Foods That Pregnant Women Should Absolutely Avoid

Foods That Pregnant Women Should Absolutely Avoid

A balanced and scientific diet during pregnancy plays a crucial role in ensuring the health of both the mother and the baby. While certain foods and beverages are beneficial to include, there are many that should be limited or completely avoided due to potential risks to the baby. So, what are the foods that pregnant women should absolutely not eat?

The following article from Shemartglobal provides more information for readers to consider.

1. Fish with High Mercury Levels

Seafood can be an excellent source of protein, and omega-3 fatty acids found in many types of fish can promote the development of the baby’s brain and eyes. However, certain fish and shellfish contain high levels of mercury, which can be dangerous. The fetus is most sensitive to the effects of mercury, particularly during the third and fourth months of pregnancy. Mercury accumulation can harm the developing nervous system of the baby.

The mercury levels vary by fish species, depending on factors such as habitat, type, size, and diet. Predatory fish that are larger and at the top of the food chain tend to have higher mercury levels. Fish high in mercury that pregnant women should avoid include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and bigeye tuna.

Instead, pregnant women can opt for fish like pollock, salmon, tilapia, anchovies, herring, and cod. It is recommended that pregnant women eat 224-336 grams of fish/seafood per week during pregnancy.

2. Raw or Undercooked Foods

Pregnant women consuming raw or undercooked foods are at risk of infections from coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella. Therefore, these foods should be avoided.

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the Toxoplasma parasite, can affect the baby if the mother gets infected for the first time during pregnancy. It can lead to brain damage or blindness in the fetus.

3. Processed Foods and Deli Meats

Processed foods and deli meats are convenient but fall into the category of foods to avoid during pregnancy. Deli meats may contain the bacteria Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria can cross the placenta and infect the baby, leading to infections or blood poisoning that can be life-threatening.

If considering deli meats, pregnant women should heat them until steaming hot, but it’s best to stick to fresh and cooked foods.

4. Raw Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. Pregnancy temporarily weakens a woman’s immune system, making them more susceptible to foodborne illnesses.

Salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. In severe cases, it can lead to preterm labor or miscarriage. Therefore, it is essential to consume only fully cooked eggs during pregnancy to ensure any bacteria are killed.

5. Organ Meats

While organ meats like liver, heart, and kidneys are rich in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and copper, consuming them in excess can lead to vitamin A toxicity and abnormally high copper levels, which can cause birth defects and liver toxicity. Doctors advise not eating organ meats more than once a week during pregnancy.

6. Raw Sprouts

Consuming raw sprouts such as alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts is only safe if they are thoroughly cooked. These can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, which can enter the seeds through cracks in the shell and thrive in the warm, moist conditions required for sprouting.

Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, and severe infections in newborns. Salmonella and E. coli can cause serious illness and even death. Even home-grown sprouts are unsafe when eaten raw due to the risk of bacterial contamination.

7. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are vital for their vitamins and minerals but should be thoroughly washed to avoid contamination with Toxoplasma, Norovirus, Hepatitis A virus, and Listeria monocytogenes. These pathogens can be harmful to the mother and fetus.

It is crucial to wash fruits and vegetables under running water and use food-safe sanitizers. Clean produce should be kept separate from unwashed items and raw animal products to prevent cross-contamination.

8. Certain Fruits and Juices (Green Papaya, Pineapple, Longan)

Some fruits and juices are advised against, especially during the first trimester, such as green papaya and pineapple.

Green papaya contains latex, which can trigger uterine contractions and cause miscarriage. It also contains a high amount of papain, which can induce labor prematurely. Additionally, latex in papaya can cause allergic reactions, including respiratory issues and anaphylactic shock.

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein and can soften the cervix, potentially leading to early labor.

9. Alcohol, Beer, Tobacco, Etc.

Alcohol, beer, and tobacco are strongly advised against during pregnancy. Alcohol can harm the mother and fetus, with no safe consumption level established. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which affects the baby’s development and long-term health.

Even the smell of alcohol can cause discomfort and health issues for particularly sensitive pregnant women.

Foods That Pregnant Women Should Absolutely Avoid

10. Caffeine

Limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy is crucial as high levels can cause pregnancy complications. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate. Excessive caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage and contribute to low birth weight or slowed fetal growth.

11. Contaminated Water

Adequate water intake is essential to prevent dehydration and support bodily functions, including forming amniotic fluid around the fetus. Contaminated water, however, can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and heavy metals, which are dangerous to pregnant women whose immune systems are weakened.

12. Fresh Bamboo Shoots

While bamboo shoots are high in fiber, they also contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can convert to cyanide in the body, leading to poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, breathing difficulty, and severe cases can be fatal. Proper preparation and cooking are essential to reduce these risks.

13. Bitter Melon

Bitter melon can cause digestive issues, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, preterm labor or miscarriage. It contains compounds that can trigger food poisoning symptoms and allergic reactions. Pregnant women, particularly those with sensitive conditions, should avoid bitter melon.

14. Star gooseberry leaves

Star gooseberry leaves contains large amounts of papaverin, which relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, thereby reducing pain and lowering blood pressure. In addition, this vegetable also contains glucocorticoid compounds that hinder the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in pregnant women.