The list of Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
An important thing most people get to know when their pregnant, is what they should avoid eating. This can be a little discomforting if you’re a big fan of Coffee or steak.
The good news is, you have more food you can eat than foods you can’t eat. You just have to be mindful of what you eat and drink to be in sound health.
Some foods should be scarcely consumed, while others should be abstained from. Below are 10 foods you should stay away from or reduce during pregnancy:
1.Fish containing large amounts of mercury
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Mercury is a very poisonous element. There isn’t any known level of exposure safe to the health and it’s very common in polluted water.
When exposed to increased amounts of mercury, it’s can be very harmful to the nervous system, immune system and kidneys. It can even result in fatal developmental problems in children, with dangerous effects even in reduced amounts.
Due to its distribution in polluted places, big marine fishes can consume large amounts of mercury. This is why it is best to abstain from mercury contain fish during pregnancy and lactation. Fishes containing high amounts of mercury you should avoid include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tuna. However, it is worthy of note that not all fishes contain high amounts of mercury, just a few types.
Consumption of fish containing low amounts of mercury is beneficial to the health and these fish can be eaten up to 3 times a week. Examples are the salmon and trout fishes.
2. Raw fish
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Consuming raw fish can result in several types of infections. The infections can be viral, bacterial or parasitic infections such as salmonella or listeria. These infections can affect you by causing dehydration and weakness. Several infections can also be passed on your offspring causing fatal consequences.
Pregnant women are susceptible to listeria infections, The listeria bacteria is found in the soil, microorganisms infested water and plants. In the process of drying raw fish, they can become infected.
The listeria bacteria can be passed on to your offspring via the placenta, even if you’re not exhibiting any signs of illnesses. This can result in premature births, stillbirths, miscarriages, and many other deadly health problems.
3. Raw meat
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Consumption of uncooked or raw meat puts you at the risk of infection from bacteria, or parasites such as Toxoplasma, Escherichia coli, salmonella, listeria. These bacteria can be harmful to the health of your offspring by causing deadly neurological diseases including intellectual disabilities, blindness, and epilepsy or even stillbirth.
Pork meat, burgers, minced meat and poultry meat should not be eaten without being cooked. Pregnant women should avoid eating processed meat products unless they heat them.
3.Raw Eggs
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. These can be infested with the salmonella bacteria. Symptoms of Salmonella infections are nausea, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
Salmonella in some cases can cause uterine cramps, leading to stillbirth. Common foods that contain raw eggs are homemade mayonnaise, homemade ice cream, poached eggs, etc.
4.Cheese and Milk
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid consuming unpasteurised milk, cheese made from unpasteurised milk.
5.Fruits and vegetables
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Unwashed fruits and vegetables, unripe papaya, raw sprouts, unpasteurised juice should be avoided.
6.Alcohol
Pregnant women should completely abstain from alcohol consumption as it can lead to miscarriages and negatively impact the unborn child’s brain.
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which can facial deformities, cardiovascular defects and intellectual disabilities.
7.Liver and foods containing Vitamin A
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid liver and liver products like liver sausage as these have a large quantity of vitamin A which can be harmful to the unborn child.
8.Caffeine
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. It’s best to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy as increased levels of caffeine can result in complications during childbirth. Caffeine can be found in foods and drinks like tea, coffee, energy drinks and coca-cola, chocolate.
9. Salads
Consumption of pre-packaged fruit or vegetable salads from buffets presents an increased risk of listeria infections. This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy.
10.Herbal tea
This is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Research has shown that Specific herbshave effects on developing babies. It’s best to avoid such unless stated otherwise by medical personnel.
Reference: healthline.com
