Food To Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most sensitive period in women’s life. What goes inside your mouth is also shared in the growth and development of your baby directly or indirectly. Learn about food items should be avoided while you are pregnant.

Why Should You Avoid Certain Foods During Pregnancy

It is very important for pregnant women to eat a healthy diet. While you are pregnant your body is most susceptible to bacteria, viruses and other things that can cause illness. It can result not only in you getting sick bit also impact baby and may also result in miscarriages. Also since your baby is completely dependent on the nutrients received through you body, So whatever you eat be it fruits, protein, Fish or coffee, everything will conclude your baby’s health.

What Not To Eat While Your Are Pregnant

It is important to know whats not right to eat when you are pregnant. To avoid any confusion keep reading

Avoid any raw food, like fish, shellfish, meat and eggs.

Pregnant women are especially susceptible to Listeria infections. Even if mother is not showing any sign of illness, Listeria can be passed to your unborn child through placenta. Raw or undercooked fish or meat can cause serious viral, bacterial and parasitical infections. Bacteria can be passed on to fish or meat through contaminated water used during processing. These infections can be passed on to the unborn baby with serious, or even fatal, consequences. Therefor doctors recommend that you should avoid eating things like like raw oysters, Sushi,  while you’re pregnant.

Pregnant women should always cook eggs thoroughly or use pasteurized eggs, because raw eggs are contaminated with Salmonella. Symptoms of Salmonella infections are usually experienced only by the mother and include fever, nausea vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea

Stay away from fish high in mercury, such as tuna, shark, swordfish.

Universal fact is Mercury is a highly toxic element and there is no way that mercury can be beneficial for human body in anyway. It is most commonly found in polluted water. if consumed in higher amounts, it can be toxic to your nervous system, immune system and kidneys. It may also cause serious developmental problems in children. Large marine fish can susceptible to have high amounts of mercury because of the greater risk of more polluted water.If you are consuming fish, it is advised to limit their consumption of high mercury fish to no more than 1–2 servings per month, if your are pregnant. You can eat cooked salmon, shrimp and domestic crab.

Don’t eat unpasteurized cheeses, milk or juices, or cold deli meats.

Raw milk, unpasteurized cheese  & juices can contain an array of harmful bacteria and are contaminated due to exposure of bacteria. Infections due to such bacteria can have life-threatening consequences for an unborn baby. You should Pasteurize these products which is the most effective way to kill any harmful bacteria, without changing the nutritional value of the products.

Cold cuts, deli meats, hot dogs, and other ready-to-eat meats, Pre-stuffed, fresh, turkey or chicken, Refrigerated pates or meat spreads.

Some caffeine is OK, but you should probably avoid drinking alcohol while pregnant.

Caffeine is most commonly found in tea, coffee, soda and fizzy drinks. Pregnant women are generally advised to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day, or about 2–3 cups of coffee. High caffeine intake during pregnancy has been shown to restrict fetal growth and increase the risk of low birth weight at delivery. You can consume latte as it will help in gaining the extra calcium needed for your body. Also avoid Soda and caffeinated teas.

Raw sprouts and Unripe papaya

You should eat lots of fruits and vegetables while your are pregnant, but you should avoid raw sprout and papaya, as they are more exposed to bacterial infection. Also avoid any prepackaged salads. Make sure you wash fruits and vegetables very diligently before eating or using them in your food.

Big No-No To Alcohol

Pregnant women are strictly advised to completely avoid drinking alcohol, as it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. It has been said that sometimes even a small amount can negatively impact your baby’s brain development and can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome like facial deformities, heart defects and intellectual disability.  It is recommended to avoid it altogether until you stop breastfeeding.

Closing Note

Disciplined food preparation and consumption is highly recommended during pregnancy, Since some of the unavoidable food items are already contaminated by the time they reach your kitchen, it is highly advisable to avoid the above listed items. Expecting mothers have to pay close attention to what they eat and make sure to avoid harmful foods and beverages. Because health is everything.