What Foods Should I Avoid Eating During Pregnancy?
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While there are many foods that are packed with vital nutrients for mom and baby, there are some foods and drinks that will harm your baby. Could the prenatal vitamin supplement you are eating daily be dangerous to you and your baby? Here is a list of the food and beverages that you must avoid during pregnancy:
Alcohol
Instead of wine, beer, or a mixed drink, enjoy tomato juice, water with lemon or lime, or other nonalcoholic beverages.
Certain Fish
Most fish is great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acid and are safe to eat while pregnant. There are some fishes that may have a high level of methyl-mercury. Mercury builds up in the fish over its life. Mercury has been linked with brain damage and developmental delays.
Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, grouper, marlin, orange roughy, and tilefish during pregnancy. Canned tuna usually has less of a mercury concentration and is safe to eat in moderation. Eat no more than 12 ounces of any fish per week (equal to four 3-ounce servings each about the size of a deck of cards).
Raw Eggs
Eating raw eggs should be avoided because they may be carrying the salmonella bacteria. Anything that is made with raw eggs that is not cooked before eaten should be avoided. Some homemade Caesar salad dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream, custards and Hollandaise sauces.
Commercially manufactured salad dressings, egg nog and ice cream are made from pasteurized eggs are ok to eat. However, you and the baby really don’t need the ice cream.
Deli Meat
Deli Meat and cold cut meats in the meat department may be contaminated with the listeria bacteria. The listeria bacteria can cause a miscarriage and is able to cross the placenta and infect the baby. If you are going to eat deli or cold cut meat always reheat it so that the meat is steaming before eating.
Soft Cheese
Soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Mexican style cheeses(queso blanco and queso fresco, unless it clearly states that it was made from pasteurized milk), goat cheese or any cheese that has blue veining in it, contain the Listeria bacteria. The Listeria bacteria can cause a miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby.
All Hard And Soft Cheeses Made From Pasteurized Milk Are Safe To Eat.
Sushi
Raw fish such as sushi, sashimi or ceviche. These foods can contain harmful bacteria. Cook fish thoroughly before eating.
Coffee & Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulate that has been linked to causing brain damage in unborn babies and causing miscarriage. If you are pregnant stop drinking all beverages that contain caffeine in them such as colas, soda, coffee and tea. If you must have the taste of the beverage, then try the decaffeinated version of your favorite beverage.
Caffeine is a diuretic and will purge water from your body and lead to calcium loss as well.
Raw Meat
Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat and poultry. These foods can contain harmful bacteria. Cook meat and poultry thoroughly before eating.
Raw Shellfish
The majority of shellfish borne illness are caused by undercooking them. Avoid eating raw shellfish which includes oysters, clams and mussels. Cooking kills harmful bacteria, but it does not prevent the algae related infections that are associated with red tides.
Smoked Seafood
Smoked seafood such as lox, nova style, kippered or jerky should be avoided as it may be contaminated with the listeria bacteria. They are safe to eat if they are part of a recipe that will be baked or cooked.
Review the pregnancy nutrutional guide for more helpful information on eating well during this wonderful and changing time in your life.
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