Safe and Sound: 20 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy for a Healthy Journey

Pregnant women should avoid some food because they may cause foodborne illness or other problems. Fruits like raw oysters, undercooked meat and poultry, unwashed raw vegetables, and sprouts may contain harmful bacteria that could make you very sick if you eat them while pregnant. These foods should be avoided during pregnancy because they could lead to an infection or other complications for you and your baby.

If you’re wondering what other foods to avoid during pregnancy, here’s a helpful list: hot dogs; soft cheeses such as feta; unpasteurized milk or juices; fish with high mercury levels like swordfish; sushi made with raw fish (cooked sushi is okay); undercooked eggs; If you want more, here is the whole list.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy – list

1. 1. Avocado – Avocados are very high in fat, which can harm a pregnant woman’s health. They can also be challenging to digest, which means they may cause stomach pains or nausea during pregnancy.
   2. Peaches – Peach pits contain trace amounts of cyanide, which is poisonous to humans. Eating a peach could cause you to get an upset stomach or feel dizzy.
   3. Raw Spinach – Eating raw spinach is a bad idea, as it can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning in pregnant women. It would be best to always cook your spinach before eating it to eliminate health risks.
   4. Rhubarb – Rhubarb leaves are toxic during pregnancy and shouldn’t be consumed in any form.
   5. Raw Eggs – Eating raw eggs is not recommended during pregnancy because of the risk of salmonella. Always cook your eggs before eating them, or use pasteurized ones instead.
   6. Raw Mushrooms – There are many different types of mushrooms, so you should always cook them before eating them to eliminate any risk of food poisoning.
   7. Deli Meat – Deli meat can contain listeria, a bacteria that can cause miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women.
   8. Raw Fish – Raw fish can contain parasites, so it is best to cook it before eating.
   9. Soft Cheeses – Soft cheeses like brie and camembert are not recommended during pregnancy because they may contain listeria or toxoplasmosis parasites.
   10. Raw Sprouts – Raw sprouts can contain salmonella, so avoiding them during pregnancy is best.
   11. Undercooked Meat – Meat should always be cooked thoroughly before eating it.
   12. Meat from Unfamiliar Sources – During pregnancy, you should only eat meat that has been well-cooked or comes from a reliable source.
   13. Fish with Mercury – Fish such as swordfish and tuna may contain mercury, so avoiding them during pregnancy is best.
   14. Soft Cheese Wrapped in Waxed Paper – This type of cheese may have listeria and other harmful bacteria inside it, so it should be avoided during pregnancy
   15. Cooked Eggs with Cracks in the Shell – If you eat eggs with cracks, ensure they are cooked thoroughly before eating them.
   16. Raw Sprouts – Eating raw sprouts can increase your risk of food poisoning.
   17. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables – Make sure all fruits and vegetables are washed before eating them
   18. Raw Oysters – Oysters can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning
   19. Raw Shellfish is a common food item that can cause food poisoning.
   20. Fish that has been Cured with Nitrates or Nitrites (smoked fishes) – These preservatives can be dangerous for pregnant women, so avoid them.

See also: Can I eat papaya during pregnancy?

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy – Summary

In addition to avoiding these foods, washing your hands before eating and cooking is essential. You should also wash fruits and vegetables before eating them raw to remove any harmful bacteria or chemicals on the skin.

While you are pregnant, it is also essential to drink plenty of fluids. This will keep your body hydrated and help flush out harmful chemicals and bacteria in your system. You should make sure that you eat a healthy diet during pregnancy. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables can help ensure you get enough nutrients for yourself and your baby.