When pregnant, it is likely that you will alter your diet to offer the nutrients and sustenance required to keep you and your developing child healthy.
Nevertheless, there are a few foods and drinks you should avoid because they may be dangerous to you or your growing kid, mostly due to the risk of foodborne illness or excessive mercury levels.
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your second (or third) and you need a refresher, Ob/Gyn can help. Dr Rebecca Starck, President of Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital, presents a crash lesson on foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy. From sushi to acceptable quantities of coffee, we have you covered.
Fish and shellfish
Fish with high concentrations of methylmercury, which is very toxic to humans, may cause brain damage or developmental delays. According to recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the following mercury-rich seafood should be avoided:
- Scalefish (Gulf of Mexico).
- Bigeye tuna.
- Marlin.
- Citrus roughy
- Swordfish.
- Shark.
- King mackerel.
Additionally, pregnant women should avoid all forms of raw fish, including sushi and sashimi. Seared or undercooked seafood or shellfish, such as oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops, are also prohibited.
In addition, ACOG recommendations urge that pregnant and nursing women restrict some types of fish.
For instance, you should have no more than one serving (or 6 ounces) each week of some types of fish, such as:
- Albacore tuna (white).
- Yellowfin tuna.
- Snapper.
- Grouper.
- Halibut.
- Mahi Mahi.
Or you should have no more than two to three servings per week (8 to 12 ounces) of fish such as:
- Shrimp.
- Salmon.
- Sardine.
- Tilapia.
- The shellfish (clams, scallops, oysters).
- Catfish.
- Squid.
- Pollock.
- Crawfish.
Commonly must be avoided are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), also known as environmental contaminants. Doctors advocate knowing where the fish you eat comes from in order to recognise the possible hazards.
Whether you’re uncertain about what’s healthy, you should see your doctor about how frequently or if it’s okay to consume specific fish or seafood — and, if so, what the optimal serving size is.
Meats
By avoiding specific foods, your chance of catching Listeria, a foodborne disease that may cause preterm birth, miscarriage, and even foetal death, will decrease. Avoid:
- deli meats (cold cuts or deli meat).
- Dry or fermented sausages.
- Paté or meat spreads from a deli, meat counter, or the refrigerated department of a supermarket. After opening, refrigerate canned or shelf-stable versions of the food.
- Uncooked or rare meats or poultry.
However, cooked hot dogs may be had in moderation.
Cheese
The exquisite queso at your favourite Mexican restaurant must be put on wait for the time being. Dr Starck suggests avoiding soft cheeses for the time being, unless they are clearly labelled “produced with pasteurised milk.” These soft cheeses should be avoided:
- Feta.
- Brie.
- Camembert and other blue cheeses
- Queso blanco, fresco or panela.
Raw Eggs
Due to the risk of contracting Salmonella, it is generally advisable to avoid meals containing raw eggs. However, while pregnant, it is particularly vital to avoid:
- Caesar dressing.
- Homemade mayonnaise.
- Hollandaise with béarnaise sauce.
- Uncooked cookie dough and cake batter.
Raw grain flour may also carry E. coli and Salmonella since it is uncooked. This is an additional reason to avoid eating uncooked cookie dough or cake batter.
Additionally, several unexpected desserts, such as ice cream, frosting, mousse, and tiramisu, may include raw eggs. Before indulging, it is wise to read the nutrition label or ask the chef in advance.
Alcohol
If you use alcohol during pregnancy, your baby may be at risk for developing foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS may impact your child’s development and put them at risk for behavioural, physical, and learning difficulties.
Dr Starck recommends avoiding all beer, wine, and strong liquor throughout pregnancy. There is no safe ingestion level.
Caffeine
Yes, you can still drink your morning coffee, but to a limited amount. The amount of caffeine in a beverage might vary greatly depending on its preparation.
“Ensure that your daily usage does not exceed 200 milligrammes (mg),” she advises. A regular cup of coffee has 95 milligrammes of caffeine.
Remember that black, chamomile, and green teas contain caffeine as well. Similar to coffee, these beverages may be eaten in moderation, however, the caffeine content varies depending on the amount of tea used and how it is made.
Salt
Salt causes the body to retain water, thus Dr Starck suggests consuming moderate amounts of salty foods.
“Excess salt may raise blood pressure, increasing your risk for pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy problem characterised by high blood pressure and fluid retention,” Dr Starck explains.