7 Foods And Beverages To Avoid During Pregnancy

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes hormonal surge and with it brings glowing skin and luscious hair. But, do you ever know what else helps? Loads of healthy diet and beverages are also the main contributors. Craving for food is quite common during pregnancy. But, you cannot indulge in everything. There are some foods that are quite healthy and must be added in the menu, while others should be avoided during pregnancy. Following are the lists of some foods that should be avoided during pregnancy, as they can either make you ill or can harm your baby.

#1. Fish

• Fish with high level of mercury like shark, tilefish, swordfish etc
• Refrigerated smoked or pickled fish that is unpasteurized
• Raw or undercooked fish

You must choose to consume fish containing low mercury level, for example; canned light tuna, salmon, catfish etc. It is recommended to consume 8-12 ounces of fish per week, whereas the consumption of tuna should be only 6 ounces per week.

#2. Smoked Seafood

Smoked or refrigerated seafood should be avoided during pregnancy as they contain Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. This bacterium is the causative agent of illness in newborn and can even lead to miscarriage.

#3. Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw, undercooked or soft boiled eggs should be avoided during pregnancy because they contain harmful bacteria salmonella. This bacteria causes food poisoning which may results severe vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature and headache. These symptoms can weaken your immune system that can directly or indirectly lay a great impact on baby’s development.

#4. Raw Meat and Poultry

Raw meat and poultry contains Toxoplasma parasite. Their consumption can cause toxoplasmosis that leads to flu-like symptoms. This can cause miscarriage or fetal death during delivery.

#5. Unpasteurized Milk

Unpasteurized milk doesn’t have any nutritional value and it is unsafe to drink during pregnancy. It contains harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E.coli, Listeria etc. that can be harmful both for you and baby.

#6. Caffeinated Drinks

Tea, chocolate and several energy drinks consist of caffeine. Higher consumption of caffeinated drinks can increase the chances of miscarriage or low weight babies.

#7. Restaurant Salads
 

Restaurant made salads are home to several food poisoning causing bacteria like salmonella and listeria. These bacteria can cause flu like symptoms in both moth and pre born babies.