What Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the happiest and most exciting times in a woman's life. For the first time, she is responsible not only for herself and her own health, but that of her unborn baby. Eating well balanced meals is important at all times, but it is even more essential when you are pregnant. There are essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your developing baby needs. Most foods are safe; however, there are some foods that you should avoid during pregnancy:

• Raw Meat: Avoid raw meat such as sushi, seafood, rare or uncooked meat, or poultry because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.

• Liver: Liver and liver products contain very high levels of vitamin A which research has shown can cause birth defects. Similarly, any supplements with high levels of vitamin A should not be taken during pregnancy.

• Fish: Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Certain types of fish used in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury. Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams.

• Raw Shellfish: The majority of seafood-borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which include oysters, clams, and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infection, but it does not prevent the algae-related infections that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose a concern for everybody, and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.

• Raw Eggs: Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella.

• Soft Cheeses: Imported soft cheeses may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. You would need to avoid soft cheeses such as: Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.

• Unpasteurized Milk: Unpasteurized milk may contain listeria. Make sure that any milk you drink is pasteurized.

• Caffeine: Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. This can result in water and calcium loss. It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages. Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. The safest thing is to refrain from consuming caffeine.

• Alcohol: Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing, and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders. If you consumed alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. You should continue to avoid alcohol during breastfeeding. Exposure of alcohol to an infant poses harmful risks, and alcohol does reach the baby during breastfeeding.

• Aspartame: Aspartame is a calorie-free sweetener used in a wide variety of soft drinks, candies, and food products. Long-term use of the chemical food aspartame has been linked with cancer and immunotoxicity, so the use of aspartame during pregnancy is advised against.

• Smoked or Refrigerated food: It could be contaminated with Listeria. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which may be life-threatening.

• Over the counter food: Avoid canned, tinned or prepackaged foods. Many of them can have Salmonella or other bacteria. Even pizzas and burgers bought from vendors can cause diseases.

• Unwashed Vegetables: Vegetables are safe to eat, so you still need to eat them. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may contaminate the soil where the vegetables were grown.

You don't have to give up all your favorite foods just because you're pregnant. But processed foods and snacks and sugar-packed desserts shouldn't be the mainstay of your diet, either. Also, don't feel guilty if you fancy the occasional biscuit. Enjoy every bite!