Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

What to Avoid

Now that you are pregnant you are probably thinking that this is the time to eat and drink what you want and however much you want. Unfortunately, this is the incorrect assumption. I have seen plenty of women who literally have just found out they would be welcoming a new bundle of joy in nine months and have stated, “Finally, I don’t have to watch what I eat!” Many of these women have gained way too much weight and in a short amount of time. Most of these women have also gotten sick over the foods they have eaten.

When I found out I was expecting my first daughter, I was the woman who thought all these food assumptions were true. I would get to eat what I wanted and especially what I craved! One night during my second month of pregnancy I started craving calamari and scungilli. My husband ran out and got me takeout right away. Not ten minutes after I finished eating did I get sick. Guess what…you’re not supposed to eat seafood when you are pregnant because you can get very ill. After this incident I started reading about what I could and could not eat and was I surprised!

Here is a list of things you should not eat during pregnancy and the harmful effects of each:

• Fish, Seafood, and Sushi: Many fish items contain mercury which can cause the fetal brain to be damaged during development. Rae meats, uncooked fish, and seafood can cause listeria and salmonella. One good fish you can eat is Salmon which contains Omega-3 which you need during pregnancy.
• Deli Meats: Can contain listeria and toxoplasmosis which can cause harmful effects to your unborn baby including but not limited to stillbirth.
• Soft Cheeses: Listeria can also be found in soft cheeses such as Brie, blue cheese, and feta. Listeria is bacteria which can cause food poisoning.
• Raw Eggs: While cooked eggs are a great way to attain protein during your pregnancy, raw eggs may contain salmonella which can cause harmful effects to your unborn baby. Stay away from all foods containing raw eggs including eggnog, Caeser salad dressing, and yummy cake or cookie batter.

What Can I Eat?

So what can you eat? There are still plenty of tasty foods out there for you to eat and still plenty of cravings you can consume. Your best bet is to eat healthy foods including vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. