There are some foods you should not eat when you’re pregnant because they might make you ill or harm your baby. Make sure you know the important facts about which foods you should avoid or take extra care with when you’re pregnant. The best foods to eat are freshly cooked or freshly prepared food.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pregnant women limit their intake of caffeine, salt, and sugar. These three items should be avoided because they can cause birth defects in babies.
There are many things to consider when choosing food for yourself and your baby. Learn more about these foods to avoid during pregnancy here!
Foods to Avoid During Your Pregnancy
1. High-Mercury Fish
Mercury is a neurotoxin and is linked to brain damage and developmental
delays in babies. It has no known safe level of exposure, and is most
commonly found in polluted water. In higher amounts, it can be toxic to
the nervous system, immune system and kidneys. Pregnant women are
advised to limit their consumption of high-mercury fish to no more than
1-2 servings per month.
Also Read Top 10 Foods And Herbs To Relieve Menstrual Cramps
2. Caffeine
High caffeine intake during pregnancy has been shown to restrict fetal
growth and increase the risk of low birth weight at delivery. Low birth
weight, defined as less than 5 lbs, 8 oz (or 2.5 kg), is associated with
an increased risk of infant death. Pregnant women are generally advised
to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day, or about
2–3 cups of coffee.
3. Raw Fish
Raw fish, especially shellfish, can cause several infections. These
include norovirus, Vibrio, Salmonella, Listeria and parasites. Some of
these infections only affect the mother, leaving her dehydrated and
weak. Other infections may be passed on to the unborn baby with serious,
or even fatal, consequences.
Also Read : The 7 Best Foods To Prevent Stroke
4. Raw Meat
Raw meat contains Toxoplasma parasite.It can lead to miscarriage or
fetal death during delivery. Eating raw meat increases the risk of
infection from several bacteria or parasites. Bacteria may threaten the
health of the unborn baby, possibly leading to stillbirth or severe
neurological illnesses, including mental retardation, blindness and
epilepsy.
5. Raw Egg
Raw eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella. Symptoms of Salmonella
infections are usually experienced only by the mother. They include
fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea.The infection may
cause cramps in the uterus, leading to premature birth or stillbirth.
6. Alcohol
Pregnant women are advised to completely avoid drinking alcohol, as it
increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Even a small amount
can negatively impact your baby's brain development. Since no level of
alcohol has been proven to be safe during pregnancy, it is recommended
to avoid it altogether.
Also Read: 8 Best Foods To Eat For Uterus Disease
7. Junk foods
Junk food is generally low in nutrients, and high in calories, sugar and
added fats. During pregnancy, excess weight gain has been linked to
many complications and diseases. These include an increased risk of
gestational diabetes and pregnancy or birth complications. It can also
increase the risk of having an overweight child.
8. Dairy Products
Milk contains calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other nutrients. However, dairy products also contain hormones and antibiotics that can harm your developing baby.
9. Sugar
Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco are all known to cause birth defects. If you are pregnant, it is especially important to avoid these substances because they can harm your developing fetus.