Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
When you first found out you were pregnant, you probably had a million things running through your head. And what foods to avoid during your pregnancy was most likely not one of them. Although, this is definitely a topic that needs to be talked about in order to keep you and your baby safe.
As an expecting mother you have probably heard the words, "you are eating for two." So with this being said you should be sure to eat a well balanced diet that provides you and baby with proper nutrition.
While you are providing you and your baby with proper nutrition, there are also some foods that should be eliminated from your pregnancy diet. Avoiding these foods will aid in keeping you and your baby healthy and safe.
Stick around, and read up on all the foods to avoid during pregnancy below.
Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
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Raw or Under-cooked Meat
Consuming raw meat places you at a risk of exposure to harmful bacteria such as coliform bacteria, salmonella, and e. coli. Raw meat can also cause toxoplasmosia, a serious parasitic infection. Several of these infections can most likely not cross the placenta. Although, they have the potential of making you sick enough to adversely affect your baby's development and growth. Due to this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advocates that pregnant women thoroughly cook all meat before consuming it. Approximately 170 degrees Fahrenheit at the center for steak.
Deli/Cold Cured Meats
As a result of the way deli meats are processed and packaged, in infrequent cases, deli meats can potentially contain the listeria bacteria. Listeria bacteria can cross the placenta and create severe problems such as miscarriage, pre-term birth, as well as other serious health risks for your baby. Due to this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises all pregnant women to heat any deli meat until it is piping hot in order to insure it is safe to eat.
This includes ham, roast beef, turkey, bacon, hot dogs, cheese dog, chili dog, corn dog, sausages, bierwurst, bologna, bratwurst, braunschweiger, chorizo, corned beef, salami, kielbasa, pastrami, pepperoni, prosciutto, etc.
Alcohol
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that pregnant women refrain from drinking alcohol, due to potential dangers to your baby. This includes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, which can lead to significant developmental set backs.
Sushi
Several types of sushi consist of raw meat or fish. Which can potentially contain parasites that could possibly make your baby sick. Although, the possibility of acquiring a parasitic infection from sushi is relatively small. Due to the fact the infection could most likely not cross the placenta and make your baby sick, the gastrointestinal complications it could provoke in you are significant enough that it could cripple your baby's development.
The Mayo Clinic advises that pregnant women abstain from sushi throughout pregnancy. But numerous doctors are mixed on this topic, so you may want to seek out your doctors opinion. Furthermore, several types of sushi do not consist of raw meat or fish, and are safe to eat as long as they act in accordance with your other dietary guidelines.
Aloe Vera Juice
Although additional research is needed, some institutions, such as the American Pregnancy Association, advise refraining from aloe vera juice throughout pregnancy. This is due to concerns that it can potentially enhance uterine contractions, as well as decrease electrolyte levels. It is presumably best to refrain from it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Soft/ Unpasteurized Cheeses
Soft cheeses are regularly made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which can potentially comprise of the listeria bacteria that provokes listeriosis. On the other hand, soft cheeses that are distinctly marked as pasteurized are safe to consume, as this technique kills the bacteria. Listeria has the possibility of crossing the placenta and causing an infection in your baby. Possibly leading to pre-term birth, miscarriage, or other serious problems. Due to this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that pregnant women abstain from soft cheeses. If you have any questions about soft cheeses or what cheeses are safe/not safe be sure to consult with your healthcare provider.
Some of these cheeses include bleu cheese, brie, camembert, feta, goat cheese (only if it is soft), neufchatel, queso blanco, ricotta, etc.
Herbal Teas
Some herbal teas consist of ingredients that can potentially put your baby or you at risk. Additionally, researchers and healthcare providers typically advise refraining from herbal teas. Certain herbal teas have been proven to induce contractions, and present additional risks. So it is presumably best to divert from herbal teas during pregnancy. If you have questions about what herbal teas are safe/unsafe to drink during pregnancy, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Some herbal teas to steer away from include: catnip tea, chamomile tea, comfrey tea, horehound tea, labrador tea, lemongrass tea, licorice root tea, mistletoe tea, mugwort tea, rosehip tea, sage tea, stinging nettle tea, etc.
