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Thai foods have become famous worldwide for their distinctive taste, and pad Thai is no exception. But can you eat pad Thai while pregnant?
According to nutritionists and doctors, eating spicy foods during pregnancy is alright. Therefore, it is possible to eat this dish when you are pregnant.
Spicy dishes will not harm your unborn baby. Yet, the problem lies in how your body reacts to them.
Is It Safe to Eat Pad Thai During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat this Thai food while pregnant. Spicy food is not the enemy of pregnant women, and Pad Thai is no exception.
It is unnecessary to worry about hot spices in this dish as long as your body can digest it all without giving you any problems. On the contrary, this dish is not for you if you have acid reflux and heartburn conditions.
On the other hand, you need to avoid spicy foods for morning sickness because spicy can aggravate this condition.
The condition of your body and how it responds to Pad Thai will determine whether this dish is for you or not.
It is wise to consume bland foods and saltine crackers during morning sickness. After this period, you can get the essential nutrients available in healthy foods.
The fact is that Thail foods are not all about spicy. They are also fresh, healthy, and balanced with vegetables, fresh herbs, and spices essential in providing you with essential nutrients during pregnancy.
Watch how Pad Thai is made in the clip below.
Also, it’s not difficult to find dishes that contain some poultry or seafood that can provide the protein needed for you and your developing baby.
Rice is also one of the most popular ingredients in Thailand, like most Asian countries. One of the famous dishes related to rice from this country is pad Thai. It is a rice noodle mix with garnishes and fresh veggies.
This dish is commonly made with rice noodles, about 1/4 inch wide, and they are also called Rice Stick! Furthermore, these foods usually come with fresh lime juice. Hence, you should serve them with bean sprouts and lime wedges.
What Thai Food Can You Eat When Pregnant?
This section will cover the safe foods for pregnant and the ones you should avoid during pregnancy.
Safe Foods for Pregnant
Some pregnant women are afraid to eat spicy foods during pregnancy because they believe these foods can cause miscarriage. However, studies have proven that hot spices have no harmful effects on infants.
Thai cuisine includes a lot of attractive and globally famous dishes. All are worthy of trying at least once.
Don’t miss out on great veggie soups like Tom Yum. Besides, a portion of protein like tofu or chicken would be ideal for a great meal. You may also prefer some spring rolls or green curry to accompany your meal.
Thai people often prefer foods that maintain warmth during pregnancy. The fact is that their diet includes salty foods, tamarind, fish, warm liquids, young coconut meat, coconut milk, ginger tea, and more.
Last but not least, you should consult your doctor or dietitian about the foods you should consume during pregnancy. They will base on the condition of your body and give the most accurate suggestions.
Foods You Should Avoid During Pregnancy
You need to be careful in choosing ingredients to minimize those that can harm your unborn baby. As a result, you should skip the bean sprouts in the recipe if possible.
Raw sprouts contain many nutrients. As a result, they are often the ideal choice to add to salads and healthy sandwiches. In addition, they are also a common ingredient added to Asian dishes such as pho, spring rolls, and pad Thai.
However, if not processed correctly, they will be harmful to you during pregnancy.
The reason is that bacteria, including Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella, can get into sprout seeds via cracks in the shell.
These bacteria then thrive on the moist conditions needed for sprouts to grow. That’s why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant women avoid consuming raw sprouts.
These bacteria can be hazardous to your pregnancy. For example, Listeriosis can lead to stillbirth, premature birth, miscarriage, or life-threatening infections to the unborn baby.
Remember that even sprouts you grow yourself are not safe to eat raw as bacteria can still contaminate them.
Listeria can also exist in soft cheeses, processed foods, unpasteurized milk, uncooked seafood, etc.
Here are some of the foods you should avoid while pregnant:
- Mercury-contaminated fish (marlin, some tuna, shark, king mackerel, and more.)
- Uncommon, raw, or tainted seafood
- No-pasteurized food
- Overcooked food
- Teas with herbs
- Alcohol
- Drinks containing caffeine
- And more
Semi- and unripe papayas are also not considered safe while pregnant. It contains latex, which can cause miscarriage and uterine contractions. Therefore, you should avoid this dish whether pregnant or planning to conceive.
The Bottom line
Thailand food, including Pad Thai, is safe for you during pregnancy. However, you need to skip some ingredients, such as raw papaya and bean sprouts.
You can punch up the health advantages of this dish by getting extra protein (beef, shrimp, tofu, and chicken) and skipping the raw bean sprouts, which can harbor Listeria. Plus, avoid consuming papaya salad.
You also do not need to worry about consuming spicy foods while pregnant. They cannot cause miscarriage and any severe problems for your baby.
However, make sure you do not have any problems with spicy dishes. Some pregnant women experience heartburn or acid reflux from consuming them. So the key is to listen to your body!
We appreciate your interest in this article! Please share this article with friends or colleagues who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
