Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

Unfortunately food preparation is included in the list of cautions. However, with a few simple rules you can have a carefree and safe pregnancy. Most pregnant women know that they are to avoid or minimize things that have little or no nutritional value, like caffeine, sweets, processed foods, etc.. However, there are some things that also need to
be watched for in general:
Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tile fish – These fish can contain potentially risky levels of mercury. Mercury can be transferred to the growing fetus and cause serious health problems. An expert panel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised pregnant women to eat no more than 12 ounces of canned tuna per week. Also avoid eating any game fish without first checking its safety with your local health department.

Raw fish, especially shellfish (oysters, clams)

Undercooked meat, poultry, seafood and hot dogs – Cook all meat, poultry and seafood thoroughly to kill bacteria. Cook hot dogs until they are steaming hot. Deli meats (such as ham, salami, and bologna) are an occasional cause of food poisoning; pregnant women may choose to avoid them or reheat them before eating.

Avoid salmonella – This is usually traceable to eggs and chicken meat. This means no more licking the cake batter spoon! You should always ensure that your eggs and meats are cooked thoroughly. When using a cutting board for chicken be sure to wash it prior to using it for another food, particularly things like raw vegetables. Symptoms can include: headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, shivering or fever. Usually symptoms occur within 12-48 hours after infection and lasts about 2-3 days. Only if it is severe will treatment usually be necessary. Though if you’re vomiting and become dehydrated IV therapy may be beneficial.

Soft-scrambled eggs – and all foods made with raw or lightly cooked eggs

Soft cheeses - such as Brie, feta, Camembert, Roquefort and Mexican-style

Unpasteurized milk and any foods made from it – Food most likely to be infected by listeria are unpasteurized milk products, improperly cooked meats, cooked chilled food (luncheon meat being the most recent scare), soft cheese are some of the major players. Normally this bacteria is killed at the pasteurizing temperature, but if the food is refrigerated after being infected the bacteria is still present. Rarely, but still possible for some, is transmission through direct contact with live stock. General aches and pains accompanied by a fever are the main symptoms. Usually people think that they have the flu. Reports of miscarriage (including recurrent) and stillbirths have been linked to listeriosis infections spread by the mother to the unborn baby.

Unpasteurized juices

Raw sprouts, especially alfalfa sprouts

Herbal supplements and teas

Some studies indicate that your baby may be at increased risk of developing a food allergy in later life if you, your partner or a family member has a food allergy. You may wish to consult a food allergy specialist for help in planning your diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Here are some additional tips to ensure you have a healthy and nutritional pregnancy:

• Always wash your hands after preparing food, between foods, and after the restroom. 

• Avoid contaminating foods with each other 

• Always use clean utensils and cooking equipment. Also, keep kitchen counters and sinks clean as they can harbor bacteria.

• Avoid dented cans or jars that are leaky or don’t “pop” when you open them.

• Wash raw vegetables thoroughly

• Eat or drink only pasteurized products, including apple juice 

• Completely defrost foods, especially meats, prior to cooking. Thaw foods in the refrigerator or if you’re in a rush, which in the microwave or in a watertight plastic bag submerged in cold water. Never thaw foods at room temperature.

• Do not refreeze anything that has been defrosted 

• Reheat food only once, then toss it 

• When food shopping, avoid fish, meat and eggs that are not well refrigerated or kept on ice.