During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes numerous changes, including fluctuations in hormones that affect their digestive system and immunity levels.

As a result, expectant mothers need to pay extra attention to their diet to ensure that they and their baby remain healthy. While there are many safe and healthy foods for pregnant women, there are also those that you should avoid to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby. Here are some foods to avoid while pregnant:.

Raw or Undercooked Meat and Poultry

Raw or undercooked meat and poultry, including chicken and beef, can harbor a variety of bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. These pathogens can cause food poisoning that can be very dangerous for your baby.

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to these bacteria because their immune system is working differently during pregnancy, making them more susceptible to infections. Therefore, ensure that you cook meat and poultry thoroughly, with no hint of pinkness or redness left in the middle.

Raw Seafood

Raw or undercooked seafood, such as sushi, oysters, clams, and scallops, should be avoided during pregnancy. Seafood may harbor bacteria and parasites which can cause food poisoning, and in some cases, serious illness.

Additionally, some fish contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to a developing fetus. As a general rule, pregnant women should avoid eating raw fish and limit their intake of seafood to 12 ounces (two servings) per week.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided during pregnancy, such as raw milk, cheese made from raw milk, and other unpasteurized dairy products. These dairy products can contain bacteria such as E. coli and Listeria, which can cause serious illness.

Before consuming any dairy products, ensure that they are pasteurized to eliminate any potential bacteria.

Raw Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs and foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided during pregnancy, such as homemade Hollandaise sauce, Caesar salad dressing, and raw cookie dough.

Raw eggs can contain Salmonella that causes food poisoning, which can be very dangerous for pregnant women. Always ensure that eggs are fully cooked and avoid foods containing raw eggs, such as mousse, mayonnaise, and sauces made with raw eggs.

Caffeine

Caffeine should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. Studies have shown that high levels of caffeine consumption during pregnancy can result in low birth weight, preterm birth, and even miscarriage.

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

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame, and acesulfame K, should be avoided during pregnancy. These sweeteners have not been sufficiently studied in pregnant women and may be harmful to the developing fetus.

It is recommended to choose natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead of artificial sweeteners.

Alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided completely during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which can cause physical and mental problems, including growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, and brain damage.

There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, so pregnant women should completely abstain from alcohol.

Processed Foods

Processed foods, such as fast food, packaged snacks, and chips, should be avoided during pregnancy.

Processed foods often contain excessive amounts of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Additionally, these foods do not provide adequate nutrients for the developing fetus, and thus have to be avoided in a balanced pregnancy diet.

Certain Fish with High Mercury Content

Fish containing high levels of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel, should be avoided during pregnancy. Mercury can be harmful to the developing nervous system of the fetus, leading to cognitive and behavioral problems.

It is also recommended to limit the consumption of albacore tuna to 6 ounces (one serving) per week and choose low-mercury fish such as salmon, trout, and canned light tuna instead.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a special time for women, and proper nutrition is essential for the health of both mother and baby. The risks of the foods mentioned above can be avoided by following a balanced and healthy diet plan during pregnancy.

Always consult with your health care provider or a registered dietitian to ensure that your diet is in order, and your baby is healthy.