A simple ham and cheese sandwich doesn't seem like the path to pregnancy complications, but deli meats and certain cheeses are just a few of the common foods you need to avoid or prepare properly when you're expecting, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The foods themselves don't pose much of a risk, but the bacteria and contaminants they contain can lead to infection, birth defects and even miscarriage. Pregnancy suppresses some of your immune function, which makes you more susceptible to infection and complications. Avoiding certain foods can help keep you and your growing baby safe.
Unpasteurized Foods
Raw or unpasteurized milk and cheeses made from unpasteurized milk can carry a bacteria called listeria. Under normal circumstances, you body can fight off a listeriosis infection without serious complications, but during pregnancy the bacteria may pass through the placenta and infect your baby. Listeria can lead to stillbirths or fetal death if not treated with antibiotics. Always check the label of dairy products to make sure they're pasteurized or made from pasteurized milk. Camembert, brie and feta are three common types of unpasteurized cheese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also avoid unpasteurized fruit juice, as it can contain listeria and E. coli.
Processed Meats
Like unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, hot dogs, deli sausages, pate and spreads that contain raw meat or seafood can contain listeria. Not only can the foods carry the bacteria, but so can their packaging and anything that touches it. You can still eat these foods as long as they were stored in a refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and are cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, or until steam rises from them. Wash your hands and all surfaces and utensils after preparing processed meats.
Unwashed Produce
Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of a healthy diet, but because they're grown in soil they may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Listeria can live on unwashed produce, but so can E. coli, as well as the bacteria that causes toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is most typically transmitted when pregnant moms clean their cat's litter box, but it can be transmitted through food as well, according to the American Pregnancy Association, and can cause serious brain defects, among other problems. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Certain Seafoods
Seafood is a mixed bag for pregnant women. Some types of seafood contain essential fatty acids, as well as lean protein, vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, eating seafood puts you in potential contact with a whole host of parasites, bacteria and contaminants. To stay safe, never eat any type of raw fish, such as sushi, seafood spread, smoked salmon, raw clams or raw oysters. Never eat fish that typically contain high levels of mercury, such as shark, snapper or swordfish. Cook all other types of seafood, such as shrimp, salmon and pollock, to a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bacteria and parasites, according to Food Safety. Limit safe fish intake to fewer than 12 oz. per week, with no more than 6 of those coming from tuna to minimize mercury consumption.
Raw Foods
Raw eggs and raw meats may contain salmonella or E. coli, according to Food Safety. Read the labels on ice cream, eggnog beverages and liquid egg substitutes to make sure they're pasteurized or don't contain raw eggs. Never lick the bowl after you make brownie batter or cake mixes that contain raw eggs. Cook meats to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit except pork and ground beef, which must be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid raw sprouts for the same reasons.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention; Listeriosis (Listeria) and Pregnancy; December 2010
- FoodSafety.gov: Checklist of Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
- Colorado State University Extension; Food Safety During Pregnancy; J. Dean and P. Kendall; December 2006
- American Pregnancy Association; Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy; November 2007
- American Pregnancy Association; Toxoplasmosis; December 2005
