Foods to avoid during pregnancy
One of pregnancy’s many pleasures is that you can eat what you want with fewer consequences. Even so, be careful of what you eat, as it may harm your baby or yourself.
Most foods aren’t inherently dangerous but could be if contaminated with bacteria or pollutants. During pregnancy, your body supports two, resulting in a weaker immune system meaning that many foods you ate safely before could be dangerous now.
Photo Courtesy of USDA
Listeria, for example, is especially dangerous. Pregnant women are 20 times more likely to get listeriosis. Naturally found in water and soil, pasteurization usually kills Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes listeriosis. Still, foods may become contaminated before the packaging process. And, unlike most other bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes can multiply during refrigeration.
Be on the safe side: Pregnant women should avoid foods like deli meats and hot dogs unless steaming hot. Avoid raw cheese and unpasteurized milk. Rule of thumb: If it hasn’t been heat processed, avoid it unless you’re heating it.
Your weakened immune system puts you at risk of other food-borne illnesses as well. Protect yourself from bacteria like E. Coli and Salmonella by practicing food safety.
Be on the safe side: Fight BAC! Clean: Wash your hands and surface thoroughly. Separate raw foods from cooked, ready-to-eat, foods. Avoid cross contamination. Cook your food thoroughly enough to destroy food-borne bacteria. Chill: Refrigerate your food promptly.
Another pollutant to avoid is methylmercury. Methylmercury is pollutant that commonly found in bodies of water. High consumption of this toxin adversely influence your child’s health, potentially harming neurological development.
Be on the safe side: Shy away from large and predatory fish, like swordfish and shark. Consume other fish moderately during your pregnancy. A moderate amount is considered 12 ounces of fish per week.
Herbal teas like raspberry and peppermint may cause cramping, miscarriage or preterm labor, if consumed in high amounts.
Be on the safe side: It is best to discuss the herbal teas you are drinking with your physician or midwife, as they may have undesired side effects.
Caffeine is considered safe in moderate amounts, 200 mg per day (2 cups of coffee). But in high doses, it could affect the baby?s heartbeat as well as lower birth weight.
Be on the safe side: Limit the consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages during your pregnancy
It has been said repeatedly but alcohol is still a no-no during pregnancy. Women who consume alcohol during their pregnancy have a greater chance of having a child with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Some characteristics of FAS: low birth weight, facial abnormalities and some learning difficulties later in life.
Be on the safe side: Don’t drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.
Great facts and advice. I’d also like to add that watching your sugar intake is also important. Gestational Diabetes is another one to watch out for.
ALso remember that just 100 extra calories a day over can add 10 pounds, so strive to get ahold of a good nutritional diet and stick with it as best you can.
Great post, thanks!
Elizabeth