What Pregnant Women Shouldnt Eat

Why Avoid These Foods While Pregnant

Youve got the basics down now. You know the foods to avoid while pregnant and you know the best foods to eat while pregnant. But you may be wondering what the big fuss is about the foods you should and shouldnt eat while your baby is growing inside you. Yes, you want your baby to be as healthy and safe as possible, but why is sushi unsafe? Why shouldnt you eat undercooked eggs? And why the limit on caffeine? Read on to learn the whys of all the foods to eat and avoid while pregnant.

Undercooked meat and highly processed meat bring risks of infection due to bacteria or parasites. Cooking kills any potential hazards in the meat, so everything you eat should be well done. If you contract a parasite or bacteria, you could just get a little sick, or you could have much more severe consequences. Your baby could experience severe neurological issues, blindness, epilepsy, mental retardation, or stillbirth. This is definitely a strong contender for the most important what not to eat while pregnant food.

Raw or undercooked eggs bring the risk of salmonella. Usually, salmonella results in the mother being very sick with fever, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. In extreme cases, stomach cramps can affect the uterus and lead to premature birth or stillbirth.

What Pregnant Women Cant Eat: Deli Meats And Premade Salads

Processed and deli meats such as ham and salami as well as pre-prepared salads are at high risk of containing listeria so are best avoided. This includes pre-packed fruit salads as well. Meats can be eaten if cooked thoroughly and eaten immediately.

What pregnant women can eat: Hot rotisserie chicken or home cooked meat and homemade salads

An alternative to deli meats is hot rotisserie chicken if purchased fresh and eaten hot. Cooking your own chicken or meat at home and heating any leftovers thoroughly is also OK. Salads are best eaten if you prepare them yourself and wash all vegetables thoroughly.

How Soon Should I Take A Pregnancy Test

According to Healthline, You should wait to take a pregnancy test until the week after your missed period for the most accurate result.

If you dont want to wait until youve missed your period, you should wait at least one or two weeks after you had sex. If you are pregnant, your body needs time to develop detectable levels of HCG. This typically takes seven to 12 days after successful implantation of an egg.

You may receive an inaccurate result if the test is taken too early in your cycle.

Also Check: What Vitamins Do I Need Pregnant

Keep It Real At Mealtime

There arent many foods you need to avoid during pregnancy, but a few menu items are off-limits especially those that have a higher risk of harboring listeria. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause a miscarriage, says Dr. Patil. Although most women who get listeria will have a slight response, it has the potential to be disastrous.

You should avoid raw or undercooked meat like sushi and steak thats not cooked through as well as meats stored cold, like deli meat. You should also say no to foods made with unpasteurized milk, like raw cheeses.

Your favorite sushi dish might not be allowed, but other fish options are safe to eat, including fresh fish, like salmon and trout. You can also eat deep sea fish, like tuna, sea bass or halibut but only in moderation. While all fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are great for you and your baby larger fish are also high in mercury, which isnt safe for your babys brain development.

According to Dr. Patil, the most important thing for your diet is to keep it real! This means saying no to all things artificial, including sweeteners, dyes and flavorings. In general, Dr. Patil says that pregnant women should also stay away from foods that are over-processed and high in salt and sugar. Theres no specific harm this will cause, but its not recommended for your babys growth, he adds. You can increase your risk for gestational diabetes and high blood pressure just by eating these foods.

What Is The Best Day To Eat Fish

Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your brain and nervous system. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimers disease. The study also found a link between the consumption of fish and lower levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood that can lead to heart disease, diabetes and other health problems.

Eating fish can help you lose weight. Studies have shown that people who eat fish at least three times a week are less likely to gain weight than those who dont. Its good for you in other ways, too. According to the American Heart Association:

• Including calcium

Youll feel full for a longer period of time.

Read Also: Does Smoking Weed Affect Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant

What Are Four Foods Pregnant Woman Should Avoid

Here are 11 foods and beverages to avoid or minimize while pregnant.

• High mercury fish. Mercury is a highly toxic element.
• Undercooked or raw fish. This one will be tough for you sushi fans, but its an important one.
• Undercooked, raw, and processed meat.
• Unwashed produce.

Why mushroom is not good for pregnancy?

Mushrooms can provide ample amounts of vitamin D, vitamin B, iron, protein, fiber and a wide range of antioxidants to you and your growing fetus. Still, certain varieties especially raw and poisonous varieties should not be consumed by a pregnant woman.

Raw Or Soft Boiled Eggs

Eggs can be almost irresistible when theyre cooked perfectly. Many of us enjoy eating soft boiled or undercooked eggs. However, during pregnancy, theyre definitely a big no-no as they may be contaminated with salmonella which is a bacterium that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. You should also avoid other foods and desserts which are made from raw eggs, including custards and mousse.

