One of the first things a pregnant person learns is what foods are off-limits. If you enjoy sushi, coffee, or steak, this can be a real bummer. Fortunately, there's more you can eat than you can't. To stay healthy, you should pay close attention to what you eat and drink. While some foods should only be eaten occasionally, others should be avoided at all costs. Some foods should be avoided while pregnant because they may make you ill or harm your baby. Make sure you understand the important facts about which foods you should avoid while pregnant. Freshly cooked or prepared foods are the best to eat.
1. Raw Or Undercooked Fish
This one will be difficult for you sushi fans, but it is crucial. Especially with shellfish, raw fish can spread a number of illnesses. Norovirus, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Listeria are examples of viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. Some of these illnesses are particular to you, leading to weakness and dehydration. Other infections may be transmitted to your baby, resulting in serious, even fatal, consequences.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to listeria infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are up to ten times more likely than the general population to become infected with Listeria. This bacteria is found in soil, contaminated water, and plants. Raw fish can become contaminated during processing, such as smoking or drying.
Listeria bacteria can be transmitted to your baby through the placenta even if you are not sick. This can result in premature birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, and other serious health issues. It is strongly advised to avoid raw fish and shellfish, which include many sushi dishes. But don't worry, you'll appreciate it even more once the baby is born and it's safe to eat again.
2. Raw, Undercooked And Processed Meat
Some of the same issues that affect raw fish also affect undercooked meat. Consuming raw or undercooked meat increases your risk of infection from bacteria or parasites such as Toxoplasma, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. Bacteria can endanger your child's health, potentially leading to stillbirth or severe neurological illnesses such as intellectual disability, blindness, and epilepsy. While the majority of bacteria are found on the surface of whole pieces of meat, other bacteria may linger within muscle fibres. Pregnant women should avoid eating processed meat products unless they have been thoroughly reheated.
3. Caffeine
You can be one of the millions of individuals who regularly consume coffee, tea, soft drinks, or cocoa. You're not alone if you enjoy drinking caffeine. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women should limit their caffeine consumption to less than 200 mg per day.
Caffeine is quickly absorbed and easily passes through the placenta. Because babies and their placentas lack the primary enzyme required to metabolise caffeine, high levels can accumulate. Caffeine consumption has been shown to limit foetal growth and increase the risk of low birth weight at delivery.
4. Unpasteurised Milk, Cheese And Fruit Juices
Unpasteurised cheese, raw milk, and soft-ripened cheeses may contain dangerous bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Unpasteurised juice is similarly susceptible to bacterial contamination. All of these infections have the potential to be fatal to an unborn child.
Bacteria can occur naturally or be introduced through contamination during collection or storage. Pasteurisation is the most effective method of killing harmful bacteria while maintaining the nutritional value of the products. Eat only pasteurised milk, cheese, and fruit juice to reduce the risk of infection.
5. Alcohol
It is strongly advised to avoid drinking alcohol while pregnant because it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Even a small amount can have an adverse effect on your baby's brain development. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also result in foetal alcohol syndrome, which causes facial deformities, heart defects, and intellectual disability. Because no level of alcohol has been proven to be safe during pregnancy, it is best to avoid it entirely.
6. Junk Foods
There is no better time than pregnancy to begin eating nutrient-dense foods that will benefit both you and your growing child. Many essential nutrients, such as protein, folate, choline, and iron, will be required in greater quantities. An ideal pregnancy eating plan should primarily consist of whole foods that are high in nutrients and meet the needs of both you and your baby. Processed junk food is generally high in calories, sugar, and added fats while being low in nutrients.
While some weight gain is normal during pregnancy, excessive weight gain has been linked to a variety of complications and diseases. These include a higher risk of gestational diabetes and pregnancy or birth complications. Stick to protein-rich meals and snacks that include vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, and fibre-rich carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, and starchy vegetables. Don't worry, there are numerous ways to incorporate vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavour.
Bottom Line
When you're pregnant, it's critical to avoid foods and beverages that could harm you or your baby. Although the majority of foods and beverages are perfectly safe to consume. Furthermore, certain foods and beverages, such as coffee and foods high in added sugar, should be avoided in order to promote a healthy pregnancy.