Moms-to-be need to be over-cautious about their diet during pregnancy. When you sit to ponder upon foods that need to be avoided during pregnancy, the list can be never-ending. To make it easier for you, here we have compiled few food items to be tabbed.
Raw meat
Consumption of raw meat including rare meats and sushi can cause salmonella. If the meat remains uncooked or undercooked, it can also contaminate you with coli form bacteria or cause toxoplasmosis. Apart from sushi, you should also avoid poultry and beef. If you really want to have meat, then it should be thoroughly cooked to destroy all the parasites.
Caffeine
Skip caffeine-based like tea, soft drinks and coffee. Caffeine is also present in some chocolates, medicines and energy drinks, so check the packaging to make sure that you are not consuming any of them. Excess of caffeine adversely affects the growth of your baby. According to research, a woman consuming one cup of coffee everyday on an average, is expected of giving birth to an underweight baby. If you are habitual and cannot work without coffee, cut down your intake drastically.
Papaya
Intake of papaya during pregnancy is strictly prohibited because apparently it brings on labor early. Unripe and semi ripe papayas are rich in latex and are known for causing uterine contractions. However, if you like them and want to have it any ways then look for completely ripe papayas. They are rich in Vitamin C and have the ability to save you from constipation and heartburn.
Fish
You should avoid fishes that contain high level of mercury. Excess mercury consumption during pregnancy can result into brain damage and development delays. Some of the fishes that have the high mercury presence include, shark, king mackerel, swordfish, marlin and tile fish. Tuna has less level of mercury then other fishes, but that should be eaten in moderate quantities. Do not eat more than two portions of oily fish in a week.
Alcohol
Say a big no to any drink or product that contains alcohol in it. Once you know you are pregnant; stop any kind of alcohol intake. Any amount of alcohol is harmful for your baby and can disturb the pre natal development of fetus.
Soft cheese
Cheese may contain harmful bacteria called Listeria that can cause miscarriage. Listeria can also cross the placenta and infect the baby with blood poisoning or any other infection. Therefore, to prevent any harmful effects do not eat cheese such as Camambert, queso blanco, queso fresco, bleu cheese etc. If any cheese clearly says that it is made of pasteurized milk, then you can eat them, because they are safe and will not create any problems.
Vitamin A supplements
Cod liver oil and Vitamin A supplements must be avoided during pregnancy. These supplements contain retinol that can harm your baby, when stored in excess. Once a doctor prescribes, then you can take them otherwise just skip.
Unwashed vegetables and fruits
The most important advice for any pregnant woman is to avoid any unwashed fruits and vegetables. Vegetables are safe and nutritious to eat, but still make sure that you wash them properly to avoid any exposure to toxoplasmosis. Many groceries that you buy are sprayed with agricultural insecticides and pesticides. Your consumption of vegetables or fruits without washing it can be poisonous for your baby.
Raw eggs
During pregnancy, you should avoid raw eggs and food that contains it. Homemade mayonnaise, custards, caesar dressings, homemade ice cream may contain raw egg, so avoid all those items. Raw eggs contain salmonella that can cross placenta similar to Listeria and can cause serious infections to the unborn. If the egg is completely cooked, then the risk of salmonella will be reduced.
Liver and liver products
These food items also contain retinol, which can be harmful for the baby. Retinol can also cause birth defects, so it is better to avoid the intake.
