Foods that Can Harm a Female’s Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a lovely experience, but it's also the time when a woman's body experiences incredible changes to support new life. One of the most important things to do in supporting both the mother's and baby's health is their diet. Thus, fueling your body with healthy foods should be your top priority. However, understanding which harmful foods during pregnancy to stay away from is equally important.

Some foods and beverages are harmful to both you and your baby, especially those that can raise the risk of infections or other issues. Raw or undercooked meat, sushi, and unpasteurised milk are a no-no since they have the potential to carry harmful bacteria. Processed foods and too much caffeine need to be monitored as well, they may seem harmless but can affect you in the long run. So, scroll down to get the complete list of foods to avoid when pregnant.

Harmful Foods to Avoid during Pregnancy

Your immune system becomes sensitive during pregnancy, making you more susceptible to bacterial or food-borne diseases. Due to the increased risk of infection or harm to the unborn child, there are certain foods that you should avoid during pregnancy. The unsafe foods for pregnant women to stay away from include the following: 

High Mercury Fish

Mercury can be found in contaminated waters. This metal can be harmful to the growing fetus if it enters into the gut of the mother. Higher dosages may have an impact on your kidneys, immunological system, and brain system. Children may experience severe developmental issues, even at lesser dosages. Thus, pregnant women are advised to stay away from high-mercury fish, especially the large marine fish that can accumulate large amounts of mercury. Avoid the intake of fish such as:

• Shark,
• Swordfish,
• King Mackerel,
• Tuna (especially bigeye tuna),
• Marlin,
• Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico,
• Orange Roughy.

Alcohol

Although there is no safe quantity of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, some people may believe they can consume small amounts of alcohol.

Alcohol in the mother's blood is transferred to the fetus through the umbilical cord, which can result in numerous developmental problems, either mental or physical. Thus, pregnant women are generally advised by doctors to stay away from drinking alcohol.

Deli Meats or Other Cured Meats 

Deli meats and cured meats can sometimes carry harmful Listeria bacteria, which is especially risky for pregnant women and their babies. Listeria infections can lead to serious complications, including miscarriage.

Before consuming any meat, it should be cooked to 165°F to prevent Listeria. This includes any meat that is typically consumed cold, like deli meats that have been sliced. This may be more challenging with cured meats, including Serrano ham, pepperoni, or pancetta. Thus, it is best to avoid these during pregnancy.

Organ Meat

Organ meats are packed with essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, zinc, selenium, and copper. These nutrients are important for both you and your unborn baby.

However, too much-preformed vitamin A, especially during the first trimester, can increase the risk of miscarriage or congenital abnormalities in the baby. As organ meats like liver and kidney are high in vitamin A, it is best to eat them in small amounts, just once or twice a week.

Undercooked or Raw Fish

There is an increased chance that raw fish, particularly shellfish, will have bacteria or parasites like Salmonella, Listeria, Vibrio, or norovirus. Moreover, the handling, storage, and processing of raw fish, such as smoking or drying, might result in infection.

Even if you don't have any symptoms, some of these infections can still travel via the placenta to your unborn child and also cause dehydration and weakness in the parents. These infections can raise the chance of stillbirth, pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, and other major health issues.

Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Eggs are a natural source of minerals and protein, but uncooked or undercooked eggs are susceptible to Salmonella bacteria and are known to be one of the risky foods for expecting mothers. Although a Salmonella infection usually lasts about a week, it can be more severe for young children, older adults, pregnant women or those with weaker immune systems. To stay safe during pregnancy, avoid foods made with raw or undercooked eggs. Here are some common examples: 

• Runny yolks from poached or fried eggs,
• Softly scrambled eggs,
• Salad dressings like Caesar dressing,
• Tiramisu,
• Eggnog,
• Homemade or artisan ice cream,
• Cookie dough,
• Hollandaise sauce,
• Casseroles and other egg-based items.

Soft Cheese

Many types of cheese contain beneficial bacteria. However, some of them also include harmful microbes. Hence, pregnant women should avoid consuming soft cheeses derived from unpasteurised milk, such as:

• Feta,
• Gorgonzola,
• Brie,
• Camembert,
• Roquefort,
• Queso Fresco.

Listeria and E. coli are two harmful bacteria that can be found in soft cheese. Hard cheeses, like Cheddar or Swiss, are safer to consume. Check the label to make sure the cheese is prepared from pasteurised milk because pasteurised cheese is an even better option.

Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Unwashed or unpeeled vegetables and fruits may have germs and parasites, including Salmonella, E. Coli, Listeria, and Toxoplasma on their surface. Any stage of cultivation, harvesting, processing, storing, shipping, or retail might result in contamination. Moreover, certain plant foods such as spinach, carrot, beet, potato, broccoli, cabbage and more may contain the parasite Toxoplasma. The parasite can enter the placenta and cause learning disabilities and eyesight impairments later in life. Severe brain or eye impairment can sometimes be evident from birth. Therefore, always wash all fruits and vegetables well with clean water and peel or boil them before eating.

Unpasteurised Milk or Fruit Juices

Pregnant women are advised to stay away from foods dangerous in pregnancy, including unpasteurised fruit juice and milk. This is because Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli can all be found in unpasteurised milk.

Pregnant women are more vulnerable to serious infections from these bacteria, especially if their immune systems are under stress. To stay safe, always choose pasteurised milk and check product labels to ensure any milk-based items are made with pasteurised milk. Moreover, pregnant women should avoid cider and raw fruit juices, including freshly squeezed liquids like orange or apple juice. These can contain harmful bacteria. To make them safe, boil any unpasteurised juice or cider for at least one minute, then let it cool before drinking.

Caffeine

According to research, high caffeine consumption has been linked to a number of developmental problems, small birth weight, stillbirth, and pregnancy loss. Thus, it is suggested as one of the foods to avoid when pregnant. Caffeine is readily absorbed and transported into the placenta. However, it can build up in the baby's system because the baby and placenta lack the enzyme needed to metabolise caffeine.

Take a Healthy Diet for a Healthy Baby!

Pregnancy diet restrictions are quite common. However, they are necessary for maintaining the health of the expectant mother and unborn child. Doctors may suggest specific dietary options because pregnancy brings about many changes in the body. Consult with your doctor or dietitian to get a personalised plan that mentions how to avoid harmful foods during pregnancy and have a nutritional to have a healthy delivery.

You can also speak with our doctors at Apollo Spectra to learn about the foods you should avoid eating and how much of each meal you should consume. They will assist you while providing the best care possible. Book an appointment today!