12 Nov 10 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy:
One of the many concerns every mom-to-be has, is what they can & can’t eat. If you’re a big sushi, coffee, or rare steak fan – prepare yourself.
Thankfully, there’s more you can eat than what you can’t. Certain foods should only be consumed rarely, while others need to be avoided completely.
We’ve made it simple for you, here are 10 foods that need to be avoided or minimised during pregnancy:
- High-mercury fish such as swordfish, tuna, and marlin must be avoided.
- Raw fish & shellfish can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. Some of these can cause adverse health effects and harm both you and your baby.
- Raw or undercooked meat may contain harmful bacteria. As a general rule, meat should be cooked all the way through. Organ meat is a great source of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and copper. To prevent consuming too much vitamin A, limit your intake of organ meat.
- Raw eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella, and may put you and your baby at risk. Be sure to thoroughly cook eggs before eating.
- Limit caffeine intake to about 2 to 3 cups of coffee daily. High caffeine intake during pregnancy may limit a baby’s growth and can cause a low birth weight.
- Raw sprouts may be contaminated with bacteria. These can only be eaten if thoroughly cooked.
- Unwashed fruits & vegetables may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables with plenty of clean water.
- Don’t consume unpasteurised milk, cheese, or fruit juice, as these foods increase the risk of bacterial infections.
- Avoid all alcohol, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and fetal alcohol syndrome.
- Eating processed foods during pregnancy can increase your risk of excess weight gain, gestational diabetes, and complications. This can have long-term health implications for you and your child.
A nutritious and balanced diet is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. However, certain foods and drinks can increase the risk of harm to your unborn baby. Knowing which foods to avoid and choosing safe alternatives will ensure the health of both you and your baby. As always, check with your doctor to see what’s best for you and your growing baby.