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During Pregnancy it is almost vital for you to consume food that is beneficial for both, the mother as well as for the baby growing within you. Therefore, you must make sure you consume the right food. But then what foods to avoid during pregnancy?
Why Some foods need to Avoid during Pregnancy?
We all know that in these times, foods that have extra calories are vital, so is the consumption of prenatal vitamins like folic acid and iron, as well as a well-balanced diet.
However, the immune system is perhaps quite weakened during pregnancy that makes you more susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and other foods that cause foodborne illness (E.coli, salmonella, and toxoplasmosis).
These could end up making you sick or could result in preterm labor or miscarriage in some cases. It could be anything from mercury in fish to caffeine in coffee. Therefore, it is very important to understand to be aware of foods that are to be avoided.
Listeria and Pregnancy?
Along with the many we will discuss later in the article, listeria tops our list and is quite important to be noticed. This is a food-borne illness that risks pregnancy resulting in complications. Irrespective of it being rare, some incidents are reported every year. However, to avoid such a circumstance, you must take extra food safety measures like:
1. Remember to always wash your food as well as your hand quite often before you consume it
2. Always keep your kitchen and fridge clean, even if its a daily work
3. Do not leave any food underdone, or raw. Make sure to only consume fully cooked food.
Here is a list of foods you must avoid during your Pregnancy
1. Caffeine
All the coffee lovers, don’t panic just yet! Coffee isn’t a total no, but make sure you’re consuming a maximum of 300 milligrams of caffeine per day, equivalent to three cups of coffee or six mugs of black tea. So stir in your cappuccino and kick in the extra calcium.
Advice – Consult your doctor if the herbs used in your drink are safe for the baby.
2. Raw fish
It is commonly recommended by pediatricians to avoid the consumption of raw fish in foods like an oyster, sushi, etcetera. This is because they contain parasites and certain bacteria that might make you sick. However, if your staple includes sushi and that doesn’t make you sick, you should consult your doctor if you plan to continue.
Also, don’t shy away from fish that is fully cooked, it could work wonders for you while you’re pregnant with the help of the omega 3 fatty acids. It helps develop the baby’s brain and visual development.
3. Fish with a high content of Mercury
The high content of mercury could be quite dangerous as it is a heavy metal. However, not all fish is high on mercury, so you could consume some while letting go of the others.
For instance, avoid fish like tuna, shark, and swordfish. Meanwhile, it is ok to consume fishes like cooked salmon, shrimp, and domestic crab as they do not have high rates of mercury.
4. Raw or Deli Meats
Yes, consuming deli or even raw meats during pregnancy is a no-no! This is because they carry harmful things such as toxoplasmosis and salmonella that could risk listeria.
These foods include:
- Cold deli meats
- Hot dogs
- Salami
- Smoked fish
Nonetheless, if you wish to have them you need to be extra safe by cooking the meat well or heating them thoroughly.
5. Unpasteurized cheese, milk, and juice
Avoiding juice and cheese like brie, gorgonzola, and camembert is important as it is made from using unpasteurized milk, and these can carry listeria. This perhaps is harmful to pregnant women as it could risk their pregnancy.
6. Raw Eggs
Salmonella can be carried by consuming raw or unpasteurized eggs. Therefore, it is always better to cook your eggs before you consume them to be on the safer side of your pregnancy.
7. Unwashed fruits and vegetables
This is known but is perhaps important to point out. Always wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption as they may carry bacteria that could be harmful to the pregnancy.
8. Alcohol
Consuming alcohol while pregnant can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, therefore, we’re sure your pediatrician will not recommend any consumption.
To Conclude
Pregnancy is perhaps quite a fragile and delicate stage for any woman. Haven said that it doesn’t mean that the woman is to be stopped from a lot of things she can do, also, keeping that in mind we must make quite sure of everything we consume and what is not to be consumed.
In either case, we recommend that you consult your doctor/pediatrician before you consume anything new or are unsure of the consumption. After all, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Other than that, we wish you a safe and happy trimester!
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy FAQs
1. What fruits a pregnant woman must avoid?
2. Can a pregnant woman have yogurt?
3. What are the drinks that are consumable while pregnant?
Reviewed By-
Brandi Nicole, Lactation Consultant
Brandi Nicole is a pediatric nurse, a postpartum doula, and an international board-certified lactation consultant. She is a proud member of the International Lactation Consultant Association, the United States Lactation Consultant Association, and the Bay Area Lactation Associates.
