8 foods to avoid during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body goes through significant changes, and proper nutrition is crucial for both mother and developing baby.

While it's important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet, there are certain foods to avoid during pregnancy that should be taken into consideration to ensure the safety of the baby. In this article, we discuss the top foods that pregnant women should avoid to keep their baby safe.

---

Foods to avoid during pregnancy

Foods to be avoided during pregnancy (Image via iStockPhoto)

Here are eight such foods:

1) Raw or undercooked meat

Foods to avoid during pregnancy include raw or undercooked meat, as it may contain harmful bacteria like E. Coli, Salmonella and Listeria that can cause serious health problems for both mother and baby.

These bacteria can lead to infections, miscarriage or stillbirth. Therefore, it's important to make sure that all meat is cooked thoroughly before consuming.

2) Fish with high level of mercury

One of the foods to avoid during pregnancy is fish with high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to the developing baby's brain and nervous system.

Pregnant women should avoid consuming fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Instead, they should opt for fish with low levels of mercury, like salmon, shrimp and canned light tuna.

3) Raw or undercooked eggs

Foods to avoid during pregnancy include raw or undercooked eggs, which can contain salmonella, a type of bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. That can be harmful to both mother and baby. Therefore, it's important to make sure that all eggs are cooked till both the yolk and white are firm.

4) Unpasteurized dairy products

Foods to avoid for pregnant women (Image via Pexels)

Unpasteurized dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt are some of the foods to avoid during pregnancy, as they may contain harmful bacteria like Listeria and E. Coli. To reduce risk of infection, pregnant women should only consume pasteurized dairy products.

5) Caffeine

Pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day, which is equivalent to about one 12-ounce cup of coffee.

Caffeine is another food to avoid during pregnancy, as it's a stimulant that can cross the placenta and affect the baby's heart rate and metabolism.

6) Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most important foods to avoid during pregnancy, as it can cause a range of birth defects and developmental disorders collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid alcohol altogether to ensure the safety of their baby.

7) Raw sprouts

Raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover and radish are also foods to avoid during pregnancy, as they may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. Coli. These bacteria can cause infections that can be harmful to both mother and baby. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid having raw sprouts.

8) Processed and junk foods

Processed and junk foods are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and should be avoided during pregnancy.

These foods can lead to excessive weight gain, high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, which can have harmful effects on the baby's health. Instead, pregnant women should opt for nutrient-dense foods to ensure optimal health and development for their baby.

---

There are certain foods to avoid during pregnancy to ensure the safety and optimal development of the baby. By eliminating these foods from their diet, pregnant women can reduce risk of infections, birth defects and other health problems that can harm both the mother and baby.

It's important to remember that proper nutrition during pregnancy is essential for health and development of the baby. While it may be tempting to indulge in certain foods, it's important to prioritize the safety and well-being of the baby above all else. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider to develop a well-balanced and healthy diet plan that meets their individual needs.

Avoiding the aforementioned foods during pregnancy can help ensure that the developing baby is healthy and safe. A healthy diet can also improve chances of a smooth pregnancy and delivery, as well as promote the mother's overall well-being. By making small changes to their diet and lifestyle, pregnant women can help ensure a healthy and happy outcome for both themselves and their baby.