Your unborn baby is susceptible to bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause food-borne illness, states FoodSafety.gov. You may subject your unborn baby to harmful substances by eating foods susceptible to contamination. A well-balanced diet is important for your health and the health of your growing baby. While most foods are safe, there are some foods that you should avoid during your pregnancy. Knowing what foods to avoid may make meal planning for your healthy pregnancy easier.
Fish and Shellfish
Fish may contain high levels of mercury and should be limited or avoided during pregnancy. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects, developmental delays and brain damage, states the American Pregnancy Association (APA). Some types of fish contain higher levels of mercury than others and should be avoided, including swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish. Other types of fish and shellfish are low in mercury, including shrimp, canned light tuna, pollock, catfish and salmon. Twelve ounces of low-mercury fish may be consumed safely per week during pregnancy, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Fish caught from local rivers and streams may be contaminated or exposed to chemicals. The APA recommends contacting your local health department to find out about lake contamination in your area if you plan to eat locally caught fish like bass, salmon, pike, trout or walleye.
Unpasteurized Products
Unpasteurized milk may contain listeria, bacteria that may cause miscarriage. Listeria may cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to infection that may be life-threatening, states the APA. Avoid unpasteurized milk or products made from unpasteurized milk like soft cheeses, including Brie, feta, Camembert, blue cheese, queso blanco or queso fresco. Avoid unpasteurized or fresh-squeezed juices, cider or eggnog during pregnancy, as these may also contain listeria.
Deli and Meat Products
Deli meats and prepackaged meat products may be contaminated with listeria, including hot dogs, sliced deli meat, cold cuts, dry sausage and lunch meat. Salads carried in a deli may also be contaminated and should be avoided, advises the Food and Drug Administration. If you are considering eating deli or prepackaged meat products, the FDA recommends reheating the meat until steaming to reduce the risk of contracting listeria.
Unwashed Vegetables
Vegetables are in integral part of a healthy pregnancy diet. Unwashed vegetables, however, pose the risk of toxoplasmosis, a parasite that lives in soil. Toxoplasmosis may cause low birth weight, premature delivery and birth defects. Avoid eating unwashed vegetables, including leafy vegetables like lettuce, or sprouts like bean sprouts, alfalfa or radish sprouts.
