Foods to be avoided during pregnancy

1. Certain Seafood And Fish:

Fish Containing Mercury: Mercury on consumption during pregnancy can lead to brain damage and developmental delays. Therefore, it is advisable not to take fish that contains high levels of mercury. These types of fish include king mackerel, swordfish, shark and tilefish. Fish like chunk light tuna contain low levels of mercury, and can be taken in moderate amounts.

Smoked Seafood: Refrigerated and smoked seafood with labels such as lox, jerky, novastyle or kippered should not be consumed as they will be contaminated with Listeria bacteria. You will get this fish in the deli section.

2. Raw Or Under cooked Eggs:

 Raw eggs, runny eggs and under cooked eggs are a big no-no. Homemade desserts and sauces such as chocolate mousse, cakes, mayonnaise, etc., containing raw eggs must be avoided as they may be tainted with salmonella bacteria causing vomiting and diarrhea (2).

Solution: The one and only way of having safe eggs is that – Eggs should be cooked until the yolks are firm. Go for a well done omelet. Buy salad dressings that are either egg-less or use pasteurized eggs. These kill the risk and you can enjoy a happy egg-tarian meal!

3. Undercooked Meat & Poultry:

Yes we know meat is vital need for any non vegetarian person. Expecting women, who love to gorge on meat, would need some restrictions during pregnancy. Research has proven that raw or uncooked meat must be avoided as they contain listeria bacteria. Refrigerated meat such as goat, lamb, beef, etc., must be heated up to 73 degree Celsius. Same is for poultry such as chicken, ham, turkey, duck, geese, etc.

Due to toxoplasma gondii parasite present in raw meat & poultry expecting mothers can experience food poisoning. These can cause vomiting, miscarriages and fetal damage.

Solution: If at all you need to consume meat, make sure it’s not uncooked or under-cooked.Wash meat and poultry items well before using, so as to remove the bacteria in them. Always prefer to eat meat or poultry at home rather than outside. Use of food thermometer while cooking is recommended.

4. Unpasteurized Dairy Products:

No doubt everyone has been telling you to have lots of milk pregnancy, and they are not wrong. Milk does provide you with calcium, proteins and minerals. However, if unpasteurized dairy products are ingested, you run the risk of contracting severe food poisoning. Therefore, avoid all sorts of dairy products that are not pasteurized.

Solution: If youlove milk and milk products you can easily enjoy a happy pregnancy time with simple quality checks. Always drink fresh and boiled milk. Dairy products such as ice cream, ghee, paneer (cottage cheese), etc should be bought off labels which use pasteurized milk.

Without pasteurized milk the food is not healthy for expectant mothers. The other, rather unconventional, option is to opt for non-dairy milks like rice milk, soy milk (only fermented and organic), oat milk and almond milk. These are safer, contain the same nutrients and are also custom made for the lactose intolerant.

5. Unpasteurized Soft Cheese:

Cheese…this word for sure is mouth watering. Pregnancy has its own set of diet rules.Unpasteurized soft cheese such as Brie, feta, camembert, queso fresco, etc., must be avoided as they may contain Listeria bacteria, causing listeriosis. Miscarriage, premature birth or birth defects are common results for having these cheeses.

Solution: Simple, eat hard cheeses instead. Cheddar or Swiss cheese are better options. Always use cheese made of pasteurized milk. Check labels for listeria free pasteurized milk cheese

6.Excessive Caffeine-Related Products:

Too much caffeine is never good for you, especially during pregnancy as it acts as a diuretic and is linked to low birth weight. Caffeine is more dangerous as it is often hidden in some product you never suspected. Besides coffee, tea and chocolate, caffeine is a part of energy drinks and some cold and flu medicines. Expectant mommies consuming more caffeine during this phase are at higher risk of stillbirths, fetal deaths or spontaneous abortions.