2016-02-15
Joybynature.com Team
Feb
15

Image Source – Baby Intro

Eating well balanced meals is important at all times, but it is even more essential when you are pregnant. There are essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your developing baby needs. Most foods are safe, however there are some foods that you should avoid during pregnancy. Discover the list of food items which should definitely be off your diet to ensure a healthy pregnancy. 

  1. Raw Meat

Uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.

  1. Deli Meat

Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby, which could lead to infection or blood poisoning and may be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming .

  1. Fish with Mercury

Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided as mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. These types of fish include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation or best avoided. Certain types of fish used in sushi should not be consumed due to high levels of mercury.

  1. Smoked Seafood

Refrigerated, smoked seafood often labeled as lox, nova style, kippered, or jerky should be avoided because it could be contaminated with listeria.  This type of fish is often found in the deli section of your grocery store. Canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is usually fine to eat. These are safe to eat when they are in an ingredient in a meal that has been cooked, like a casserole.

  1. Fish Exposed to Industrial Pollutants

Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye.

  1. Raw Shellfish

The majority of seafood-borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which include oysters, clams, and mussels. Cooking helps to prevent some types of infection, but it does not prevent the algae-related infections that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose a concern for everybody, and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.

  1. Raw Eggs

Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella.  Commercially manufactured ice cream, dressings, and eggnog are made with pasteurized eggs and do not increase the risk of salmonella. Some homemade Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs. If the recipe is cooked at some point, this will reduce the exposure to salmonella.

  1. Caffeine

Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. This can result in water and calcium loss. It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages. Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. The safest thing is to refrain from consuming caffeine.

  1. Soft Cheeses

Imported soft cheeses may contain listeria.  You would need to avoid soft cheeses such as, brie, Camembert, Roquefort, feta, Gorgonzola, and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk.

  1. Unpasteurized Milk

Unpasteurized milk may contain listeria. Make sure that any milk you drink is pasteurized with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.

  1. Alcohol

There is no amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing, and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders. You should continue to avoid alcohol during breastfeeding. Exposure of alcohol to an infant poses harmful risks, and alcohol does reach the baby during breastfeeding.

  1. Unwashed Vegetables

Vegetables are safe, and a necessary part of a balanced diet. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma may contaminate the soil where the vegetables were grown.

Being aware about your food and food sources  is necessary, but it becomes mandatory during pregnancy. Hence avoid the unhealthy and harmful foodstuff to have a healthy baby and to avoid any complications during or after your pregnancy. 

 

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