If you’re pregnant you’ll need to watch your diet. Your diet is your baby’s diet. Here are some foods to avoid and why.
Sushi and other raw fish
Raw fish contains bacteria or parasites that could cause serious gastrointestinal distress which can be dangerous for yourself and the baby. Make sure to only eat cooked fish.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol or doing drugs during pregnancy can cause a variety of problems ranging from premature birth to birth defects. Excessive alcohol intake during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome and significantly increase the risk of still birth.
Caffeine
Even though Health organizations haven’t agreed on how much caffeine intake is safe but most recommend no more than 200-300mg daily of caffeine consumption during pregnancy. Excessive caffeine intake can increase the risk of miscarriage and is associated with growth restriction.
Unpasteurized dairy products
Unpasteurized dairy products include milk and cheese. Remember to avoid items made with unpasteurized dairy as foods during pregnancy.
Under-cooked milk and eggs
Under-cooked meat as well as eggs increase the risk of a number of food-borne illnesses which can adversely affect your baby’s health. Cook the meat to an appropriate internal temperature and cook the eggs until the yellow and white parts are pretty firm.
Liver
This one will not at all be difficult to avoid as most people dont eat liver. Liver contains high levels of vitamin A which is not recommended during pregnancy. High levels of vitamin A early in pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects.
Big Fish
Avoid longer-living big fish including swordfish, shark, tilefish and king mackerel because they contain higher levels of methyl mercury which can harm an unborn baby’s immature nervous system. FDA recommends no more than 12 ounces of low mercury fish including shrimp, salmon, catfish and canned light tuna within a whole week.
Raw vegetable sprouts
Clover, alfalfa, mung bean and radish are just some of those. These items may carry certain bacteria that can lead to food-borne illnesses.
Herbal supplements
Because their safety during pregnancy is not known yet, it’s best to avoid herbal supplements during pregnancy for now. Consider talking to a healthcare provider before continuing herbal supplements during pregnancy.
Luncheon meats, deli meats
Pregnant women are 20 times more likely of getting listeriosis, a food-borne illness. Because this bacteria is transferred to the fetus through the placenta, problems such as still birth, premature delivery or miscarriage can occur therefore these are to be avoided at all costs.