8 Top Foods to Be Avoided During Pregnancy

Foods to Be Avoided During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an important phase in the women’s life. During pregnancy, women’s body goes through several physiological changes. Adequate nutrition and selection of right food during pregnancy has a great impact on both mother’s health and fetal growth. There are certain foods that a woman should avoid during pregnancy as they can alter their metabolism and can have a negative impact on fetus and mother’s health. In this article, we will discuss the foods to be avoided during pregnancy so that you can make a healthy choice and protect yourself and your unborn baby.

8 Top Foods to be Avoided During Pregnancy:

1. Raw Eggs-

Raw eggs, as well as desserts and sauces that contain raw eggs such as mayonnaise and cakes should be avoided during pregnancy. Raw eggs or uncooked egg contains salmonella bacteria that cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. Pregnant women may consume egg if it is properly cooked and yolk is firm.

2. Unpasteurized Foods –

Unpasteurized foods such as unpasteurized cheese, milk, butter or unpasteurized juices should be avoided during pregnancy. Unpasteurized food may cause foodborne diseases such as Listeriosis that have flu-like symptoms and may cause miscarriage.

3. The High Amount of Caffeine-

Too much caffeine during pregnancy may result in a low birth weight baby, a preterm baby, stillbirth, and abortion. Caffeine is a diuretic that crosses the placenta and affects the heart rate of the unborn baby. Some doctors advise that caffeine containing drinks should be totally avoided during pregnancy, but according to some doctors consuming less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day is safe.

4. Mercury-Containing Fish –

Mercury damages the brain and delays the development of the fetus. It is better that mercury-containing fish such as Swordfish, Tilefish, and Mackerels should be avoided during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should also avoid shell fishes as they cause seaborne diseases and fishes such as salmon, bluefish, trout and walleye as that are cultured in contaminated lakes and rivers.

5. Alcohol-

Say no to alcohol during pregnancy as alcohol increases the risk of miscarriages, fetal alcohol syndrome, and stillbirths. The alcohol crosses the placenta and, may cause mental retardation, heart defects and other physical deformities in the unborn child. Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy totally.

6. Unwashed Vegetable and Fruits to Be Avoided During Pregnancy-

Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating to eliminate disease-causing microorganisms.

7. Raw Sprouts and Beans-

Raw sprouts and beans may contain harmful microorganisms that may cause food poisoning. Beans and sprouts are the richest sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals so eat cooked beans and sprouts, but Raw sprouts and beans to be avoided during pregnancy.

8. Refrigerated Seafood-

Refrigerated seafood should be avoided during pregnancy as they are contaminated by Listeria bacteria and may have adverse effects on both mother and child’s health.

A complete diet is very important during pregnancy for mother and for growth and development of the unborn baby. So we advise consulting your doctor before you minus above-discussed foods to be avoided during pregnancy.