This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
Five Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy ¶
As a pregnant woman, it's essential to be mindful of the foods you consume to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. According to medical experts, certain foods can increase the risk of miscarriage and other complications.
One of the most critical foods to avoid during pregnancy is raw meat. Raw meats, such as ham and salami, can contain harmful bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, and salmonella, which can cause a miscarriage. To minimize the risk, it's essential to cook or boil raw meats thoroughly before consumption.
Another food to avoid is high mercury fish, including swordfish, tuna, and mackerel. High mercury content fish can impair growth by damaging the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs. Low mercury fish are okay to consume, but it's best to avoid high mercury fish even for breastfeeding women.
Raw eggs or undercooked eggs should also be avoided by pregnant women. Raw eggs contain bacteria like salmonella, which can have dire consequences for the baby. Pregnant women should avoid runny eggs, undercooked eggs, and other desserts and foods that may contain raw eggs.
Raw and unwashed produce, including fruits and vegetables, should also be avoided. Produce usually comes into contact with dirt and unclean hands, which can harbor parasites and bacteria. Toxoplasma, a deadly parasite, can cause stillbirths, miscarriages, blindness, and severe brain damage to an unborn child. To minimize the risk, it's essential to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and avoid eating raw salads from restaurants.
Lastly, unpasteurized products, such as cheese and milk, should be avoided. Pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria from products, and unpasteurized products can contain Listeria, Toxoplasma, and E.coli, which can cause food poisoning and have negative effects on the baby.
