Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy.

 

It is essential that you take care when preparing foods and avoid doing certain things when pregnant. This is due to your baby’s immune system not being sufficiently developed to fight any infection you may pass to it whilst within the womb. It is believed that a females immune system may not function at its peak during pregnancy so it is essential that all necessary precautions are taken. In this article I’ll give you the specific List of Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy if you desire to have a healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy. Ready? Let’s begin.

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy.

1. Soft Cheeses.

Imported soft cheeses may contain listeria bacteria.  It’s best to avoid soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola, and Mexican style cheeses that include Queso Blanco and Queso Fresco unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.

Not all cheeses contain the bacteria but there are some which can be potentially harmful to a pregnant mother.
Avoid both pasteurized and unpasteurized soft cheeses which usually have a surface mold or rind such as Brie, Camembert and Danish Blue. Also avoid cheeses coated in wax such as Gouda, Post Salut. It is best to stay clear of the majority of blue cheeses such as Stilton, Gorgonzola and Roquefort.

Hard Cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Red Leicester fall into the safe category as do softer cheeses made from pasteurized milk such as Cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, processed cheese and cheese spreads. If in doubt play safe and avoid eating it.

2. Raw or partly cooked eggs.

The salmonella bacteria are most commonly found in eggs. It is best to avoid any foods made with raw or partly cooked eggs such as homemade mayonnaise, meringues, cheesecakes, sorbets or mousses. Eggs are only safe if they have been cooked long enough so that their yolks are hard. Shop-bought mayonnaises are usually safe as long as they have been made with pasteurized eggs. Always check the label if in doubt.

3. Unpasteurized Milk.

Unpasteurized milk may contain listeria. Make sure that any milk you drink is pasteurized.

4. Raw or under cooked meat or poultry.

Do not eat raw or under cooked meat or poultry. Also avoid meats which have been preserved in nitrates such as salami, frankfurters and luncheon meat. Always cook meat so the juices run clear and there is no pinkness or blood within. When touching raw meat and poultry always wash your hands thoroughly before touching any other foods. Liver contains vitamin A in the form of retinol which if taken by a pregnant women can increase her levels way above the recommended daily level and become damaging to the baby. Liver should be avoided as well as products containing liver such as pate and liver sausage.

Raw meat needs to be avoided during pregnancy due to its the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.

Deli Meat: Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby, which could lead to infection or blood poisoning and may be life-threatening condition. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming before eating it.

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5. Seafood, Oysters and any raw or uncooked fish.

Oysters and any raw or uncooked fish should be avoided. Also shelled seafood such as crab, prawns, and langoustines should be avoided unless they have been thoroughly cooked and are hot. Most seafood bought from a fishmonger or supermarket should be safe. Fresh tuna should only be eaten once a month due to the potential levels of mercury found within. Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided altogether. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage.

A sample of these types of fish with high levels of mercury includes: Shark, Swordfish, King mackerel, and Tilefish. Canned, Chunk light tuna. 

Smoked Seafood: Refrigerated, smoked seafood often labeled as lox, nova style, kippered, or jerky should be avoided because it could be contaminated with listeria.

Fish Exposed to Industrial Pollutants: Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye.

Raw Shellfish: The majority of seafood-borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which include oysters, clams, and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infection, but it does not prevent the algae-related infections that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose a concern for everybody, and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.

6. Avoid raw vegetable Salads.

All pre pared shop bought salads are best to be avoided. So too are dressed salads such as coleslaw, potato salad and Florida salad. It is best to make your own and ensure that all leaves are thoroughly washed free from soils and other deposits found on the leaves.

7. Unwashed Vegetables.

Vegetables are safe, and a necessary part of a balanced diet. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may contaminate the soil where the vegetables were grown.

 

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Final thoughts about Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy.

Eating well-balanced meals is important at all times, but it is even more so when you are pregnant. There are essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your developing baby needs. Most foods are safe; however, there are certain foods you need to avoid when pregnant because they can be harmful to your unborn baby. I hope this guide helps you.

Zadi, xo