Buzz
On regular days, pregnant women need to pay attention to their nutrition, and during Tet, this caution becomes even more crucial. Mytour shares with mothers the foods and activities to avoid on Tet Day.
- Avoid using items stored for too long in the refrigerator:
During Tet, families often stock up on food that can last for several days. Therefore, pregnant women need to be especially mindful of food safety during this period. It is advisable not to use items stored for more than 3 days in the refrigerator to prevent stomach pain, food poisoning, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby.
- Be cautious with fermented foods:
Fermented foods such as pickles, fermented vegetables, and sour sausage are items pregnant women should be mindful of during Tet.
- Pickled mustard greens: Pregnant women should limit the consumption of pickled mustard greens (the kind that is still green) during Tet as they contain high levels of nitrites, leading to anemia.
- Chinese turnip: Consuming Chinese turnip can exacerbate heartburn for pregnant women. Moreover, it is high in salt, increasing the risk of edema during pregnancy.
- Fermented sausages and other raw meat-based sausages are unsafe for pregnant women, making them susceptible to E. coli infection, leading to diarrhea.
- Limit foods high in salt:
Consuming foods high in salt can exacerbate edema during pregnancy. Ham hock, salted meat, smoked ham,... are all high-salt foods that pregnant women should limit consumption of.
Ideally, pregnant women should opt for a bland diet to ensure the well-being of both themselves and the baby.
- Avoid overeating, especially oily foods:
Tet seems like a paradise of food for mothers with a wide variety of dishes and drinks. Pregnant women in Vietnam may receive a lot of encouragement from relatives to 'eat for the baby' or be stuffed to supplement nutrition. However, overeating only fills the stomach. Mothers should balance by ensuring sufficient nutrient intake through quality rather than quantity.
Pregnant mothers should limit the consumption of oily foods, cut back on sweets, and instead focus on adding plenty of fruits and green vegetables during Tet.
- Avoid heavy tasks:
Before Tet, families typically take the opportunity to clean and prepare their homes for the upcoming new year. Expectant mothers need to be cautious when engaging in these activities, avoiding heavy lifting and exposure to chemicals such as cleaning agents and paint.
A simple and effective approach is for mothers to delegate heavier tasks to their partners or male family members, while applying natural cleaning tips using lemons or vinegar for household chores.
- Avoid crowded places:
During Tet, people take the opportunity to visit temples and pagodas for religious ceremonies, wishing for a prosperous new year. Therefore, these places tend to be extremely crowded during Tet. Pregnant mothers should carefully consider whether they can navigate through the bustling crowds with their not-so-small baby bump. Is it safe for the unborn child? “Peace within” – Instead of crowding into busy places to seek happiness, pregnant mothers can completely consider other choices, such as visiting less crowded spiritual locations to pray for the well-being of the entire family.
Wishing you and your little one a joyful, safe, and happy Tet!
