Logan Voss
Eating well is especially important when pregnant, as the right food choices can give your baby the essential nutrients they need to develop and grow.
However, there are some foods that you should avoid eating while pregnant due to the potential risks of contracting foodborne illnesses or other health complications for both you and your baby. Let’s take a look at some of the foods women must stop eating when pregnant.
Raw Fish and Shellfish
Raw fish and shellfish increase your risk of food poisoning due to the high levels of bacteria they contain. This includes sushi, sashimi, oysters, clams, mussels, smoked salmon, and raw fish that hasn’t been frozen first. The bacteria in these foods can cause serious infections, which you can pass on to your unborn child. Opt for cooked versions only to minimize any risks associated with eating seafood during pregnancy.
Undercooked Meats
Undercooked meats such as steak tartare or rare burgers also increase your risk of developing food poisoning due to higher levels of bacteria present in them. This risk is why ensuring that all meats are well-cooked before consuming them is important when pregnant. Additionally, if you plan on grilling or barbecuing meat at home, use separate utensils for raw and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses like feta, blue cheese, and brie should also be avoided while pregnant due to their potential presence of listeria. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can lead to a severe infection in unborn babies known as listeriosis, which can cause miscarriages or even stillbirths in more serious cases. To stay safe, opt for hard cheeses, such as cheddar, that don’t pose the same risks as soft cheeses.
Raw Milk Products
Unpasteurized milk products, such as milk straight from a cow or goat, should be avoided while pregnant due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria like E. coli. This bacteria can adversely affect your and your unborn child’s health if consumed during pregnancy. Always opt for pasteurized dairy products instead, as these have been heat treated first, making them safer for consumption during pregnancy than their unpasteurized counterparts.
Eating properly during pregnancy is very important for your and your baby’s health; women must know which foods they should avoid eating when expecting a new arrival. Following this guide on what not to eat while pregnant will help ensure mother and baby remain healthy throughout their journey together! Additionally, one of the questions you ask in your first prenatal visit is what foods you should avoid throughout pregnancy. These questions will give you a better understanding of what to expect during pregnancy. Make sure to ask about food safety and nutrition during your visits!
