Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is important for the health of both you and the unborn baby. This may mean refraining from some favorite foods like sushi, coffee, or rare steak. Fortunately, there are still many healthful foods to enjoy during gestation.
5 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
High Mercury Fish
Mercury is an extremely toxic substance found in infected waters. In large amounts, it can hurt the nervous system, immune system, and kidneys, and even small amounts can cause severe developmental concerns in kids.
High-mercury fish to refrain from include:
- Shark
- Swordfish
- King mackerel
- Tuna (especially bigeye tuna)
- Marlin
- Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico
- Orange roughy
Undercooked or Raw Fish
Raw fish, specifically shellfish, can hide risky microorganisms or parasites like norovirus, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Listeria. Infections from these can result in dehydration and weakness and may be passed to the baby, raising the danger of preterm delivery, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and other severe health concerns.
Undercooked or Raw Meat
Eating undercooked or raw meat raises the danger of infection from microorganisms or parasites such as Toxoplasma, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. These infections can jeopardize your well-being and the health of the baby. Whole cuts of meat may not be dangerous if cooked intensely on the outside, but minced meats, burgers, and poultry should always be fully cooked.
Processed and Deli Meat
Hot dogs, lunch meats, pepperoni, and deli meats can become infected with microorganisms during processing or storage. Processed meats also typically contain elevated levels of sodium and unhealthy fats. Make sure processed meats are fully cooked, and avoid deli meats.
Raw Eggs
Raw eggs may contain Salmonella, causing manifestations like fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and potentially resulting in preterm birth or stillbirth. Use pasteurized eggs and thoroughly cook them to ensure safety. Foods often containing raw eggs include:
- Lightly scrambled eggs
- Tiramisu
- Raw batter
- Hollandaise sauce
- Homemade mayonnaise
- Some homemade salad dressings
- Homemade eggnog
- Homemade ice cream
- Some homemade cake icings
- Eggs Benedict
5 More Food Stay Away While Childbearing
Organ Meat
While organ meats are rich in nutrients, an enormous intake of vitamin A from these sources can cause congenital malformations and pregnancy loss, specifically in the first trimester. Restrict intake to a few ounces weekly.
Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts such as alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean may contain Salmonella bacteria. Cooked sprouts are not dangerous to eat, but raw ones should be prevented.
Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables
Unwashed or unpeeled fruits and vegetables may hold harmful microorganisms and parasites. Regularly wash and peel produce intensely to lessen the danger of infection.
Unpasteurized Dairy Products
Unpasteurized dairy products may harbor harmful microorganisms such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Only eat pasteurized dairy products to lessen the danger of foodborne illnesses.
Processed Foods
Highly processed foods are often low in nutrients and high in calories, sugar, and dangerous fats. They can lead to enormous weight gain, and raise the danger of delivery difficulties and childhood obesity.
To ensure good health during pregnancy, focus on nutrient-dense meals and snacks, including protein, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, and starchy vegetables.
