Prohibited Foods For Pregnant Women

Did you know that there are certain foods that pregnant women should not eat? We will list below.

There are certain foods that pregnant women should not eat as they can cause food poisoning. Some foods also contain bacteria, chemicals and parasites that can harm your baby.

The craving for certain foods during pregnancy is quite frequent due to hormonal changes. However, it is important to maintain a balanced diet.

This also means that you should know that there are certain foods that pregnant women should not eat.

8 Foods Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Eat

1. Fish Containing Mercury

Avoid consuming fish containing mercury, such as tuna. Mercury is related to brain damage and it also affects brain development in babies.

You can eat other types of fish, such as salmon or cod. These fish species contribute to the development of the baby’s heart and brain.

2. Raw or undercooked eggs

Raw eggs contain a harmful bacteria called salmonella . This bacteria can cause food poisoning which affects your immune system.

Consumption of undercooked or raw eggs can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain and high fever.

8 Foods Pregnant Women Shouldn't Eat Like Raw Eggs

3. Cold cuts

Try to avoid consumption of certain meats such as sausages, cold cuts and hot dogs.

They may contain bacteria called listeria. These can easily pass through the placenta from mother to child, causing serious complications.

4. Unpasteurized Milk

It is not safe to drink unpasteurized milk during pregnancy. It has no nutritional value. The products of this milk, such as soft cheeses, can cause foodborne illness.

Unpasteurized milk also contains harmful bacteria such as salmonella and listeria.

5. Tea and Herbs

Avoid drinking green tea. There isn’t much evidence about its safety and how it might affect your child.

However, the herbs used to make tea can be harmful to both the mother and the child. In addition, keep in mind that herbs such as pennywort and sea grape (ephedra) stimulate the uterus.

6. Canned Food

Canned foods, including fruits, vegetables, and soft drinks, are all harmful to the baby.

The inside of the cans contains bisphenol A. This is a toxic substance that can affect the endocrine activity of the fetus.

Canned foods have also been linked to cancer, infertility and heart problems. These types of products can also contain harmful bacteria due to their long shelf life.

7. Sugary Foods

Pregnant women should also avoid foods rich in sugar. They worsen the discomforts of pregnancy and also have negative consequences for you and your baby.

If you are a sugar addict, there are healthier and more nutritious options such as:

dates
apricots
pears
grapefruit

8. Too Much Caffeine

Consumption of a lot of caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Your caffeine intake should be limited to no more than 200mg per day. Keep in mind that tea, chocolate and energy drinks also contain caffeine.

8 Foods Pregnant Women Shouldn't Eat Like Too Much Caffeine

Food poisoning

Food poisoning is a potential risk to the fetus. At its worst, it is related to miscarriage and stillbirth.

There are many different causes of food poisoning and the risk depends on the specific type of food poisoning.

An infected fetus can show health problems after birth such as diarrhea, fever and in rare cases meningitis.

However, it is important to mention that in most cases a pregnant woman can suffer from food poisoning without affecting the baby.

How can food poisoning during pregnancy be avoided?

During pregnancy, you should pay special attention to the foods that make up your diet to avoid food poisoning.
Washing your hands is recommended before handling food. It’s also important to wash the fruits and vegetables you add to your meals.

Keep the surfaces and utensils you use to prepare your food clean.

Should I go to the doctor if I have food poisoning?

In general, cases of food poisoning do not require hospitalization. Anyway, just like at any time during your pregnancy, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor.

Keep in mind that the signs of a serious infection can include flu-like symptoms and stomach upset.

If you suffer from food poisoning, the most important thing to do is to keep yourself hydrated. It’s also important for you to rest so you can focus on recovery.

Finally, it is very important to be selective and careful about what you eat during pregnancy. Your diet determines the health of your baby.