The best way to have an egg during pregnancy is by cooking it until the yolk is firm. Otherwise, head for eggless salad dressings, mayonnaise, and other things that have an egg-less counterpart. You can also use pasteurised eggs to eliminate the risk of getting diseases.

Recommended Reading: Can You Get Pregnant Right Before Your Period

Undercooked Or Raw Fish

This one will be tough for you sushi fans, but its an important one. Raw fish, especially shellfish, can cause several infections. These can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, such as norovirus, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Listeria.

Some of these infections may only affect you, causing dehydration and weakness. Other infections may be passed on to your baby with serious, or even fatal, consequences.

Pregnant women are especially susceptible to listeria infections. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , pregnant women are up to 10 times more likely to get infected by Listeria than the general population. Pregnant Hispanic women are 24 times more at risk.

This bacteria can be found in soil and contaminated water or plants. Raw fish can become infected during processing, including smoking or drying.

Listeria bacteria can be passed to your baby through the placenta, even if youre not showing any signs of illness. This can lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth, and other serious health problems, according to the CDC .

Its definitely advised to avoid raw fish and shellfish, including many sushi dishes. But dont worry, youll enjoy it that much more after baby is born and its safer to eat again.

Avoid Undercooked Meat And Poultry

All meat and poultry should be thoroughly cooked before eating. A food thermometer should be used to ensure that the meat has reached the USDA-recommended safe minimum internal temperature. Visit minimum cooking temperatures for specific details.

Following the minimum recommend internal temperature is important because meat and poultry may contain E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, or Toxoplasma gondii.

CDC recommends the following preventive measures to reduce the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis from eating meat:

• Cook meat to the USDA-recommended minimum safe internal temperature.
• Freeze meat for several days at sub-zero temperatures before cooking to greatly reduce chance of infection.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, counters and utensils with hot, soapy water after contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood, or unwashed fruits or vegetables.
• Wash hands with soap and water.

Don’t Miss: How To Increase Chances Of Pregnancy With Pcos

Soda And Sweetened Beverages

It’s not just the caffeine that puts cola and other sodas on the no-no list for pregnancy, it’s also the high level of processed sugar in each can. A 12-ounce can of cola contains 27 g of added sugar. That’s nearly 7 teaspoons. And other bottled beverages aren’t much better. Sweetened iced tea, juice drinks, lemonade they all have between 20 and 35 g of sugar per bottle, and don’t provide many nutritional perks.

So quench your thirst with water, milk, and pure fruit or vegetable juice. And if water is getting boring, make your own “spa” water by adding a few sprigs of rosemary and some cucumber and lemon slices to a pitcher of water very refreshing!

Raw Undercooked Or Contaminated Seafood And Fish

Dont worry you dont have to give up on your favourite seafood entirely. You just need to ensure that you steer clear of certain types of seafood.

• Raw fish in your diet is definitely a big NO. This means that if youre a lover of sushi, you will have to hold back for the next few months.

• Certain fishes, like mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tilefish contain high levels of mercury in them, and mercury consumption during pregnancy could lead to delayed development and brain damage to your child. Opt instead for fish like chunk light tuna which has low levels of mercury and can be consumed in moderate amounts. It is best to avoid refrigerated and smoked seafood as it may be contaminated with Listeria, a harmful bacterium. Being exposed to Listeria during pregnancy can put you at an increased risk of preterm birth, or an infection spreading to the newborn.

• A few kinds of fish may have been raised in contaminated water bodies, like bluefish, salmon, walleye, trout, and striped bass. These fishes are exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls , which is extremely unhealthy for both mother and child. Exposure to PCB while pregnant can also have a negative impact on your babys immune system.

• Raw and undercooked shellfish like clams, mussels, and oysters, carry a majority of the seaborne illnesses. While cooking them can prevent some diseases, they wont affect the algae-borne diseases. This is why it is a good idea to avoid shellfish entirely during pregnancy

Don’t Miss: What Can You Take For Acid Reflux While Pregnant

Donts Of Pregnancy Nutrition

Fear can be a huge issue during pregnancy, so rather than nitpicking and panicking about every little thing, we simply recommend staying as healthy as possible and making the best decisions you can for you and your baby. That being said, there are a handful of things you should stay away from during pregnancy, as numerous studies have shown that they can be dangerous for you and your baby.

In general, aiming for a healthy, balanced pregnancy diet is not as hard as it may seem. Eat a variety of foods, dont overdo it, and avoid the big no-nos. If you do that, healthy pregnancy nutrition will be easy to come by! If youre looking for more specifics about what you should and shouldnt eat, or even just a more basic, straightforward list, weve got you covered. Check out the good and the bad below, followed by some surprising statistics and some more in-depth information about pregnancy nutrition.

