Pregnant women want to make sure they do everything possible to keep their unborn baby safe and healthy. Eating a nutritious diet is an important part of prenatal care. There are many foods, however, that pose serious health risks to the expectant mother as well as her unborn baby and, therefore, should be avoided during pregnancy.
Undercooked Meat, Poultry, Eggs or Seafood
Eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs or seafood increases the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria that can cause food-borne illness. Food-borne illnesses can be dangerous to your unborn child, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These foods should always be thoroughly cooked and served piping hot to ensure safe consumption.
Seafood
The FDA warns pregnant women to avoid eating swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish, as these varieties contain high amounts of methylmercury, a chemical that can harm the nervous system of the fetus. Damage to the brain, hearing loss and even death can occur.
In addition to avoiding the above-mentioned fish, limit your intake of other seafood, especially tuna, to no more than two averaged-size portions (12 ounces) a week.
Unpasteurized Products
Any food or beverage that has not been pasteurized may contain harmful bacteria that can increase your chances of developing a food-borne illness. Check to make sure that all cheeses, juices, milk and other products are pasteurized before eating or drinking them.
Hot Dogs and Deli Meats
Eating hot dogs and deli meats carries the risk of listeria, a food-borne illness that can cause miscarriage, premature birth and death of the fetus. Pregnant women are more susceptible to this infection and should avoid eating these foods. If you do eat them, they should be heated thoroughly before consumption to ensure that any bacteria is killed.
Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables
Any fruits and vegetables that have not been thoroughly washed should be avoided, as they can contain harmful bacteria. Raw sprouts in particular, including alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean, should not be eaten at all as even careful washing can not eliminate all bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Large Quantities of Liver
The Mayo Clinic also advises against eating large quantities of liver, as it contains a high amount of vitamin A which could cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
Herbal Tea and Supplements
Forego herbal teas and supplements during pregnancy, since herbal products are not evaluated by the FDA for safety. The Mayo Clinic also adds that there is little information about how herbs will affect developing babies, so it's best to avoid them altogether. Some herbal teas have been known to cause contractions in pregnant women.
Caffeine
Caffeine is associated with low birth weight and increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is best to avoid caffeine completely if possible, but the American Pregnancy Association recommends that consumption should at least be limited to less than 300mg of caffeine a day. Check the labels of beverages to determine how much caffeine is present.
Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol can interfere with your unborn child's development and growth, and could lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Do not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.
