Having a baby changes the way you think about things. Everything you eat, drink, even breathe affects your growing unborn baby. You may not have ever thought of the following foods or chemicals as potentially dangerous, but they can be for a developing fetus; avoid them for the duration of your pregnancy.
Fish and Seafood High in Mercury
Especially avoid swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, tuna and all shark. These are larger fish that are high on the food chain and therefore accumulate greater amounts of mercury in their flesh. Mercury has been shown to cause brain damage in developing fetuses and can also cause developmental delays. All seared and raw seafood, including sushi and shellfish, are also not recommended because of the risk of bacterial infection associated with it.
Unpasteurized Dairy Foods
Unpasteurized milk and imported soft cheeses such as brie, feta cheese and blue-veined cheeses, like Roquefort, should be avoided because of the risk of a bacteria called listeria. Listeria poisoning can be dangerous or fatal to a fetus. Usually soft cheese made in the United States is pasteurized, so be sure to check the label to see if it actually says "pasteurized." To be on the safe side, stick with hard cheeses for the duration of your pregnancy.
Raw Sprouts and Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables
Raw sprouts and unwashed vegetables and fruits can potentially contain salmonella or E. coli bacteria. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and get organic produce when possible to reduce your exposure to pesticides.
Certain Meats
Processed and packaged lunch meats, including hot dogs and sausages, can also potentially contain listeria. Undercooked beef, chicken and eggs can be contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, so choose and cook your food well. Avoid liver during pregnancy because it has very high amounts of vitamin A, which can cause birth defects.
Alcohol
It's safest to avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy since even moderate drinking can affect the brain development of a fetus. Mothers who drink have a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Excessive amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol syndrome which can result in brain damage, low birth weight and facial deformities.
Caffeine
Caffeine, although widely consumed, is a drug. It can cross the placenta and affect a baby's heart rate. Recently a study found that as little as 12 oz. of coffee per day may slow fetal growth.
Pesticides
Pesticides contain chemicals that attack the nervous system of insects to kill them. They can be harmful to the developing nervous system of a fetus as well. Take precautions to avoid contact with fertilizers, insect repellent and bug sprays.
Lead
Lead is very toxic to unborn children. Lead can pass right through the placenta to the baby and can increase the chances of miscarriage and stillbirths, low birth weight, brain damage and behavioral problems. Avoid renovating your house or apartment during your pregnancy, as lead can be released during construction or demolition. This can increase your chances of exposure without you even realizing it.
Plastics
Certain plastics that contain Bisphenol-A, which is a plasticizer used to make vinyl flexible, have been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen. Excessive exposure has been linked to low birth weight as well as hormonal and metabolic problems. More research needs to be done, but to play it safe be sure to use BPA-free plastic containers for storing and transporting food or carrying water and other fluids.
Smoking
There is no secret about the health risks of smoking. Lung and heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other diseases are linked to smoking. Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have babies with low birth weight, congenital heart defects, asthma, allergies, and other deformities.
Synthetic Household Cleaners
Avoid inhaling harsh synthetic household cleaners such as ammonia. Switch to using non-toxic household cleaning products and detergents.
