There are some food not to eat when pregnant. Some of the foods can cause food poisoning and in some cases some food can be harmful to the health of the mother as well as that of the unborn baby. Every woman has cravings in her pregnancy months. These cravings are not harmful, but the choice of food can be harmful. Lets see, what not to eat when pregnant.
What Not to Eat While Pregnant
There are a few food to avoid when pregnant. These include:
Caffeine
High doses of caffeine during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can be dangerous. The consumption of caffeine is associated with the risk of miscarriages. Research has proved, that women who consumed about two cups of caffeine drinks per day, were more prone to miscarriage, as compared to women, who did not. Coffee, tea, cola, cocoa and energy drinks are the ones in the foods to avoid during pregnancy list.
Raw Meat, Smoked Fish
Uncooked and raw meat, inclusive of sushi, should be off the radar during pregnancy. There are chances of listeria and salmonella infection, due to these meats. You will have to take extra care with poultry and minced meat products, such as sausages and burgers. When you cook them, you should not see any pink meat. Refrigerated smoked seafood should be also be avoided for the fear of listeria. If you do want to eat refrigerated smoked seafood, you will have to make sure, it is cooked well in the dishes. Raw shellfish is also to be avoided and made a part of what not to eat while pregnant list. Raw shellfish can contain harmful bacteria and virus, which can cause food poisoning during pregnancy. Meat spreads should also be avoided, as they are made of raw meats, which can lead to listeria.
Soft Cheese
Cheese like feta, queso blanco, blue, veined varieties, etc. type of cheese, should also be avoided, due to risk of listeria. These cheese may be unpasteurized and the bacteria in these cheese can cause food poisoning. At the same time, these cheese are not aged, hence are in the high risk food. At the same time, pregnant women have a weakened immune system, hence are more susceptible to food borne illnesses. The illnesses can lead to miscarriage or premature delivery. Read about healthy diet during pregnancy.
Raw and Half Boiled Eggs
In the what not to eat when you are pregnant list, raw eggs come next in line. There are chances of salmonella virus in them. Hence, you should avoid Caesar salad dressing, mayonnaise, homemade ice creams, custards, Hollandaise sauces, as these may contain raw eggs. When you eat eggs, you will have to make sure, you only eat eggs cooked enough, so that both the white and yolk are solid. Click to know about diet for healthy pregnancy .
Fish High in Mercury
In the list of what not to eat when pregnant next come fish high in mercury like shark, swordfish, marlin, King Mackerel, Tilefish. High levels of mercury can harm the development of the nervous system of the baby. Consumption of other fish, including tuna, should be limited to two servings per week, although they are good for the baby. For more information on eat healthy during pregnancy.
Alcohol
According to recent studies, women who are pregnant or want to get pregnant, should not consume alcohol at all. Previously it was said that it was alright to drink within the safe limits, however that is not true. There is nothing as safe limits, while pregnant. It is important to note, that alcohol crosses the placenta immediately, hence as soon as you drink, you baby drinks as well. If a woman drinks heavily or frequently, she puts her unborn baby at the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This disorder can give rise to mild to severe learning disabilities, physical abnormalities and also disorders of the central nervous system.
Liver Products and Vitamin A Supplements
Liver, liver products and also Vitamin A supplements should be consumed in least quantities. Limited quantities of Vitamin A are necessary, however too much of vitamin A should be avoided. It can cause build up and also cause harm to the unborn baby. Find which are the prenatal vitamins during pregnancy.
Unpasteurized Milk
I agree, you might be fond of unpasteurized milk however, it is also a part of the what not to eat while pregnant list. There are chances of listeria infection from unpasteurized milk. You will therefore, have to take care when you have milk products outside.
I know, what not to eat when pregnant may contain some food items which you are particularly fond of. However, you should remember, if you are able to avoid the food items, you are protecting your baby as well as yourself. This is not a permanent change, but just a temporary change, which is certainly doable for your little one.
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