Foods Not Good For Pregnant Women

Understanding the Basics

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life and her diet needs to reflect the extra care and attention necessary to ensure a healthy pregnancy. A pregnant woman needs to be extra careful in choosing the foods she consumes as certain foods can be hazardous to both the mother and the baby. Understanding which foods are safe to eat, and which should be avoided, is important for any pregnant woman.

There are some foods which are unsafe for pregnant women to consume, for a variety of reasons. Some foods can be contaminated with bacteria or parasites, which can cause food poisoning or other health problems. Other foods contain high levels of substances which can be harmful to the baby’s development, such as mercury or alcohol.

Raw/Undercooked Meat

Raw or undercooked meat is one of the most common causes of food poisoning and should be avoided by pregnant women. All forms of meat, including beef, poultry, and pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius, and any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within two days. If reheating leftovers, ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius.

Raw or undercooked eggs should also be avoided during pregnancy, as they may contain salmonella bacteria. This bacteria can cause food poisoning, which can be dangerous for an expecting mother and her baby. Avoid any food containing raw or undercooked eggs, such as mayonnaise, cookie dough, and hollandaise sauce.

Fish

Fish can be a healthy and delicious part of a pregnant woman’s diet, but some types of fish should be avoided. All types of large fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, should be avoided due to their high levels of mercury. Mercury can be harmful to a baby’s development, and may cause birth defects or other health problems.

In addition, fish caught in local waters may contain pollutants and should be avoided. Ask the local health department or environmental protection agency for information on what types of fish are safe to eat.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses, such as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, and queso blanco, should be avoided during pregnancy. These cheeses are more likely to contain listeria, a type of bacteria which can cause food poisoning. Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and other health problems in a pregnant woman and her baby.

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, are safe to eat, as long as they are made from pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized milk or products made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant which can be found in coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and some medications. Too much caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, and low birth weight. It is recommended that pregnant women consume no more than 200mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to two 8 ounce cups of coffee.

If possible, pregnant women should avoid caffeine completely. If not, they should limit their intake to no more than 200mg per day.

Alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects and other developmental problems in the baby. It is recommended that pregnant women abstain from alcohol completely, as there is no known safe limit for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman has consumed alcohol in the past, she should discuss it with her healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will be able to provide advice and support to ensure the best outcome for both the mother and the baby.