8 Foods To Be Avoided During Pregnancy

It is the dream of every woman to get pregnant and give birth to a baby that would continue the next generation. But during pregnancy in order to have a good time and deliver a healthy child, some types of food are meant to be avoided. Some may harm the health of the expectant mother, some, the developing baby, as they may contain harmful bacteria or toxins.

1. AVOID UNDERCOOKED AND PROCESSED MEATS

The rule is not to eat raw or undercooked meats while you’re pregnant. Make sure that all meat is well cooked. Either avoid processed meats such as hot dogs, or make sure that they are completely cooked. This is because the risk of food poisoning is higher in pregnant women.

2. AVOID RAW FISH

Raw fish should be avoided, as well as fish with potentially high mercury content. Mercury could create problems with the development of your baby’s nervous system. Shellfish should be avoided if the expectant mom is not sure if she is allergic. Fish such as salmon, tilapia, shrimp, cod, and catfish are low in mercury and are encouraged to be eaten during pregnancy.

3. AVOID RAW EGGS

Raw eggs (and foods cooked using raw eggs) may contain salmonella, a harmful bacterium. Some homemade mayonnaise, mousses, salad dressings and sauces contain raw egg, as does raw batter. Eggs may be eaten if properly cooked, all the way through.

4. AVOID UNPASTEURIZED MILK

Don’t drink raw (unpasteurised) milk, or cheeses made from it, such as goat’s cheese. If that’s all you have available, boil it before consuming it.

5. AVOID ALCOHOL

Alcohol may severely affect your baby’s development. Avoid alcohol if pregnant or even trying to conceive.

6. LIMIT INTAKE OF CAFFEINE

Caffeine intake should be limited during pregnancy, as too much caffeine has been linked to low birth weight and even miscarriage. It doesn’t have to be cut out altogether, but intake should be limited to 200mg per day. Remember that some cola fizzy drinks contain caffeine, and check the ingredients so you know how much you’re consuming.

7. LIVER AND LIVER CONTENT FOOD

Liver, or products containing liver, such as vitamin supplements, has a high vitamin A content. This vitamin doesn't break down in your body and can build up to levels toxic to your baby.

8. WASH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES PROPERLY

Fruits and vegetables are great, but only if they have been washed thoroughly to remove all traces of soils. Soil on fruits and vegetables may cause toxoplasmosis, caused by a parasite. Toxoplasmosis has potentially devastating effects on an unborn baby. Ecoli is another risk hiding in certain fresh leaves.

During pregnancy, you must consult your doctor at any slight changes observed and you should have a routinely check up done by your doctor.