Eating healthily during pregnancy means being aware of what to avoid. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice, but here are nine foods and beverages you should steer clear of during this important time.
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Unpasteurized Products
Soft cheeses such as brie, goat cheese, and blue cheeses that aren’t pasteurized can contain listeria and other harmful bacteria. Always check labels to ensure you’re choosing pasteurized varieties. Additionally, avoid unpasteurized juices like fresh-squeezed orange juice and apple cider, as they can harbor harmful bacteria too. -
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol can cross the placenta, affecting your baby’s bloodstream. Since it takes longer for alcohol to leave your baby’s system, it’s safest to eliminate it completely during pregnancy. -
Raw Seafood
Avoid uncooked or undercooked seafood, which can pose a risk of bacteria and parasites. This includes raw oysters, clams, sushi, and lox. Consult your doctor for a full list of seafood to avoid. -
High-Caffeine Drinks
While a couple of small cups of coffee a day can be fine, excessive caffeine can pose risks and hinder iron absorption, which is vital for your baby’s growth. Be cautious of hidden caffeine sources, such as energy drinks and certain sodas. -
Undercooked Meat
Even if you prefer your steak medium-rare, all meat consumed during pregnancy should be well-cooked to mitigate the risk of bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. -
Raw or Runny Eggs
Raw or undercooked eggs can carry salmonella. Ensure that any eggs or omelets you eat are fully cooked. Homemade dishes containing raw eggs, such as cookie dough or mayonnaise, should be avoided entirely until after your baby arrives. -
Processed Meats
Deli meats like turkey, bologna, salami, and ham can also pose risks. If you do consume these, ensure they are heated to steaming hot to kill any potential bacteria. -
Certain Fish
Fish high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, should be avoided as mercury can harm fetal development. Opt for lower-mercury fish like salmon or shrimp, but still, limit consumption. -
Herbal Teas and Supplements
Some herbal teas and supplements can have adverse effects during pregnancy. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine which ones are safe.
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In summary, maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is crucial. Avoiding unpasteurized foods, alcohol, raw seafood, excessive caffeine, undercooked meats, raw eggs, processed meats, certain high-mercury fish, and herbal teas can help ensure a safer pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider for tailored advice.