Interested in Knowing What Food to Avoid During Pregnancy?
If you are searching the web for what food to avoid during pregnancy, you are already on the right track to doing something great for your health and the health of your growing baby. Many foods that are generally considered safe for people who are not pregnant can carry moderate to high health risks when consumed by pregnant women. So, what food to avoid during pregnancy? Read our article to learn about some of them. You can also book an appointment at our Coral Springs practice, Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology, for total obstetrical care and all your women’s health care needs. Dr. Lona Sasser and Dr. Mary Squire-De Leon are all rated an average of 5 out of 5 stars on ZocDoc – and they are taking new patients!
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What Food to Avoid During Pregnancy: High-Mercury Fish
Mercury is a toxic substance found in polluted waters. Large fish that swim in these waters can accumulate mercury in high amounts over their lifetimes, which you take into your body when you consume them. In high amounts, mercury can be toxic to your kidneys, immune system, and nervous system – and may cause serious developmental problems in children. For your health and your baby’s health, avoid high mercury fish, including shark, swordfish, tuna (especially albacore), and king mackerel. When considering what food to avoid during pregnancy, high-mercury fish tops the list.
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What Food to Avoid During Pregnancy: Undercooked, Raw, and Processed Animal Protein
According to the Mayo Clinic, “During pregnancy, you’re at increased risk of bacterial food poisoning. Your reaction might be more severe than if you weren’t pregnant.” To limit your exposure to food-borne bacteria and viruses, avoid undercooked or raw fish and meats, raw eggs, and processed meats. These foods can harbor bacteria including toxoplasma, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. Not only can these bacteria make you very sick when you are pregnant – in rare cases, they can lead to premature birth, stillbirth and serious developmental problems in your baby.
To limit your exposure to dangerous bacteria, minced and processed meats (including ground beef and sausage), fish, pork, and poultry should always be consumed fully cooked. Hot dogs and luncheon meats should be cooked until steaming hot, or avoided completely, as they can cause listerosis — a rare but serious foodborne illness.
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What Food to Avoid During Pregnancy: Raw Sprouts
It’s not only animal protein that can harbor bacteria. Raw sprouts are grown in a humid environment that can encourage the growth of salmonella. If you are pregnant, only consume sprouts after they have been cooked.
What Food to Avoid During Pregnancy: Caffeine and Alcohol
Alcohol and excess caffeine should be avoided during pregnancy. The effects of caffeine on growing babies are not yet known, so it is recommended for pregnant women to consume no more than 200 milligrams (or two 8-ounce servings) of coffee per day. The negative effects of alcohol on pregnant women and growing babies are more well known.
Mothers who drink alcohol have a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Too much alcohol during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause facial deformities and intellectual disability. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
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Sources for This Article:
11 Foods and Beverages to Avoid During Pregnancy – Healthline
Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy – Mayo Clinic