Pregnancy worldwide: eat better, not for two!

Mexico

Hot and cold foods

The descendants of the Maya in Mexico and Guatemala believe that diet affects not only physical, but also emotional well-being.

Certain physical and mental states and also ailments divide them into warm and cold.

It is the same with food.

The “cold” foods include, for example, pork, bread, mango, cucumber or leftovers from the day before.

On the other hand, beef, milk, coffee, onions and oranges, among others, are classified as “warm”.

There are also neutral edibles such as corn or sugar.

This division plays an even more important role on the diet of many women, especially during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is seen as a warm state, which is why a little more restraint with “cold” foods is advisable.

This is especially true towards the end of pregnancy, when women should gather strength for childbirth and keep their breast milk warm so that it does not cause colic in the newborn.

Studies show that the tradition has continued to this day in many rural communities in the region.

Experienced mothers serve young pregnant women as nutritionists.

America

Dispute over caffeine

The myth of the dangerous strawberry is out of date, and papaya and pineapple, long held responsible for premature labor or birth defects, are no longer taboo for pregnant American women. To guarantee a diet rich in minerals and vitamins during pregnancy, nutritionists in the United States rely on fruits of all kinds and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, broccoli and kale - also as a smoothie and, if possible, from organic cultivation. Studies show that in regions of the country with high concentrations of pesticides and nitrate residues, the number of premature births is unusually high. Pregnant women do not have to do without fish and seafood completely. Salmon, pikeperch and sardines are allowed, but mercury-prone species such as shark, swordfish and king mackerel are not.Even sushi is still on the menu of American women during pregnancy - as long as fish have been frozen and shellfish have been cooked.

While alcohol and cigarettes are proverbial no-nos, caffeine is debated.

Three to four cups of cappuccino or latte a day have long been considered safe for expectant mothers.

For some years now, however, there have been increasing voices among American doctors and midwives that associate caffeine with attention disorders and hyperactivity during pregnancy.

Meanwhile, choline in tablet form is celebrated in America as a prenatal miracle drug.

The vitamin-like substance, now also recommended by the American Medical Association, is said to promote brain development in the fetus - and allow it to mature into a stable personality.

China

Dates and black chickens