even builds up stamina for labor. As long as you’re continuing exercise you did pre-pregnancy not suddenly taking on Olympic weightlifting, exercise during pregnancy is perfectly safe.
2. Stress on its own
While some studies on stress and miscarriage are conflicting, Dr. Schaffir says that everyday tension or anxiety—tight deadlines at work or worrying about what labor will be like—have not been linked to pregnancy loss. What’s more, no studies have ever linked excessive bad moods to miscarriage, says Dr. Schaffir.
Things get murky when dealing with major stress, though. “We’re talking big things, like the death of a spouse or parent,” he explains, and even then, the link is not well established. Plus, pregnant people who are under extreme stress are also more likely to smoke, drink, or do drugs to cope, which can affect their risk of miscarrying.
3. Food that’s properly cooked
Pregnant people should maintain a healthy and nutritious diet throughout pregnancy. While foods themselves don’t cause miscarriage, certain foods come with higher risks of food-borne illnesses like listeriosis (an infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes).
Severe cases of listeriosis and other food-borne illnesses have been linked to miscarriage and pregnancy complications, which is why experts recommend avoiding certain foods during pregnancy. You should avoid, for example, raw meat and fish, soft cheese, unpasteurized cheese, and deli meat.
4. Sex
In general, sex and sex acts with genitals, toys, or fingers are considered safe during pregnancy. The fetus is protected not only by amniotic fluid but also by the powerful muscles of the uterine walls. As long as the pregnancy is low risk, the fetus is developing on a typical track, and there are no concerns about pre-term labor or other complications, sex during pregnancy is likely safe, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you’re concerned, however, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or midwife.
Is Miscarriage the Parent’s Fault?
The vast majority of miscarriages occur because of chance chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in the fetus or, less commonly, hormonal imbalances or problems with the uterus or placenta, says Dr. Schaffir.
These factors are nothing that a parent-to-be has control over. “It’s natural for a woman experiencing loss to try to explain it in some way, even if that means blaming herself,” he says. “But all women need to know that most of the time, a miscarriage is completely random.” He adds that if you eventually want to try again, odds are you will conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. Of course, that being said, if you have any concerns, have had two or more losses in a row, or are over the age of 35, it’s always a good idea to speak with a doctor who can help you plan your next steps.
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