The good news is that most food types are safe to consume during pregnancy.
Certain foods should only be consumed rarely, while others should be avoided completely. Here are 10 foods and beverages to avoid or minimize while pregnant:
1. Fish high in mercury e.g. fresh tuna
(low mercury fish can be consumed twice a week e.g. tinned tuna)
2. Undercooked, raw, and processed meat
3. Raw eggs (salmonella bacteria risk)
4. Organ meat e.g. liver high in preformed Vitamin A. Consuming too much preformed vitamin A, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, can lead to congenital malformations and miscarriage
5. Caffeine
Pregnant people are generally advised to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per day (roughly 2 cups of coffee)
Caffeine is absorbed very quickly and passes easily into the placenta. Because babies and their placentas don’t have the main enzyme needed to metabolize caffeine, high levels can build up.
6. Raw Sprouts e.g. Clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts, may be contaminated with Salmonella.
7. Unwashed produce (vegetables and fruit)
8. Unpasteurized milk, cheese and fruit juice.
These products can contain an array of harmful bacteria, including Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.
9. Alcohol
It’s advised to completely avoid drinking alcohol when pregnant, as it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Even a small amount can negatively impact your baby’s brain development.
10. Processed junk food and high sugar content snacks
There’s no better time than pregnancy to start eating nutrient-dense foods to help both you and your growing little one. You’ll need increased amounts of many essential nutrients, including protein, folate, choline, and iron.
Visit our Nutrition section on the My Pregnancy Journey App for more information and tips on healthy eating during pregnancy.
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*All of our information are only guidelines and are not intended to replace the advice of a professional medical specialist; we are providing information to you on a general information basis only. My Pregnancy Journey disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