High Mercury Seafood/Fish
Mercury is a dangerous chemical found in seafood that can be threatening to your baby's growth. Mercury is typically found in bigger fish, as they accrue more mercury in their bodies than the smaller fish they consume. If you consume considerable amounts of mercury during your pregnancy, your baby has the possibility of being at risk of stunted brain development, as well as central nervous system problems.
Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions about high mercury fish as well as what fish are safe to eat vs. not safe to eat.
Some fish that contain higher levels of mercury include: bluefish, carp, croaker, freshwater bass, grouper, halibut, jacksmelt, king mackerel, mackerel, mahi mahi, marlin, monkfish, orange roughy, rockfish, sablefish, sea bass, sea trout, shark, skate, snapper, striped bass, swordfish, tile fish, tuna, turbot, etc.
Raw Eggs/Foods That Contain Raw Eggs
Raw eggs can consist of salmonella, a potentially unsafe bacteria that has the possibility of making both babies and women very sick. The March of Dimes advises that expecting women should make sure that all eggs they consume are completely cooked in order to immensely diminish the risk of getting sick.
On the other hand, eggs that are fully cooked rank among one of the healthiest sources of protein. So with that being said, it's a great idea to work eggs into your diet. That is once they are eliminated of bacteria.
Some items that may contain raw eggs include: Caesar dressing (especially restaurant Caesar dressing), cookie dough, mousse, hollandaise sauce, mayonnaise, aioli, tiramisu, some ice creams and custards, meringue, etc.
Caffeine
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a moderate amount of caffeine (approximately one cup of coffee a day) is safe to consume throughout pregnancy.
Although, the safety of drinking greater quantities, which the ACOG characterizes as over 200mg in a day, is unknown. Additionally, some studies have linked caffeine to low birth weight as well as miscarriage. With this being said, it is crucial to keep your caffeine consumption under reason.
Furthermore, consuming caffeine may help contribute to frequent urination, as well as difficulty sleeping. So expecting women who are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep may want to refrain from consuming caffeine.
Be sure to talk to your health care provider, as their opinion on caffeine during pregnancy may differ. As all pregnancies are different and some may be higher risk than others.
Caffeine not only includes coffee, but as well as energy drinks, soda, caffeinated tea (earl grey tea, green tea), etc.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
It appears as though nobody can entirely agree on the pregnancy safety of consuming Raspberry Leaf Tea. Research reveals that drinking it may enhance contractions. Some believe this helps strengthen and prepare the body for delivery, while others believe this may reinforce premature birth.
Some doctors propose steering clear of Raspberry Leaf Tea until after the first trimester, while others recommend waiting until week 32-36. Before making the decision to start consuming Raspberry Leaf Tea, be sure to consult with your doctor.
Liver
Expecting women should abstain from eating pate as well as other live products. As liver has an excess of a type of Vitamin A, known as retinol. Not only is there way more Vitamin A than a person needs a day throughout pregnancy, but according to the March of Dimes, the safety of consuming large amounts of Vitamin A is unknown. Due to this, March of Dimes advises abstaining from liver while pregnant.
Unwashed Produce
Unwashed fruits and veggies should be avoided throughout all stages of pregnancy. This is due to the fact they are said to be contaminated with parasites and bacteria, potentially putting you and your baby at risk of Toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasmosis may include symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, the flu, etc., for mama. Although, it can be much worse for baby. It can result in miscarriage, still birth, or damage to the baby's brain and other developing organs, especially the eyes (potentially blindness).
With this being said be sure to thoroughly wash all fruits and veggies.
Canned Foods And BPA
Try to avoid canned foods as well as certain plastics (plastic water bottles) and resins that contain BPA as much as possible throughout pregnancy.
Over time BPA can leak into food as well as when exposed to heat. Some studies have shown that BPA is linked to fertility problems, heart disease, neurological problems, as well as other health issues.
Foods Left Out
Headed to a party? Keep an eye out for how long foods have been sitting out. Steer away from hot/cold foods that have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours, as they have a tendency to be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
Limits on Foods
And of course be sure to limit yourself on fatty foods, highly processed foods, and sugar rich foods!
There you have it mamas! I hope you found this list helpful in learning about all the foods to avoid during pregnancy! And thank you so much for stopping by! I greatly appreciate it!
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