What Not to Eat When Pregnant
Eating a healthful diet is especially crucial during pregnancy to maintain the health of both the mother and the growing baby. Certain foods should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks or harmful effects on the pregnancy. Here are some foods to avoid:
1. Raw or Undercooked Meat, Fish, and Eggs:
- Uncooked or undercooked meat, particularly poultry and pork, may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Toxoplasma, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses that could be dangerous during pregnancy.
- Raw eggs should also be avoided, as they may carry the risk of Salmonella infection.
2. Unpasteurized Dairy Products:
- Unpasteurized milk, cheese, and other dairy products may contain bacteria like Listeria, which can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can lead to premature birth or miscarriage.
3. Fish High in Mercury:
- Some fish species, such as tuna (especially bigeye tuna), swordfish, shark, and king mackerel, tend to have high levels of mercury, a heavy metal that can adversely affect the baby's developing nervous system.
- Pregnant women should limit their intake of these high-mercury fish and opt for options like salmon, sardines, and pollock.
4. Deli Meats and Hot Dogs:
- Deli meats and hot dogs often contain listeria, and due to the potential risk of listeriosis, it is best to avoid these foods unless they have been thoroughly reheated until steaming hot.
5. Raw Sprouts:
- Raw sprouts, such as alfalfa, mung bean, and clover, could carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, making them unsafe to consume during pregnancy.
6. Raw Shellfish:
- Raw or undercooked shellfish, including oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops, can carry harmful bacteria or parasites that may cause illness during pregnancy.
7. Certain Cheeses:
- Some soft cheeses, such as brie, feta, Camembert, and certain Mexican-style cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, may contain bacteria like listeria and should be avoided during pregnancy.
8. Alcoholic Beverages:
- Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and other alcohol-related birth defects, so it is crucial to abstain from alcohol throughout pregnancy.
9. Caffeine in Excess:
- Excessive caffeine consumption (generally more than 200 milligrams daily) has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Moderate caffeine intake (less than 200 milligrams daily) may be considered safe.
10. Artificial Sweeteners:
- While the safety of artificial sweeteners during pregnancy is still being debated, some studies have suggested potential negative effects on fetal development. It's best to limit or avoid artificial sweeteners during pregnancy.
11. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables:
- Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consumption to reduce the risk of consuming harmful bacteria or pesticides.
12. Raw Cookie Dough or Cake Batter:
- Avoid consuming raw cookie dough or cake batter, as they often contain raw eggs and may carry the risk of Salmonella infection.
13. High Amounts of Vitamin A:
- Excessive vitamin A intake from food or supplements during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, so it is important to stay within the recommended daily limits.
14. Unripe Papaya:
- Unripe papayas contain a substance called papain, which may have uterine stimulant effects. While ripe papaya is generally considered safe, it is best to avoid unripe papaya during pregnancy.
15. Swordfish Steak:
- As mentioned earlier, swordfish is a high-mercury fish that can adversely affect fetal development. Pregnant women should avoid swordfish and other fish high in mercury.
Remember that individual medical needs and dietary restrictions may vary, so consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian is essential to ensure a healthful and safe diet during pregnancy. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and circumstances.