Pregnancy causes a lot of changes to the body, as gestating a new life is both a complex and wonderful process. Any future mother knows that diet is important during this period, however there are some foods that are not suitable for pregnancy either because they can affect the fetus or because they are indigestible or unsuitable for this body during pregnancy. Do you know what they are? At OneHowTo.com we explain what pregnant women should avoid eating.
Seafood and raw fish
During pregnancy catching some bacteria or diseases can seriously jeopardize the health of the baby, so it is advisable to take the utmost care and avoid eating certain foods. Raw fish and seafood including molluscs like oysters or culinary options such as sushi must be removed from the diet during pregnancy.
This is because these foods may contain bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes, responsible for listeriosis which could endanger the life of the foetus. They can also cause other serious infections during pregnancy, such as salmonella.
Processed Meats and Raw meats
Among the list of foods you cannot eat during pregnancy we find cured meats such as chorizo, serrano ham, salami or various types of sausage, as well as raw meats like carpaccio and even cuts of undercooked or rare meat. In these kind of food, like raw fish and seafood, may bring bacteria that can affect the fetus. It is best to choose properly cooked meats, for example the turkey or chicken breast, and completely avoid those made with other cooking processes.
Alcoholic beverages
It is not a secret that alcohol is highly damaging to the fetus, with the potential to cause physical defects, learning difficulties, attention problems and general health problems. So the recommendation is to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy, this will guarantee as much as possible the health of your baby. If you feel you want a drink, you can always try non-alcoholic beer which is completely harmless to the fetus.
Excess caffeine
Consumed in excess, caffeine can have adverse effects on anyone, causing anxiety, nervousness and problems sleeping. Excessive intake during pregnancy may also have effects on the foetus, so we recommend moderating your consumption to just one daily cup.
Similarly you should also avoid other foods that are high in caffeine and other stimulants such as tea, chocolate, soft drinks or energy drinks.
Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
Hot and spicy food is usually not good for pregnant women, because the flavours are too strong for the foetus, which tends not tolerate it well. They are not well digested during pregnancy, so it is best to avoid them as much as possible.
Fish high in mercury
Among the list of foods you cannot eat during pregnancy we also find fish that is high in mercury. You should not consume more than 300 grams per week, because this mineral can cause problems in the development of the fetus. Among the fish you should avoid are halibut, red tuna and seabass
Other foods you cannot eat during pregnancy
There are also other foods which, because they increase the chance of contracting dangerous infections for the baby, should be avoided during pregnancy, such as:
- Unpasteurized milk or derivatives, such as cheese.
- Pates, because they are not pasteurized.
- Homemade mayonnaise, because it contains raw eggs which increases the risk of spreading salmonella.
- Soups made with raw vegetables, preferably only eat them at home.
- Salads, it is best to only eat them at home.
- Offal, as it could be infected with toxoplasmosis.
OneHowTo also have another article we recommend if you want some advice about some great dinner ideas for pregnant women.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to What Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy, we recommend you visit our Family health category.