7 Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

The nine months of pregnancy take a lot of patience. Pregnant women have to be very careful, especially when it comes to what they are eating. A healthy diet for pregnant women has to include specific nutrients for the baby’s healthy growth, and not all foods are good for your pregnancy.

What Foods to Avoid

#1: Fish

All women here they have to avoid sushi at all costs. But why is that? Because fish is high in mercury, a chemical substance linked with growth disruption and brain damage. 

Fish such as swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and shark are particularly high in mercury. If you really crave some fish, canned tuna, with its low mercury content, is an exceptional choice. But regardless of type, remember to eat fish in moderation. 

#2: Shellfish 

Eating shellfish while pregnant bears the danger of contracting seafood-borne illnesses. Oysters, mussels and clams have to be avoided altogether during pregnancy, even when appropriately cooked. 

#3: Unpasteurized Foods

Low-fat dairy products that contain unpasteurized milk have to be cut out of the diet while pregnant. These products may contain listeria bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness. Avoid soft cheese such as brie, blue cheese and feta if the label informs you that the product is manufactured with unpasteurized milk. Unpasteurized juice has to be avoided as well. 

#4: Raw Eggs 

Food containing raw eggs as an ingredient is also dangerous for your pregnancy. Raw eggs can potentially infect you with salmonella. Homemade foods such as dressings, mayonnaise, cookie dough, ice cream and sauces are all prepared with raw eggs. Avoid them altogether and stick to commercially manufactured foods. Because commercially manufactured products contain pasteurized eggs, the risk of contracting salmonella is diminished. 

#5: Pâté 

The liver meat used in pâté may contain dangerous levels of vitamin A and listeria bacteria.  

Excessive vitamin A intake can lead to teratogenic effects (i.e., chemicals that can cause abnormal fetal development). These effects can lead to the baby being born with a birth defect. Refrigerated pate and meat spreads should be replaced with canned pate and safe meat spreads. 

#6: Caffeine 

Studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is safe. On the other hand, some researchers point out the exact opposite, as miscarriages and premature labor have been related to caffeine intake. Avoid drinking coffee, black tea, caffeinated sodas and energy drinks in the first trimester of your pregnancy. If you are craving coffee or any other beverage that contains caffeine, the limit of caffeine intake per day must be lower than 200 mg per day. Because caffeine is a diuretic (i.e., it increases the need for urinating), you may eliminate excessive amounts of fluid from your body and cause calcium loss. 

#7: Alcohol

Although it is self-evident not to consume any types of alcohol during your pregnancy, you must know why. Consuming alcohol will hurt your baby and interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Drinking alcohol can lead to disorders such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Avoid drinking alcohol during breastfeeding as it can reach the baby through the milk. 

A Parting Reminder

No woman can carry a successful pregnancy to term without sacrifices. Although it’s sometimes hard to say “no” to cravings, steering clear of these seven foods and drinks will keep your baby safe and healthy in the womb. Wait until you bring a “little miracle” into the world, then you’ll be free to tap into your guilty pleasures once again.