Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting time, but it also comes with many changes in a woman’s body, including an increased need for certain nutrients.

However, pregnant women should also be cautious about the foods they consume, as there are certain foods that can harm both the mother and the baby. In this article, we’ll discuss the foods that pregnant women should avoid or limit in their diet.

1. Raw or Undercooked Meat

Raw or undercooked meat can contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.

Eating these bacteria can lead to serious complications, including premature delivery, stillbirth, and septicemia (a life-threatening infection).

2. Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs can also contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella.

To avoid this risk, pregnant women should avoid foods such as homemade mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, and Caesar salad dressing, as well as foods that contain raw or undercooked eggs, such as some homemade ice cream and mousse.

3. Certain Fish

Fish can be a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for the development of the baby’s brain and eyes.

However, some types of fish can contain high levels of mercury, which can harm the baby’s developing nervous system. Pregnant women should avoid fish with high levels of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Instead, they can eat fish with low levels of mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, and catfish, in moderation.

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4. Deli Meat

Deli meat can also be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can cause miscarriage, sepsis, and meningitis in the baby. Pregnant women should avoid deli meat, unless it has been reheated to steaming hot before eating.

5. Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk, cheese, and yogurt, can also contain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. Pregnant women should only consume dairy products that have been pasteurized.

6. Caffeine

Consuming too much caffeine during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day (equivalent to one 12-ounce cup of coffee).

7. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which can lead to physical and intellectual disabilities in the baby. Pregnant women should avoid all types of alcohol, including wine, beer, and liquor.

8. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are important sources of nutrients for pregnant women, but they can also be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella. Pregnant women should wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.

9. High-Mercury Fish

As mentioned earlier, certain types of fish can contain high levels of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.

Pregnant women should avoid these fish and choose fish with low levels of mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, and catfish, in moderation.

10. Fast Food

Fast food can be high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and low in nutrients. Pregnant women should avoid or limit fast food and opt for healthy, home-cooked meals instead.