Being pregnant is such a beautiful and meaningful experience for many moms-to-be. But it is also a delicate experience that requires many lifestyle changes and adjustments to ensure the health of the baby, as well as that of the mother. One of the biggest changes that all moms-to-be will learn is that they can’t eat whatever they want, as some of them may have grown accustomed to. And while the stages of pregnancy are notorious for being plagued with crazy and ever-changing food cravings, it’s essential to watch what you eat during pregnancy. There are many key nutrients and vitamins your baby will need during this precious time, and some foods to avoid for your little one’s sake. To find out what you should definitely keep off the menu, check out these 6 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy.
Caffeine
Many busy women swear by coffee, but caffeine can be dangerous for pregnant women. Caffeine has been linked to miscarriages, with studies showing early pregnancy loss increased by 74% with the consumption of three or more caffeinated drinks per day. To avoid these statistics, try to avoid caffeine as much as possible during the first trimester. After the first trimester, use the general rule of thumb of less than 200 mg of caffeine per day, keeping in mind that common foods and drinks like soda and chocolate also contain caffeine.
Cold meats
Deli meat may seem like a harmless and easy food to throw together for a quick sandwich for lunch. But deli meats contain a dangerous ingredient: listeria. Listeria has been found to cause miscarriages. This potentially deadly germ can cross the placenta and possibly cause an infection in the baby or poison the blood.
Raw Eggs
Due to the risk of salmonella poisoning, raw eggs are risky for anyone. But it is especially risky for pregnant women because it can potentially be passed on to the baby. If babies are born with salmonellosis, they could have fever and diarrhea after birth, and even develop meningitis. This means that during pregnancy it is best to avoid dishes and recipes that call for raw eggs. This can include certain types of homemade custards, Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, eggnog, hollandaise sauce, and even that beloved raw cookie dough.
Raw or undercooked meat
For all you fans of the rare steak, this can be a hard pill to swallow. Raw and undercooked meat pose serious threats to anyone, but especially pregnant women. The risks of infection by dangerous bacteria and parasites are greatly increased when raw or undercooked meat is consumed. These hazards include listeria, salmonella, toxoplasma, E. coli, norovirus, Vibrio, and more; Bacteria like this can put your baby at risk of neurological disorders, blindness from premature birth, intellectual complications, and even stillbirth. This also includes raw fish and shellfish like sushi.
Fish high in mercury
There is no known safe level of mercury for human consumption, making it one of the worst things to eat while pregnant. Mercury can wreak havoc on your body and your baby, including your nervous and immune systems, your kidneys, and your baby’s developmental progress. Fish that contain high levels of mercury include, but are not limited to, shark, marlin, tuna, tilefish, swordfish, and mackerel.
Processed foods
It can be even more difficult to stay away from junk food during pregnancy, but it’s even more important that you stay away from it during this time for the sake of your little one. Processed junk food is terrible for your body and your baby depends on your body’s strength and well-being. Junk food is low in nutrients and contributes to excessive weight gain, which has been linked to many complications during pregnancy.
