Making healthy food choices is very important for women when pregnant. Their diet will provide the right nutrients for the baby to develop and grow and it should keep the mother healthy. Eating a healthy diet that contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients is recommended.
However, there are some foods to avoid when pregnant as they can be harmful to you and your baby. They include:
1. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables
The surface of unpeeled fruits and vegetables may be uncontaminated with bacteria and parasites like Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and Toxoplasmosis. This contamination can occur in the soil or by handling.
2. Organ Meat
Organ meat like liver contains several important nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and copper. These nutrients are important for the expectant mother and child.
3. Alcohol
Pregnant women are advised to completely avoid drinking alcohol, as it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Since no level of alcohol has been proven to be safe during pregnancy, it’s recommended to avoid it altogether. Even a small amount can negatively impact your baby’s brain development.
4. Raw or undercooked meat
5. Caffeine
6. Raw Eggs
7. High Mercury Fish
8. Unpasteurized Milk and Cheese
Raw milk if contaminated can contain bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, E Coli, and Campylobacter. If only raw or unpasteurized milk is available, it is better to boil it before drinking.
9. Sushi
10. Pre-packaged salads
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14647094/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1565377/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25238871/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16555611/
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