Am I Pregnant Find Out For Sure

If youve experienced any of these pregnancy signs and symptoms and want further information, give us a call. You shouldnt have to go through this time in your life alone. Were here to help.

Disclaimer: This website and blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from this website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general understanding only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Recommended Reading: What Helps With Nausea While Pregnant

Foods To Eat During Pregnancy

With a few exceptions, pregnant women should follow the same healthy and varied diet thats recommended to everyone. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, lean meats or vegetarian protein foods such as beans, lentils and pulses. Drink lots of water, too.

Pregnant women need to ensure they are getting enough calcium, so try to include lower-fat milk products such as natural yoghurt, semi-skimmed milk, or calcium-fortified non-dairy products in your daily diet.

Don’t be tempted to “eat for two”. Pregnant women need surprisingly few extra calories each day. The inevitable fatigue and cravings may make you reach for a quick pick-me-up in the confectionery aisle. Keep sweets and treats to a minimum and opt for slow-release energy foods that give you more of the vitamins and minerals you need.

Raw Or Underdone Seafood

Got a taste for some tuna sashimi? Obsessing over those oysters on the half shell? Before you visit your favorite raw bar or local sushi joint, keep in mind that uncooked or even seared seafood is off-limits during pregnancy the risk of ingesting bacteria and parasites along with your meal is too high.

So you’ll just have to say “no” to raw oysters, clams, ceviches, fish tartares and carpaccios, along with the smoked stuff that can also harbor illness-inducing parasites and bacteria.

While this doesn’t mean you should shun your favorite Japanese restaurant for the next nine months, it does mean that you’ll need to be careful about what you order. Most places, for example, offer rolls made with cooked seafood or vegetables right at the sushi bar! Just make sure that any seafood you order is well cooked: Fish should flake and shellfish should be firm.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Prepared For Pregnancy

Shouldn’t: Raw Dough Or Batter

Cookie doughs and cake/brownie batters are oh-so-tempting, but you really should try not to eat them while you’re pregnant. According to registered dietitian Elizabeth M. Ward, who penned an article for WebMD, these products, whether homemade or store-bought, could contain any number of bacteria, parasites, or viruses, which could cause food borne illnesses that would affect your health and the health of your baby. Some bacteria that cause illness in humans can even cause miscarriage, so it’s best to avoid them entirely during pregnancy.

Say No To Solid Fats Saturated Fats And Trans Fats

These fats can also put your baby at risk of metabolic defects and developing obesity later as a child, according to studies. When it comes to your babys health, you may want to think long-term as well. Heres a list of fats you should avoid while pregnant:

• Cream cheese and some types of cheese
• Palm or kernel oil
• Heavy cream and sour cream

Some of these bad fats are also hiding in many desserts and other dairy products. Unless you are sure that these foods do not contain saturated fats or are cooked in healthy oils, cut back on the following foods:

• Sausages and hot dogs
• Pastries and other baked goods

Also Check: How To Prepare Body For Pregnancy After 35

Is It Safe To Have Beans During Pregnancy

Beans including legumes like lentils, peas, and peanuts are a good source of protein and an excellent source of iron, folate, potassium, and magnesium. Theyre all important when youre pregnant. Beans are also a great food for fiber, which can help prevent and relieve two common pregnancy discomforts: constipation and hemorrhoids.

Should You Not Eat Fish On Monday

administration. In fact, the agency that the rule is misleading because it doesnt take into account the fact that some fish are more sensitive to temperature than others. The rule, which went into effect Jan. 1, requires restaurants to serve fish that is at least 75°F at all times, regardless of whether the fish is fresh or frozen.

Restaurants that dont comply could face fines of up to $25,000 per day, or $1,500 a day for each day they fail to comply. below)

• The new rule applies to all seafood sold in the us

It does not apply to fresh-caught fish.

You May Like: Can Blood Test Detect Early Pregnancy

Unwashed Fruits And Vegetables

There is no doubt that fruits and vegetables are extremely healthy for you and your child during pregnancy. But you may be surprised to hear that almost 78% of the people around the world consume unwashed fruits and vegetables. Not only can the skins of unwashed fruits and vegetables contain harmful pesticides and herbicides, but they may also be home to deadly pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii and Listeria. Unwashed raw vegetables like sprouts, lettuce and cabbage should be especially avoided during these times.

When it comes to fruits, the ones that should be avoided during pregnancy include papayas and pineapples. In fact, in some cultures, papayas are in the list of natural foods to avoid pregnancy and are believed to cause miscarriages. Unripe papaya can be especially dangerous as it has certain compounds that trigger uterine contractions.

It goes almost without saying that you should wash fruits and vegetable thoroughly before consuming them. You can also peel the skin off and keep them in separate utensils. Also, avoid leaving the vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator for long and then consuming them. Try cooking all of your vegetables, and make sure that the leafy ones are cooked well.