High fat and cholesterol-rich foods should be avoided during pregnancy

Pregnant women are frequently advised to stay away from foods high in fat and cholesterol. Although many women believe that eating a low-fat diet is beneficial for their health and the health of their unborn child, eating fat is necessary during pregnancy.

In fact, pregnant women require more fat-soluble vitamins and minerals, such as choline and vitamin A, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, dietary fat is necessary for the healthy development of the fetal brain, which is predominantly composed of fat. Low maternal blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of fatty acid found in fatty fish, may cause the fetus's neurodevelopment to be impaired. DHA is essential for the development of the fetal brain and vision. Some foods that are high in fat are also very nutrient-dense and offer nutrients that are hard to get in other diets but are crucial for the health of the fetus and mother. For example, egg yolks are particularly high in choline, a vitamin essential for the development of the fetal brain and vision.