What Vegetables Are Not Good for Pregnancy? Know What to Avoid
Why some vegetables can be risky during pregnancy
Eating vegetables during pregnancy is super important—fiber, vitamins, minerals, all that good stuff. But, and this is a big but, not all vegetables are safe when you're expecting. Some might cause bloating, others can mess with your digestion, and a few—believe it or not—might carry real risks if not handled properly.
This isn’t about freaking out over every salad, but it is worth knowing which ones to limit or avoid.
Raw sprouts: tiny greens, big risks
Alfalfa, mung bean, radish, clover sprouts
They seem so innocent on a sandwich, right? But raw sprouts are a bacteria playground. Because they grow in warm, humid environments (perfect for salmonella and E. coli), they can pose a risk of infection—especially dangerous during pregnancy when your immune system is kinda taking a nap.
Tip: If you really want sprouts, cook them. Stir-fry 'em, toss them in soup—just don’t eat them raw.
Unwashed leafy greens (even the “organic” ones)
Spinach, lettuce, kale, and friends
We love a good salad bowl, no question. But greens can carry toxoplasma or listeria if not washed properly. Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy? Yeah, not something you want to Google late at night.
So here's the deal: wash thoroughly. Like, rinse, rinse again, and maybe one more time for good measure. And if you're eating out? Maybe skip the raw stuff unless you're 100% sure it was handled well.
Eggplant (aka aubergine) – controversial, but worth mentioning
Okay, this one’s a bit more old-school, and there’s no clear consensus. Some cultures believe eggplant can stimulate menstruation, and it’s even labeled “heaty” in some traditional medicine systems.
Scientific proof? Not really solid. But still, many doctors suggest avoiding large amounts—especially in the first trimester—just in case.
One grilled slice on your veggie lasagna won’t hurt. But maybe don’t go eggplant crazy every day.
Bitter melon – not your pregnancy buddy
Bitter melon (or bitter gourd) has some fascinating health benefits—great for blood sugar, digestion, etc. But during pregnancy? Too much can cause uterine contractions, especially in early stages.
Honestly, it tastes kinda weird anyway (unless you love the bitter stuff). So skipping it for a few months isn’t the worst idea.
Papaya (okay, not a veggie, but still...)
Just throwing this in because so many people confuse papaya for a vegetable when it’s green and unripe. Unripe papaya contains latex, which can trigger contractions and possibly even early labor. Yeah. Scary stuff.
Ripe papaya (the orange soft one)? That’s usually fine. But green papaya salad? Maybe not the time.
What about gas-producing veggies?
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onions
They’re technically safe, but... they can cause major bloating and gas, which is already a thing in pregnancy. So yeah, maybe don’t eat a mountain of broccoli before bed unless you wanna feel like a balloon.
Steam instead of raw, and eat smaller portions. Your gut (and probably your partner) will thank you.
Final thoughts: It’s all about balance, not panic
Pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to treat your fridge like a danger zone. Most veggies are not only safe—they’re vital for your baby’s development. But a little caution with certain ones? Smart move.
If you're unsure, chat with your OB or a dietitian. And remember: when in doubt, cook it. Heat kills bacteria, softens textures, and makes digestion way easier.
Eat smart, listen to your body, and yes—it's totally okay to question your salad sometimes.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.