Nutrition

Foods to avoid while pregnant

During pregnancy, it’s important to pay attention to what you eat and drink to ensure the health of both you and your growing baby. Here are some foods to avoid while pregnant by rowenacarlson
Estimated reading time: 2 min 48 sec
Foods to avoid while pregnant Photo by Amina Filkins on Pexels

During pregnancy, it’s important to pay attention to what you eat and drink to ensure the health of both you and your growing baby.

There are certain foods that should be avoided or limited during pregnancy due to the risk of foodborne illnesses or harmful substances. Here are some foods to avoid while pregnant:.

Raw or Undercooked Meat and Eggs

Raw or undercooked meat and eggs can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli. These bacteria can lead to serious infections that can harm your baby and increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.

Make sure to cook meat thoroughly and avoid foods that contain raw or undercooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise or Caesar dressing.

Raw or Undercooked Fish and Shellfish

Raw or undercooked fish and shellfish can contain high levels of mercury, a toxic substance that can harm your baby’s developing nervous system. Avoid sushi, sashimi, and raw oysters, clams, and mussels.

Choose cooked fish and shellfish instead, but limit the amount you eat to 2-3 servings per week.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized dairy products can contain harmful bacteria such as listeria or campylobacter. These bacteria can lead to serious infections that can harm your baby and increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.

Make sure to choose pasteurized dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Processed or Deli Meats

Processed or deli meats can contain harmful bacteria such as listeria. These bacteria can lead to serious infections that can harm your baby and increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.

Make sure to cook these meats until they are steaming hot before eating.

Raw Sprouts

Raw sprouts can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli. These bacteria can lead to serious infections that can harm your baby and increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. Avoid raw sprouts, such as alfalfa, clover, or bean sprouts.

Related Article What to cook during pregnancy What to cook during pregnancy

Cooked sprouts are safe to eat.

Caffeine

Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect your baby’s heart rate. It can also decrease blood flow to the placenta, which can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your baby.

Limit your caffeine intake to 200 milligrams (mg) per day, which is about one 12-ounce cup of coffee.

Alcohol

Alcohol can pass through the placenta and harm your baby’s development. It can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.

There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid it completely.

Foods with High Levels of Vitamin A

Foods with high levels of vitamin A, such as liver, can be harmful to your baby in large amounts. Too much vitamin A can cause birth defects and liver toxicity. Make sure to choose foods that are rich in other nutrients, such as iron and folate.

Artificial Sweeteners

The safety of artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose, during pregnancy is not fully understood. Some studies suggest that they may be linked to birth defects, but more research is needed.

It’s best to avoid them or use them in moderation, if necessary.

High-Mercury Fish

Some fish contain high levels of mercury, a toxic substance that can harm your baby’s developing nervous system. Avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, which are all high in mercury.

Choose fish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon, trout, and catfish.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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