Foods to avoid during pregnancy
A balanced diet is always
important, but even more important when you are pregnant. There are essential
nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your developing baby needs. Most products
are safe; however, there are certain foods that should be avoided during
pregnancy.
Foods not to eat during pregnancy
Raw meat should be avoided during pregnancy
Raw meat:
Raw seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided due to
the risk of infection with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis and salmonella.
Deli meats should be avoided during pregnancy
Deli meats:
Deli meats are known to be contaminated with Listeria, which can cause
miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and can infect the
baby, which can lead to a life-threatening infection or blood poisoning. If you
are pregnant and plan to eat deli meats, be sure to reheat the meat before
smoking.
Sushi should be avoided during pregnancy
Fish containing mercury:
Fish high in mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has
been linked to developmental delay and brain damage. Examples of these fish
species include shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Canned light tuna
usually contains less mercury than other tuna, but should only be eaten in
moderation.
Certain types of fish used in
sushi should also be avoided due to their high levels of mercury.
Smoked seafood should be avoided during pregnancy
Smoked seafood.
Smoked and chilled seafood, which are often labeled as salmon, nova, smoked
fish or jerky, should be avoided as they can be contaminated with listeria.
(This fish is safe to eat if it is in an ingredient in an already cooked dish,
such as a casserole.) This type of fish can often be found in the deli section
of a grocery store. Canned or canned smoked seafood is generally safe to eat.
Avoid eating contaminated fish during pregnancy
Fish exposed to industrial pollutants: Avoid fish from polluted lakes and rivers that may be
exposed to high levels of PCBs. This is mainly for those who fish in local
lakes and streams. These fish include bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike,
trout and pike perch.
Raw shellfish should be avoided during pregnancy
Raw seafood:
Most seafood-borne diseases are caused by undercooked seafood, including
oysters, clams and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infections, but
it does not prevent algae-related infections, which are associated with red
flushes. Raw shellfish is a concern for everyone and should be avoided during
pregnancy.
Raw eggs should be avoided during pregnancy
Raw eggs:
Raw eggs or any food containing raw eggs should be avoided due to potential
exposure to salmonella. Some homemade caesars, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream
or custard, and hollandaise sauces can be made with raw eggs. If the recipe is
cooked at some point, it will reduce salmonella exposure. Commercial ice cream,
salad dressings, and eggnog are made from pasteurized eggs and do not increase
the risk of Salmonella infection.
Restaurants must use
pasteurized eggs in any raw egg recipe, such as hollandaise sauce or salad
dressings.
Soft cheeses should be avoided during pregnancy
Soft cheeses:
Imported soft cheeses may contain listeria. You should avoid soft cheeses such
as brie, camembert, roquefort, feta, gorgonzola, and Mexican cheeses, including
queso blanco and queso fresco, unless they clearly state they are made from
pasteurized milk. All non-imported soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk are
safe to eat.
Unpasteurized milk should be avoided during pregnancy
Unpasteurized milk:
Unpasteurized milk may contain listeria. Make sure the milk you drink is
pasteurized.
Avoid eating pâté during pregnancy
Pate: Chilled pate or meat spreads should be avoided as they may
contain Listeria bacteria. You can eat canned pâté or long-term meat spreads.
Moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy
Caffeine:
While most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is normal, there are
others showing that caffeine intake may be associated with miscarriages. Avoid
caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the risk of miscarriage. As a
general rule, caffeine intake should be limited to less than 200 mg per day
during pregnancy. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps remove fluids
from the body.
This can lead to loss of water
and calcium. It is important that you drink plenty of water, juice, and milk
rather than caffeinated drinks. Some studies show that high amounts of caffeine
are associated with miscarriages, premature births and low birth weight. The safest thing to do is to avoid caffeine.
Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy
Alcohol: No
amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy. Therefore, alcohol
should be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal alcohol exposure can interfere
with a child's healthy development. Depending on the amount, timing and pattern
of consumption, drinking during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome or
other developmental disorders.
If you were drinking alcohol
before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking right now. You must continue
to avoid alcohol while breastfeeding. Infant exposure to alcohol poses a
harmful risk and alcohol is introduced to the infant during breastfeeding.
Avoid unwashed vegetables during pregnancy
Unwashed vegetables: Vegetables are safe and an essential part of a balanced diet. However, it is important to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis can infect the soil where vegetables are grown.
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