Junk food is naturally tastier than normal food. During pregnancy, your cravings for junk foods will increase, and it is tempting to indulge. Should you eat junk food during this time? No, you should not. You should be careful about what you eat during pregnancy, and this type of food is undesirable.
Why junk foods are harmful during pregnancy
Both baby and mother need lots of nutrients for healthy weight gain. The nutrients also aid in bone, brain and immune system development of your baby.
Allergies
Junk food during pregnancy exposes the baby to a higher risk of allergies. This is caused by the high sugar content, and it can cause asthma as well.
Genetic abnormalities
This food offers no nutritional value and also increases the risk of the baby developing genetic defects. The defects may extend beyond the first and second generations.
Excessive weight gain
When you eat junk food during pregnancy, you could gain weight excessively, and this can put you and your baby at risk of preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, congenital disabilities, sleep apnea, miscarriage and a host of other abnormalities.
Digestive problems
Besides hurting the unborn baby, junk food upsets your stomach and can cause indigestion, bloat, and gas. This type of food also lacks fiber content that is necessary for smooth bowel movements.