We all know that pregnancy is one of the most sensitive times in the life of a woman so its important to get a healthy diet. There are some foods or drinks that should be avoided to remain healthy during the course of pregnancy.
Let’s have a look at 5 foods or drinks to avoid when pregnancy
• Certain types of fish, such as shark, swordfish, and tuna, have a high mercury content, which is toxic to the kidneys and other organs. Mercury is especially dangerous to the fetus as the baby is developing these vital organ systems in utero.
• Undercooked fish are also dangerous to ingest due to the infections that particular fish and shellfish carry. For instance, oysters, shrimp, and sushi should be avoided because they are at high risk of salmonella and listeria contamination.
• Listeria contamination is more prevalent amongst the pregnant population, so any foods that may be susceptible these bacteria are considered dangerous throughout pregnancy.
• This is an item on the “do not eat” list that continues to be controversial.
• While many pregnant women chose to sustain from caffeine during pregnancy, others do not see that as a reasonable goal. Either choice is appropriate seeing as moderation is the key to caffeine intake during pregnancy.
• If caffeine is a must throughout your pregnancy, aim to keep caffeine consumption under 200 mg each day, which is the equivalent to around two, six-ounce cups of coffee.
• Caffeine readily passes to the fetus, and it is considered harmful to the baby because they do not produce the enzyme to process caffeine. Low birth weight can be a consequence of high caffeine intake during pregnancy.
• Pregnant women are advised to steer clear of unpasteurized cheeses, such as feta, gorgonzola, brie, and queso blanco. This advice to refrain from unpasteurized products also extends to juices and milk items.
• The pasteurization process filters out bacteria while preserving the nutrients found in the product. Items that are not pasteurized have a higher likelihood of bacterial growth, which can, in turn, cause harm to the baby.
• The widespread knowledge to wash fruits and vegetables before consuming apply to both the pregnant and non-pregnant populations.
• Many of the bacteria, viruses, and parasites found on the exterior of the product can cause harm to the baby in utero. Symptoms of a parasite called Toxoplasma can manifest after birth in the form of blindness and learning disabilities.
• Raw or undercooked meats do not have the opportunity to thoroughly “cook-off” bacteria.
• Bacteria acquired through raw or undercooked items have the potential to cause stillbirth and neurological illnesses.
• As a general rule of thumb, adequately cook all meats and eggs.
• Also, avoid deli meat because bacteria can be transferred to the meat during processing and packaging.
To have an in-depth discussion regarding what you should and should not eat or any other thing regarding pregnancy, book an appointment with the best gynecologist near you. They can give particular food items to avoid that are specific to your region.