When you are pregnant, you may hear someone remark, “now you are eating for two!” While this is often in the context of humor, this is a true statement. During your pregnancy, you are responsible for fulfilling two sets of needs when you eat: yours and baby’s. This can be daunting as you realize that everything you eat impacts your baby. You may wonder, “Can I eat this while pregnant? How many changes do I need to make? What foods will cause harm?”
We are here to help! We have provided a simple list of foods to avoid while you are pregnant. Hopefully this will help you make the dietary changes necessary for your health and baby’s development!
**Disclaimer: This is general advice and not specific to your health. Please contact your doctor with your concerns so you can find the diet best suited for you and your baby**
1. High-Mercury Fish
Mercury is a highly toxic element known to dangerously affect the human body. Found most commonly in fish from polluted waters, mercury can cause damage to the nervous system, immune system, and kidneys. It can also negatively impact a child’s development. For this reason, doctors recommend limiting consumption of shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tuna to less than twice a month.
2. Raw Eggs
Consuming raw eggs can put you at risk for Salmonella. While rare, Salmonella can cause severe cramps leading to premature birth or stillbirth. Foods that commonly contain raw eggs include lightly scrambled eggs, poached eggs, salad dressings, hollandaise sauce, homemade mayonnaise, homemade ice cream, and cake icing.
3. Caffeine
Take heart, avid coffee drinkers! You do not have to completely avoid caffeine during your pregnancy, but you may need to restrict yourself to an extent. Medical professionals recommend limiting your intake to 200 mg per day. Be sure to look at the labels for common caffeinated items, such as coffee, soda, energy drinks, or chocolate so you are aware of how much you are consuming.
4. Unwashed Produce
Eating fruits and vegetables without washing them can put you at risk. Produce may contain bacteria or parasites such as Toxoplasma, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. These can wreak havoc on both mom and baby. Some parasites, like Toxoplasma, may not display immediate symptoms but may cause blindness or intellectual disability later in life.
5. Undercooked Meat
Similar to unwashed produce, undercooked meat may increase your risk for bacteria or parasites. These include Toxoplasma, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. These may cause severe birth defects for your baby. Ensure that the meat you are eating is thoroughly cooked and be extra cautious while dining out. You should also avoid eating processed meats unless they have been reheated and are steaming hot.
6. Alcohol
While you likely already know to avoid alcohol while pregnant, we would like to remind you that no amount of alcohol is known to be safe to consume while pregnant! Skipping alcohol during your pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby!