Foods to Avoid during Pregnancy

Pregnant women should be aware of the effects of certain foods to the developing fetus. They need various nutrients, vitamins as well as minerals that they can get from a variety of foods but there are some that may be harmful and that they should avoid them as much as possible. They should for example avoid raw seafood or undercooked poultry or beef because these foods may have been contaminated with salmonella, toxoplasmosis or coliform bacteria. Pregnant women should not eat Deli meat too because most often, it is contaminated with Listeria which can be a reason for them to experience miscarriage.

For information relating to healthy eating during pregnancy you can visit the Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council.

Listeria can get into the placenta and this may cause blood poisoning. Those who have to eat Deli meat have to see to it that they reheat it very well if they cannot really avoid eating such. Smoked fish may also be contaminated with Listeria especially those that are refrigerated. Pregnant women who would like to eat fish much check carefully as there are some that contain toxic mercury levels. This substance may cause some brain damage and developmental problems. They also have to know where the fishes come from as some rivers and lakes are contaminated with industrial pollutants as well.

Pregnant women should also avoid eating raw shellfish like oysters, mussels or clams. They may cook it but there is still a risk with algae related infections that has something to do with red tides. In fact even other people have to avoid raw shellfish that are contaminated. Aside from avoiding raw meat and raw shellfish, pregnant women should also refrain from eating raw eggs due to salmonella. They may opt for commercially manufactured dressings, eggnogs and ice cream that are usually produced using pasteurized eggs. They may use raw eggs as ingredients if they intend to cook it as such would lessen problems about salmonella.

Pregnant women may exclude soft cheeses because it can also be infected with Listeria. However, they can eat those that are made from pasteurized milk which are safer for them. They should also choose pasteurized milk to drink. Other types of food that may be contaminated with Listeria also include meat spreads and refrigerated pate. It may also be healthier for them to eat raw vegetables but they will have to wash thoroughly before eating them. Raw vegetables may be contaminated with toxoplasmosis especially those that have been taken out from the soil.

Pregnant women who are not sure about the foods that they have to eat may consult their health care team and their nutritionist in order for them and their babies to be healthy all the way up to childbirth.