Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and important times in a woman’s life. During this time, it is important for her to take care of her health and wellbeing, not only for herself but also for her growing baby.

One of the ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy is by eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet. However, there are certain foods that experts recommend pregnant women to avoid due to their potential risks to the developing fetus. In this article, we will discuss some of these foods that pregnant women should avoid.

Raw or Undercooked Meat, Poultry and Seafood

Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can harm the developing fetus and cause foodborne illnesses. These can include Toxoplasma, Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

These illnesses can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe illness for the mother. Pregnant women should always make sure that their meat, poultry, and seafood are cooked thoroughly, to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Deli Meats and Processed Foods

Deli meats and processed foods are often high in nitrates, which can be harmful to the growing baby. Nitrates can affect the levels of oxygen in the blood and increase the risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, and developmental delays in the baby.

Pregnant women should avoid deli meats, hot dogs, bacon, and sausages unless they are heated until steaming hot before eating.

Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs and foods that contain raw eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise, salad dressings, and cookie dough, can be contaminated with Salmonella.

This can cause severe illness for the mother and harm the developing fetus, resulting in miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor. Pregnant women should avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs and cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, can be contaminated with Listeria, which can harm the developing fetus and cause stillbirth, miscarriage, or severe illness in the mother.

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

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus. High levels of caffeine intake during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight, and developmental delays.

Pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day, which is approximately one 12-ounce cup of coffee.

Fish High in Mercury

Fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, can harm the developing fetus and cause developmental delays, brain damage, and hearing and vision problems.

Pregnant women should avoid these fish and limit their intake of other fish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, and canned tuna.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose, are commonly used in diet drinks, low-calorie foods, and sugarless gum. These sweeteners have been linked to developmental problems and hormonal imbalances in the developing fetus.

Pregnant women should avoid or limit their intake of artificial sweeteners and opt for natural sweeteners, such as honey or fruit juice.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a teratogen that can harm the developing fetus and cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), resulting in lifelong physical and cognitive disabilities. There is no safe amount of alcohol that pregnant women can consume during pregnancy.

Pregnant women should avoid all types of alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor.

Raw Sprouts

Raw sprouts, such as alfalfa, clover, and radish sprouts, can be contaminated with Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause severe illness for the mother and harm the developing fetus, resulting in miscarriage or stillbirth.

Pregnant women should avoid eating raw sprouts and cook them thoroughly before consuming.

Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables that are not washed thoroughly can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause foodborne illnesses and harm the developing fetus.

Pregnant women should always wash their fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body experiences many changes. It is important for pregnant women to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet, while avoiding certain foods that can harm the developing fetus and cause foodborne illnesses.

By making smart food choices, pregnant women can ensure a healthy and successful pregnancy.