As a responsible mother you are already aware of the importance of certain foods to eat when pregnant (milk for calcium, meat for protein, for example). However it is equally important to be aware of certain pregnancy foods to avoid, as these foods, at the very least will give poor to zero nutritional value, and may also increase the possibilities of developmental defects or infection. These foods include:
1- Meats, poultry or fish that are raw or undercooked. Undercooked meats are known to be contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella and coliform.
2- Deli meats. Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria which is a bacterium that can cause miscarriage. This bacterium is dangerous because it can cross the placenta and cause infection and blood poisoning to the fetus.
3- Foods to eat when pregnant should not include raw eggs and foods that contain raw eggs such as caesar salad dressing, hollandaise sauce and mayonnaise. Raw eggs are considered harmful for pregnant women because of the potential exposure to salmonella. However, if you like these kinds of foods you can simply cook them well with other ingredients, and this is also the case with all other uncooked foods.
4- Soft cheeses such as feta and brie, and unpasteurized milk. These are examples of pregnancy foods to avoid because they can contain listeria, which as shown earlier is a lethal bacterium that can cause miscarriage.
5- Fish with high levels of mercury should be avoided as the high mercury content can lead to brain damage and developmental delays. This can manifest itself as talking and walking difficulties for your child. Examples of fish with high levels of mercury are: shark, king mackerel, swordfish and tile fish. Canned tuna does contain mercury, but the level is not too high, that is why it is ok to be eaten in moderation. Other recommended fish to eat include shrimps, cod, salmon and catfish.
6- Foods to eat when pregnant should not include unwashed vegetables as they may cause toxoplasmosis. Therefore wash all vegetables thoroughly and for extra protection, you can soak your vegetables with a little bit of white vinegar and a spoonful of lemon juice.
7- Alcohol is a definite no-no, as it is not known what levels can harm the fetus or lead to miscarriage, but we do know that it's harmful.
8- Although you are not urged to completely stop drinking caffeinated coffee, it is recommended that you moderate your consumption. A lot of miscarriage cases have been linked to caffeine, so wise consumption is required.
9- Fast foods, highly processed foods and foods loaded with additives and preservatives should all be pregnancy foods to avoid. These foods are loaded with artificial ingredients, sugars and fats, and will only fill you with empty calories of zero nutritional value.
Giving your developing baby all that he or she requires ensures that they have the best chance of going to full term, and entering the world happy and healthy. Thankfully it's pretty simple. As you learn about the best foods to eat when pregnant, you also learn about the pregnancy foods to avoid.
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