A while back, we gave you some tips for getting pregnant, so if they worked, congratulations! Each pregnancy is different. There are some things that apply to all pregnant women, particularly when it comes to foods to avoid while pregnant. In today’s article, we will look at 10 foods you should avoid when pregnant. All of these foods have the potential of making you sick, so try to avoid them as much as possible. The most important thing about nutrition when pregnant is to watch what you’re eating at all times and ask yourself how that food could nourish or harm you.
10. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are good for you, but just make sure you give them a proper wash. Eating them unwashed or with a bit of dirt on them will expose you to the toxoplasma parasite which causes toxoplasmosis, a very dangerous disease for your baby. All you have to do is rinse them well under running water, that is all!
9. Raw Sprouts
Sprouts are awesome, nutritious, and very healthy for you. However, if you are pregnant, don’t have any of them raw. Bacteria can grow on the sprouts and they’re very hard or even impossible to wash away. If you still want to have sprouts when pregnant, make sure you cook them well. Sprouts in stir fry tastes amazing!
8. Undercooked Meat
We meet toxoplasma once again! Raw or undercooked meat can have this harmful parasite, so try to avoid having any meat that might be undercooked. When eating out, ask your waiter to cook your meat well. At home, make sure the temperature reaches at least 150 F when cooking meat.
7. Fish
We know that fish is good for you and your baby, but if you are pregnant, try to put some thought into the choices you make. For example, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish can contain dangerously high levels of methylmercury. Fish that is low in mercury are: salmon, cod, canned tuna and catfish.
6. Freshly Squeezed Juice
All pregnant women should drink pasteurized juice, because of harmful bacteria that might develop in fresh-squeezed juices: salmonella and E. coli. When out shopping, steer clear of juices found in the refrigerated section and opt for those on the shelf, in boxes, and bottles, although they can have a very high sugar content.
5. Soft Cheeses
One of the most important foods to avoid when pregnant are soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, queso blanco, feta, queso fresco and panela. If you feel like you must have some, we urge you to check the label and see if it is pasteurized. Soft cheeses are made with unpasteurized milk and can have listeria bacteria, which can be life-threatening for you and your unborn child.
4. Raw Cookie Dough
You shouldn’t eat raw cookie dough because it contains raw eggs. Did you know that one in 20,000 eggs has salmonella? You shouldn’t risk it, so resist tasting the unbaked dough, batter or any filling that is made with raw eggs. If you can’t resist, then choose the store-bought cookie dough which is safe to eat raw.
3. Raw Shellfish
Raw shellfish is the main cause of illness from seafood. It is because it has parasites and bacteria which can make you and your baby sick. If you’re craving shellfish, cook it and it will be safe. Cook clams and mussels until the shells open and throw away the ones that don’t open. Shellfish tastes great when cooked, too!
2. Unpasteurized Milk
Raw milk can have the harmful listeria bacteria which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Only buy and consume dairy products that have been pasteurized. Sorry, but you’d have to wait until your baby comes to go to the farm and taste fresh milk right from the cow!
1. Sushi
Pregnant sushi lovers, you need take a break and cook your fish while pregnant. Harmful bacteria and parasites can be found in any raw seafood, so be safe and cook your fish to 145 F if you want to make it safe for eating. Don’t fall prey to your cravings and risk the health of your baby!
The gist of it is to avoid anything raw! Make sure to tell whomever cooks your food to cook it well and wash fruits and vegetables well. Would you like to add any other foods to avoid when pregnant? Care to share your experience with forbidden foods? Drop us a line in the comment section below, we love hearing from our readers!
