Can you eat chips during pregnancy?

Chips are popular foods across the world. Nice salted chips seem attractive, almost irresistible. If you are pregnant, you might crave for them but eating potato chips will have harmful effects on the baby. The most dangerous fact is that the effects are irreversible so eating chips during pregnancy is a strict no-no. However, you can have some if they are prepared at home from clean potatoes in proper oil.

Why is the consumption of chips harmful during pregnancy?

• The ready-made chips are not made from actual potatoes but are instead made from starch and synthetic additives which are extremely harmful. These can have a harmful effect on the health of the baby.
• The method of preparation might make them unfit for human consumption. They are deep-fried in the same oil again and again which makes them totally unhealthy to consume.
• The consumption of such chips will lead to an increase in the level of cholesterol and the flavors and additives added will disturb the regulated levels of minerals and water in the body. This will cause swelling in the legs and an increase in the blood pressure. Increased blood pressure can lead to miscarriage, heartburn, and gastric problems.
• Chips are also known to contain carcinogens that can easily pass on to the fetus and could lead to the birth of a child who is grossly underweight.
• Other harmful effects include the abnormal size of the head of the baby.
• Pregnant women might feel cravings for chips which they will find irresistible but they should understand that it is for the benefit of the baby and it is best to avoid eating chips as they have a harmful effect.
• Research has shown that eating chips during pregnancy is as harmful as smoking during pregnancy. This is because of the presence of a chemical acrylamide which is found in chips.