Skip These Food Items When You Are Pregnant

Food items to avoid during pregnancy

1. Raw eggs

Eggs for breakfast can be great during pregnancy. You get your daily dose of proteins and it is quite filling as well. But remember to choose a dish where your eggs are fully cooked. Raw eggs and even undercooked eggs for that matter, can be bad for pregnant women. So, even if you like Sunny-Side-Up eggs, it would be better to avoid them when you are pregnant. Undercooked eggs increase the risk of salmonella infection and can harm the fetus.

2. Coffee

When you feel too tired to get up from bed, a cup of coffee might feel like the best thing to start your day with. But during pregnancy, this might be a bad idea. Caffeine in all forms should be limited or avoided. Too much caffeine can lead to the absorption of this ingredient by the placenta and this can sometimes affect the baby’s growth. Tea, coffee, chocolate and some energy drinks contain caffeine and so it is better to avoid all of them or at least have them in moderation.

3. Cut fruits and vegetables from the store

Store bought cut fruits and vegetables or even salads are likely to be contaminated. Even if it is from the most trusted stores in town, you cannot take the risk. Listeria contamination is one of the most common risks associated with these food items. The best option would be to buy fresh produce from reliable sources and then cut them and store them if required for a quick snack. Try to consume this within a day or two though. Avoid consuming something that has been in the refrigerator for too long.

4. Junk food items

Heartburn and nausea are common during pregnancy and some women might experience them in all three trimesters. Junk food items and fried snacks can trigger digestion problems even in healthy adults. So, during pregnancy, in order to avoid bloating and abdominal cramps and chest discomfort due to indigestion, avoid junk food items.

5. Mercury-laden seafood items

There are some types of fish and seafood items that are known to contain mercury. These should be avoided during pregnancy. The adverse effects of an increase in mercury levels in the body include vision and hearing problems as well as lung issues. This can also be bad for the growing baby as it affects the brain.

6. Mould ripened cheese varieties

Some types of soft cheese are bad for pregnant women as they are mould ripened. These cheese varieties can increase listeria infection risks, which can have grave effects on the mother and the baby. Cheddar cheese as well as little amounts of Parmesan can be included in your diet. But try to avoid Camembert, Blue cheese and others.

7. Unpasteurised milk and dairy products

The risk of infections in pregnant women is high if unpasteurised milk or dairy products derived from such milk is consumed. It is better to boil store bought milk before consuming. Avoid dairy products whose sources you are not sure of, like ice creams and others that have high chances of contamination. All these are again breeding grounds for listeria infection.