Some Foods that are Unsafe for Pregnant Women

When I was pregnant, I constantly worried if I was doing right by the baby growing inside me. I loved my morning coffee, but I was sure it wasn't the best for my baby. It seems like all the rules change when you're pregnant. What seemed harmless before the pregnancy now may have lasting effects on your child. So what foods and drinks should you avoid while you are pregnant?

Foods to Avoid

Raw Vegetables - Raw vegetables that have not been properly cleaned may cause toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is the disease usually associated with cat litter boxes. If your vegetables have been grown in an area that cats have access to, they may have been contaminated. Some ways to avoid this are to either eat cooked vegetables or wash raw vegetables thoroughly.

Raw sprouts have also been linked to cases of salmonella.

Raw Meats - Raw or undercooked meats can cause illness in pregnant women due to coliform bacteria, salmonella and toxoplasmosis. Always make sure your meats are properly cooked and avoid consumption of raw foods, such as sushi.

Raw Eggs - Eating raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs may cause salmonella. Some foods that may contain raw eggs are some salad dressings and uncooked baked goods such as cookie and cake batter.

Soft Cheeses - Some soft cheeses such as brie may contain harmful bacteria that has not been killed due to the pasteurizing process. While it may not have affected you before your pregnancy, you may now be at risk.

Some Fish - Fish that contain high levels of mercury, such as shark and swordfish, may cause your baby to suffer brain damage.

Also be wary of fish that has been caught locally. Some waters in your area may be polluted, making the fish unsafe to eat. Contact your local health department or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to find out which local waters are safe.

Deli Meats - Deli meats have been linked to cases of listeria. If exposed to listeria while pregnant, it may cause miscarriage.

Liver - Liver or liver products, such as cod liver supplements, are very high in vitamin A. While vitamin A is good for you in moderation, high levels may put your baby at risk. A healthy, well balanced diet and use of prenatal vitamins will provide you and your baby with enough vitamin A.

Drinks to Avoid

It is common knowledge that alcoholic drinks should be avoided while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Heavily drinking alcohol may cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, causing severe physical and mental problems for your baby. It also increases your risk of miscarriage or harm your baby's development.

Some other drinks to avoid are:

Eggnog - Eggnog contains raw eggs which may cause salmonella.

Caffeine - High levels of caffeine increase your risk of miscarriage or may contribute to low birth weight for your baby. If you feel that you can't do without your coffee or soda, try switching to decaffeinated products.

Artificial Sweeteners - The medical jury is still out in regards to the effects that artificially sweetened drinks have on your unborn child. If you do use artificial sweeteners, use them in moderation. If you are craving a sweet drink, consider water sweetened with a little juice as a healthier alternative.

In general, following a healthy, balanced diet while pregnant is your best bet for an ideal pregnancy. Avoid overeating. A woman who is pregnant with one child should increase her calorie intake by 300 calories. The excuse that you are eating for two may not be safe for you or your baby.

http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/nutritioninpregn/a/aaabavoidfood.htm
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/nutritioninpregn/a/aa011100a.htm
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/foodstoavoid.html
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068728/