Eating Right: Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Jan 4, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Jan 4, 2024Table of Contents
Birth is awe-inspiring. Don’t you think? The mother’s health plays a crucial role in it. This includes her diet which shifts once she conceives. These changes aid in nurturing a healthy baby and maintaining the mother’s health. This article sheds light on what foods to avoid during pregnancy.
We are going to look into the risky foods for future moms, the risks they pose and why avoiding them is vital. Let’s clear your doubts about what’s safe and what’s not!
Did you know that consuming too much mercury-rich seafood during pregnancy can cause health problems for both mother and baby?
Why all the noise about mercury, you ask? Simple. Mercury, especially in the form of “methylmercury”, can cause problems in infants. These problems include issues with language, focus, and memory.
The FDA suggests consuming 8 to 12 ounces (224 to 336 grams) of seafood per week during pregnancy. But white (albacore) tuna should be kept to 6 ounces (168 grams) or less per week.
Uncooked or half-cooked seafood pose health threats. It’s as simple as that.
Raw, undercooked, or tainted seafood can house harmful bacteria (like Salmonella) or parasites (like Toxoplasma). Infections can cause stomach troubles and flu-like symptoms. Worse still, they can lead to dehydration or even life-threatening issues.
Good handling and cooking of seafood reduce infection chances. Cook seafood until its internal temperature hits 145 F (63 C). Also, ensure its flesh breaks apart easily with a fork. Discard any shellfish that don’t open during cooking.
In my opinion, pregnant ladies are advised to avoid consuming soft cheese, raw or undercooked meat, fish, and seafood, unwashed or already cooked fruits and veggies, soft-serve ice cream, raw or undercooked eggs, and alcohol. Researchers have found that some foods might contain bacteria that have the potential to harm the mother and their unborn child and may cause toxoplasmosis.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Did you know ?
Undercooked meat, eggs, and poultry may harbour illness-causing bacteria and pathogens.
Does food poisoning sound bad? Well, it’s worse for pregnant women. It can become serious.
Pathogens like Listeria, E.coli, and Toxoplasma can pass through the placenta. They may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or life-threatening infection in the newborn, even if the mom feels fine.
Cook your food properly. This makes it safe. Cook meat and chicken to the right internal temperature. Use a food thermometer for this, not colour. All egg dishes should be firm, not runny. Cook egg-based dishes or sauces properly too.
From my knowledge, overdosing on coffee during pregnancy may raise the chance of miscarriage, risk normal foetal development, and even result in low birth weight. Caffeine consumption of as little as 100–200 mg per day may cause harm to the developing baby. Caffeine is present in many things other than coffee. Some sodas, energy drinks, chocolate, and teas are examples.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Avoid soft cheese or farm-fresh milk! Unpasteurized foods can harm your health.
Unpasteurized milk (or ‘raw’ milk) and its products can host harmful bacteria. These include Campylobacter, E.coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Listeria can cause premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe health problems in newborns.
Check product labels when shopping. Go for items labelled “pasteurized.” Most cheeses at shops are made with pasteurized milk and are safe.
Eat clean food. Even fresh fruits and vegetables can pose hazards if not washed right.
Fruits and vegetables can house harmful organisms like Toxoplasma and E. Coli. Such contamination may happen by exposure to polluted soil or water.
Scrub thick-skinned produce like potatoes with a brush to remove residues. Rinse soft fruits and vegetables under running water. Dry with a clean piece of cloth or paper towel. Always wash your fruits and vegetables before eating, cutting, or cooking them.
Hold on before you get that coffee or herbal tea. Limit your intake.
High caffeine intake (over 200 mg per day) during pregnancy can lead to problems. These include preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays. Moderate intake (up to 200 mg per day) is okay.
Some herbs found in teas can cause problems during pregnancy. These include St. John’s Wort, Dong Quai, Ephedra, and Yohimbe. They could lead to miscarriage or preterm birth.
There are safe and yummy alternatives for pregnant women. These include decaffeinated coffee or tea, fruit juices, and mineral water.
Drinking alcohol while pregnant can cause serious health problems. It’s surprising how many people don’t know about these.
Alcohol during pregnancy is linked to a high risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Even moderate drinking can hinder physical and mental development, leading to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). No known safe limit of alcohol exists during pregnancy.
Staying away from alcohol can be tough, especially if you used to drink often. Keep in mind that it’s only for a while and is essential for your baby’s health. Opt for non-alcoholic versions of your favourite drinks. Always have a non-alcoholic option ready in social settings where others may be drinking.
Also Read: Are Oysters Good For You? A Research-Based Nutrition Guide
Eating during pregnancy requires caution. Don’t eat raw and unfried foods, unwashed fruits and vegetables, seafood high in mercury, and unpasteurized dairy. Avoid alcohol entirely. Also, reduce your caffeine intake.
Pregnancy is joyful but demands responsibility. Know what foods are safe and what isn’t. By choosing your diet wisely, you give your baby a healthy start. Knowing what to avoid during pregnancy ensures you and your baby are safe.
Also Read: Headaches During Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies, and When To Seek Help
A: Avoid food items including Bigeye Tuna, King Mackerel, Marlin, Orange Roughy, Swordfish, Shark, Tilefish, Raw meat, poultry, and seafood, High caffeine food and beverages, Alcoholic drinks.
A: If these are heated up properly to kill any potential bacteria or parasites, they should be fine. However, avoiding them is safest.
A: Yes, they are safe and beneficial, providing essential vitamins and fiber. However, ensure they are properly washed before eating.
A: Avoid seafood high in mercury, unpasteurized dairy, unwashed fruit and vegetables, and all uncooked or undercooked meat and eggs.
A: Yes, as long as the cheese is pasteurized and the pizza is fully cooked.
A: Sushi with cooked fish is safe. But avoid sushi with raw fish during pregnancy.
A: Not at all, if they’re cooked well. Shrimp can be part of a balanced pregnancy diet.
Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider when it comes to your pregnancy diet. Each person is unique, and dietary advice can differ.
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