5 Side Effects of Having Fast Foods During Pregnancy
Producer: Mehak Pal
It is important to be mindful of what you eat during pregnancy to ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby.
Here are some side effects of consuming ultra-unprocessed and fast foods during pregnancy.
Deficiency of nutrients
Fast food lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre required for the proper development of the fetus.
Gestational diabetes
Fast food has high levels of refined carbohydrates and sugars which can affect blood sugar levels during pregnancy leading to gestational diabetes.
Excessive weight gain
Calories in fast food lead to excessive weight gain which increases the risk of complications like preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and cesarean delivery.
Digestive issues
The presence of high fat and sodium content in fast foods can lead to digestive discomfort such as heartburn, indigestion, and constipation.
Poor fetal development
Regular consumption of fast food leads to poor fetal brain development and cognitive function due to the lack of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and iron.