What Foods to Avoid When Pregnant

Foods to Avoid

There are certain foods to avoid when pregnant since you do not want to become sick or harm your baby. A proper diet during pregnancy is just as important as a good exercise regimen.

Sometimes women find it difficult to eat healthy because of habits acquired before becoming pregnant. Overpowering cravings can also be a problem causing some pregnant women to eat junk food instead of nutritious foods. But with just a little planning, you will find that you can eat well and still satisfy those strong cravings.

Soft Cheeses

Listeria can be found in soft cheeses causing listeriosis, which can cause miscarriages. This is a bacteria that exists in unpasteurized foods, or foods that were not pasteurized properly before being refrigerated. Specific foods to avoid that can contain listeria are:

• Brie cheese
• Feta cheese
• Blue-veined cheeses
• Meats that have not been fully cooked
• Cold cuts
• Unpasteurized dairy products

Raw Eggs And Meat

Of all pregnancy foods avoid those that are not fully cooked. If you are baking or preparing the food yourself while pregnant avoid ingesting such foods because they can carry bacterial infections such as Salmonella and Botulism that you may get which can harm your baby. Try to reduce your exposure to these infections by following the following safety measures:

• Always wash your hands after touching uncooked meat.
• Thaw all foods before cooking them.
• Always wipe off cooking surfaces after cutting up meat products and before cutting up fruits and vegetables.
• Use clean cooking utensils for each food being prepared.
• Do not buy dented cans.
• Do not refreeze food once it has been thawed.
• Only reheat foods once after cooking them.
• Discard uneaten food after three days in the refrigerator.
• Do not leave dairy products out on the counter for long periods of time.

Raw Vegetables Picked From The Garden

If you have an outdoor garden and cats, then foods to avoid during pregnancy are those that are grown where cats can unintentionally contaminate the soil. Cats can cause a bacterial infection called toxoplasmosis by spreading it through their feces. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis resemble the flu and are generally not harmful to the mother, but it can harm your baby. Many people who own cats also get infected when they change their cat box, so pregnant women should not change their cat boxes personally.

Caffeine

If you are going to be breastfeeding, foods to avoid are those containing caffeine. Caffeine can raise your blood pressure and can cause stomach problems. It is unknown what caffeine can do to your baby, so it is best to simply avoid it altogether during your pregnancy.

Fish

While there are many nutrients in fish such as omega-3 acids and protein, fish to avoid when pregnant are listed below because they may contain high levels of mercury, or a pollutant call PCBs (Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls). Although all the fish listed will not be contaminated, you should ask your health department about lakes and streams i your area that may be contaminated. What to avoid while pregnant include:

• Shark
• Tilefish
• Mackerel
• Swordfish
• Bluefish
• Salmon
• Pike
• Trout
• Bass

Other Foods

It is important that pregnant women avoid certain foods when eating out. When you are ordering food, you may need to ask what is in the food. Of course you can just avoid them entirely. Be sure to stay away from:

• Liver
• Sprouts
• Artificial Sweeteners

Pica

Pica refers to cravings for substances that are not beneficial to your health or for the development of your baby. While cravings are normal during pregnancy, those who have pica will crave substances that are not considered food and are included in what to avoid while pregnant:

• Dirt
• Clay
• Ice chips
• Paint chips
• Wax
• Starch
• Paste
• Antacids
• Chalk

These substances rob your body of the nutrients that you will need for yourself and for your baby. Even though these cravings will disappear after the birth of your baby, the damage that could be done to your baby by ingesting them could be permanent.

What causes pica is unknown, but many think that it is a condition that affects women that are anemic. If you find yourself craving substances that are not considered food, you should see your doctor and see what can be done to keep you from digesting any of these substances. Many women do not talk about their pica because they are embarrassed by it. Do not be embarrassed by it if you are afflicted with pica since many women suffer from it. It is a dangerous condition and you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

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