6 foods you should never eat while pregnant
The dietary choices you must make when "eating for two" are never easy. Between cravings, being put off of your normal favorites, and doctor's recommendations, it can feel like you are weaving a very narrow path. So, is there a simple guide to help you avoid the worst items?
This article will list food you should never eat while pregnant so that you can ensure you stay away from some of the more problematic options. While this does not cover every possible dangerous option, it should give you a basic breakdown of the major culprits. So, read on to get a good idea of whether your favorite snacks are safe.
1. Soft Cheese
Many softer cheeses have this texture due to their higher moisture content. This creates a perfect environment for various dangers to breed and multiply.
As pasteurization kills many harmful bacteria, anyone pregnant should check the label of any cheese they might want to eat. This does not guarantee the cheese is safe but will tend to reduce the risk.
Listeria Risks
While listeria is dangerous enough as a disease, it can also cross the placenta barrier. This can lead to it infecting your child while it still grows in your womb. As pregnant women are around 20 times more likely to contract listeria than any other healthy adult, it is useful to be aware of this.
If the child becomes infected, it can often cause premature delivery. If this occurs early enough, it can lead to the loss of the child.
Alternate Cheese Options
If you still want to eat cheese while pregnant, we recommend opting for harder cheeses. These include:
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Swiss cheese
- Emmental
- Pecorino
You may not be able to find all of these in your local area, but they are a good start to help your pregnancy remain safe.
2. Unpasteurized Foods and Beverages
As well as soft cheeses, other unpasteurized foods or drinks can contain hidden dangers. In addition to listeria, the following are some common diseases you may encounter:
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Campylobacter
- Cryptosporidium
Some of the diseases unpasteurized products such as raw milk may cause paralysis or kidney failure. In rare cases, it could even cause death in an adult, let alone an unborn embryo. Thus, avoid this option for everyone's sake.
Risks of Honey
People often consider honey to be a safe and healthy sweetener. For adults, it is usually harmless and even has anti-fungal properties. In pregnant women and the children they carry, though, it can be very dangerous.
Spores of Clostridium botulinum may remain in honey for a long time, even after several months on a shelf. Ingesting these can cause botulism, which can lead to muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing. For children under two or three years old, though, it can be deadly.
3. Caffeinated Food or Drink
While caffeine intake may be useful for daily activities, the increased blood pressure and heart rate it offers can be dangerous. Such effects may cause problems, including low birth weight, or even the potential for miscarriage in some cases.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has conducted studies on caffeine. They concluded that people should limit themselves to around 200 mg of caffeine each day. While this is around two cups of coffee, it may depend on the size of the cup, the brand of coffee, and many other factors.
4. High-Mercury Fish
Many fish contain the element mercury. This substance is even well-known for its ability to cause mental impairment with extended exposure.
The molecule, even in small quantities, can impact cognitive development. In the case of a pregnancy, this is even more significant and poses a real danger to the baby's lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.
Guide to High-Mercury Fish
The following are examples of fish you should avoid if you do not want to ingest mercury.
- Swordfish
- Shark
- Tilefish
- King mackerel
- Albacore (white) tuna
- Marlin
You may want to instead consider the following:
- Wild salmon
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Freshwater trout
- Herring
These are much less likely to contain dangerous chemicals, but if you want to be even more safe, avoid seafood and fish altogether.
5. Raw Fish
While many people love sushi, consuming the raw fish contained in sushi products can expose you to harmful parasites. While tapeworms in bought products are not common, they are more likely to be present in raw fish than in many other foods. In many people, these can cause anemia or digestive issues, and in those facing pregnancy, this can be a significant issue.
On top of this problem, the simple likelihood of food poisoning with raw fish is much greater. As such, you should always be careful when sitting in front of the sushi conveyor belt. Ensure you eat in locations with high health and cleaning standards, and avoid raw fish products such as sashimi altogether.
6. Deli Meat
Deli meat, as opposed to that you might cook at home, may be left out for long periods in a display case. This can often cause cross-contamination. Much like with unpasteurized goods, this can lead to problems with the transfer and consumption of diseases such as listeria.
While deli counters should not contain undercooked meats, they may not have been recently prepared. This can mean they are a perfect breeding ground for many bacteria. If you do wish to eat deli meat, cook it yourself until it is steaming first.
Learn More About Food You Should Never Eat While Pregnant
When it comes to protecting your child, knowledge is your strongest weapon. So, with this list of food you should never eat while pregnant, you can now ensure your meals are free from the most common risks.
There is always more to learn about pregnancy, though. Whether it comes from food, communities, or parenting practices, WRAL reports on the latest updates that help keep you and your family safe.
So, check out our health stories for the most current information on what you should be aware of during your pregnancy. This way, you can always be on your guard.
