Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

It is vital that you know what foods to avoid during pregnancy for the safety of you and baby. While Listeria is uncommon, you should still empower yourself with the knowledge of certain foods that you should not eat when pregnant.

The best foods to eat are freshly cooked or freshly prepared.

Foods to Avoid

1. Mercury fish

a. Shark

b. Swordfish

c. King mackerel

d. Tuna (especially albacore tuna)

2. Under-cooked or Raw Fish

a. Shellfish

3. Under-cooked, Raw and Processed Meat

You should avoid processed meat for many health reasons. But during pregnancy, these meats pose additional problems.

4. Raw Eggs

Foods that commonly contain raw eggs include:

a. Lightly scrambled eggs

b. Poached eggs

c. Salad dressings

d. Homemade ice cream

e. Cake icings

f. Hollandaise sauce

h. Homemade mayonnaise

5. Unwashed Produce

a. Salads

b. Fruits

c. Vegetables

6. Unpasteurized milk, cheese and fruit juice

7. Alcohol

Other Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

1. Sprouts

2. Soybeans

3. Pate

4. Ham and processed meats.

5. Liver

6. Soft-serve ice-cream.

7. Soft cheese, such as brie, Camembert, fetta, cottage and ricotta.

8. Pre-cooked diced chicken, the type you buy at delicatessens and sandwich shops.

9. Cold, smoked and raw seafood, especially oysters.

10. Self-service salad bars or packages salads, such as coleslaw and pasta salad.

11. Unpasteurized milk.

12. Raw or partially cooked eggs

13. Energy drinks.

14. Some types of fish high in mercury.

Your Baby's Health Matters

When it comes to pregnancy, nutrition plays a critical role in the health and development of your baby. As an expectant mom, it's essential to know what foods to avoid to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Consuming unsafe foods during pregnancy can have severe consequences for both you and your baby. For instance, certain foods can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, which can be particularly harmful to pregnant women and their unborn babies.

The CDC

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food poisoning affects one in six people in the United States each year. This risk is even higher for pregnant women, who are more susceptible to these illnesses due to changes in their immune system.

Moreover, some foods can also trigger allergic reactions or even premature labor. It's crucial to be aware of these potential risks to make informed choices about what you eat during pregnancy.

Minimize Your Risk

By avoiding certain foods, you can minimize the risk of these complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Furthermore, some foods can even affect the development of your baby's brain and nervous system. This is why it's essential to know what foods to avoid to give your baby the best possible start in life.

By being mindful of your diet, you can reduce the risk of birth defects and other developmental problems.

The Main Foods to Avoid

Let's start with raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood. These foods can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. Instead, choose cooked meat, poultry, and seafood to minimize this risk.

Next, let's talk about unpasteurized dairy products and juices. These foods can contain harmful bacteria like Listeria, which can cause severe illnesses in pregnant women and their unborn babies. Opt for pasteurized dairy products and juices to reduce this risk.

High Mercury Fish

Thirdly, avoid high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. Mercury can accumulate in these fish and harm your baby's developing brain and nervous system. Instead, choose low-mercury fish like salmon, sardines, and anchovies.

One of the most critical foods to avoid during pregnancy is raw or undercooked eggs. Raw eggs can contain Salmonella, which can cause severe food poisoning in pregnant women.

Raw Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs are often found in certain foods like mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, and some baked goods. Always check the ingredient list or ask the chef if you're unsure.

The most critical food to avoid during pregnancy is raw sprouts, such as alfalfa, bean sprouts, and radish sprouts. These foods can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause severe food poisoning.

In fact, according to the Food and Drug Administration, raw sprouts are one of the most hazardous foods for pregnant women.