Nutrition

Top 11 pregnancy no-no foods

Pregnancy no-no foods that should be avoided are raw or undercooked meats and poultry, raw or undercooked eggs, raw shellfish, deli meat and hot dogs, fish high in mercury, unpasteurized dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, raw sprouts, and certain herbal teas by trixknight
Estimated reading time: 2 min 36 sec
Top 11 pregnancy no-no foods Photo by Rafael Henrique on Pexels

When pregnant, it is important to eat a balanced and healthy diet to ensure the health of the mom and the baby. However, there are some foods that pregnant women should avoid. Here are the top 11 pregnancy no-no foods:.

1. Raw or Undercooked Meat and Poultry

Raw or undercooked meat and poultry can be contaminated with harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. These bacteria can make the mom-to-be and the baby sick.

Pregnant women should avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and poultry, including rare steaks, beef tartare, and sushi made with raw fish or seafood.

2. Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs can also be contaminated with Salmonella. Pregnant women should avoid consuming raw or lightly cooked eggs in dishes like homemade Caesar salad dressing, mayonnaise, and unpasteurized eggnog.

3. Raw Shellfish

Raw shellfish like oysters, mussels, and clams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause foodborne illness. Pregnant women should avoid eating raw shellfish, as well as cooked shellfish from questionable sources.

4. Deli Meat and Hot Dogs

Deli meat and hot dogs can contain Listeria, a harmful bacteria that can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm labor. Pregnant women should avoid eating deli meat and hot dogs unless they are reheated until steaming hot before consumption.

5. Fish High in Mercury

Some fish contain high levels of mercury, a toxic element that can damage the developing nervous system of the baby. Pregnant women should avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.

They should also limit their consumption of tuna, especially albacore or yellowfin tuna, to no more than 6 ounces per week.

6. Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized dairy products like raw milk, cheese, and yogurt can contain harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. Pregnant women should only consume dairy products that have been pasteurized to kill any potentially harmful bacteria.

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7. Caffeine

While moderate caffeine consumption is considered safe during pregnancy, excessive amounts of caffeine 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, which is equivalent to one 12-ounce cup of coffee.

8. Alcohol

There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which can lead to physical and mental disabilities in the baby.

Pregnant women should avoid drinking alcohol completely.

9. Artificial Sweeteners

While some artificial sweeteners such as aspartame are generally considered safe in moderation during pregnancy, others should be avoided.

Pregnant women should avoid saccharin, which can cross the placenta and remain in fetal tissues, and cyclamate, which is banned in the United States but still used in some countries.

10. Raw Sprouts

Raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover, and radish can be contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli. Pregnant women should avoid eating raw sprouts, including those in sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.

11. Certain Herbal Teas

Some herbal teas can have harmful effects on the developing fetus. Pregnant women should avoid drinking large amounts of teas like black cohosh, blue cohosh, pennyroyal, and tansy.

They should also limit their consumption of green tea to no more than 2 cups per day.

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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