During pregnancy, it is essential to take care of your health and the health of your baby. One of the things you need to be careful about is your diet. Some foods can be harmful to your baby, and you should avoid them at all costs.

In this article, we will discuss the foods you should stay away from during pregnancy to keep your baby safe and healthy.

Raw or Undercooked Meat

Raw or undercooked meat can be contaminated with various bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including salmonella, E. coli, and toxoplasma. These can cause food poisoning and harm your baby’s health.

It is essential to cook meat thoroughly before eating it to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses. You should also avoid deli meats, hot dogs, and other processed meats that can be contaminated with listeria bacteria, which can cause severe illness or miscarriage.

Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs can also contain salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and harm your baby’s health. You should avoid foods that contain raw eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise, salad dressings, and eggnog.

You should also avoid eating raw cookie dough or cake batter that contains raw eggs.

Fish High in Mercury

Fish are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your baby’s growth and development. However, some fish can be high in mercury, which can harm your baby’s developing nervous system.

You should avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, which are high in mercury. You can eat up to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish per week, such as salmon, shrimp, catfish, and canned light tuna.

Raw Shellfish

Raw shellfish, such as oysters, clams, and mussels, can be contaminated with vibrio bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and harm your baby’s health. You should avoid eating raw shellfish during pregnancy.

You should also cook shellfish thoroughly before eating it to kill any harmful bacteria.

Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are an essential source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are essential for your baby’s growth and development.

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However, unwashed fruits and vegetables can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, such as listeria, E. coli, and toxoplasma. You should wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them to remove any dirt, bacteria, or other contaminants.

Caffeine

Caffeine is present in coffee, tea, chocolate, and many soda drinks. It is a stimulant that can cross the placenta and affect your baby’s heart rate and breathing.

High levels of caffeine can also increase your risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. You should limit your caffeine intake during pregnancy to no more than 200 milligrams per day, which is equal to one 12-ounce cup of coffee.

Alcohol

Alcohol can harm your baby’s brain and nervous system and cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which can lead to physical and mental birth defects. Even moderate drinking can increase your risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and stillbirth.

You should avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy to keep your baby safe and healthy.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk, cheese, and yogurt, can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as listeria and E. coli. These can cause food poisoning and harm your baby’s health.

You should only consume dairy products that have been pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose, are commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and other low-calorie foods. There is limited research on the safety of artificial sweeteners during pregnancy.

Some studies suggest that they may be harmful to your baby’s health. It is best to avoid artificial sweeteners during pregnancy and opt for natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, instead.

Junk Food

Junk food, such as chips, candy, and fast food, can be high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

These can lead to excessive weight gain during pregnancy, which can increase your risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems. You should try to eat a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy and limit your intake of junk food.