8 Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

There are foods to avoid during pregnancy, as they can cause food poisoning. Additionally, some contain bacteria, chemicals, or parasites that can harm your baby’s health.

Although cravings are quite frequent during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, it is important to eat a balanced diet. This means being aware that there are certain foods to avoid when pregnant.

8 foods to avoid during pregnancy

1. Fish that may contain mercury

You must avoid consuming fish that contains mercury. In fact, this substance has been associated with brain damage and delays in infants.

You can choose types of fish such as salmon and cod which contribute to the development of the baby’s heart and brain.

2. Raw or undercooked eggs

They contain dangerous bacteria, carriers of salmonella. They can cause food poisoning that is harmful to your immune system.

Consuming raw or undercooked eggs can cause diarrhea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain and a high fever.

Fruits and vegetables are not foods to be avoided, but they must be washed well

3. Salami and cold cuts

Try not to consume cold cuts, cold cuts or hot dogs.

They contain listeriosis bacteria that can easily pass from the mother to the placenta, also causing serious complications.

4. Unpasteurized milk

It is not safe to drink unpasteurized milk during pregnancy. Especially since it offers no nutritional benefits.

Products derived from unpasteurized milk, such as soft cheeses, are the origin of most of the diseases transmitted through food.

Unpasteurized milk and dairy products contain harmful bacteria such as listeria or salmonella, both of which are dangerous for both you and your unborn baby.

5. Tea and herbs

Avoid green tea, as there is not enough evidence of its harmlessness in pregnancy. The effects it could have on your child is not even known.

The herbs used in the preparation of infusions can harm both the mother and the fetus. Also keep in mind that certain herbs such as mint or ephedra are uterine stimulants.

6. Canned and canned foods

Canned foods, including fruits, vegetables, and soft drinks, are harmful to the baby.

The lining of cans containing these foods contains bisphenol A, a suspected toxic substance that would affect fetal endocrine activity.

Furthermore, precisely because they are long-life foods they can contain harmful bacteria.

7. Foods rich in sugars

Among the foods to avoid during pregnancy, there are sugary ones, as they aggravate the discomfort due to gestation and have negative consequences on the mother and the baby.

If you are sugar addicted, opt for healthier and more nutritious alternatives, such as dates, apricots, pears or grapefruits.

8. Excess of caffeine

Consuming high amounts of caffeine can increase the chances of a miscarriage or premature birth for the baby.

Caffeine intake should be limited to 200 mg per day. Keep in mind that tea, chocolate, and many energy drinks also contain caffeine.

Caffeine is certainly one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy

Food poisoning

Food poisoning is a potential risk to the fetus and, in the worst case, can result in a miscarriage or death of the baby.

There are many causes of food poisoning. And the risk obviously depends on the type of intoxication.

An infected fetus can have health problems after birth, including diarrhea, fever, and in rare cases even meningitis.

Nonetheless, in most cases one can be affected by food poisoning without the child being affected in any way.

How to avoid food poisoning in pregnancy?

During gestation you will have to be very careful about the foods you eat to avoid any type of food poisoning.

We recommend that you wash your hands before touching food, and that you thoroughly wash the fruit and vegetables you want to eat during the meal.

Likewise, it is important that you keep the utensils and surfaces you will use for cooking and eating clean.

Should I go to the doctor in case of food poisoning?

It is generally not necessary to go to the hospital. However, as at any other time in gestation, it is always a good idea to contact your doctor.

Keep in mind that symptoms of a severe infection include symptoms such as flu and stomach pain.

If you have suffered from food poisoning, the most important thing is that you stay hydrated. You also need to rest and focus on healing.

Finally, it is very important that you choose the foods to eat during pregnancy very carefully, as your health and that of your baby depend on your diet.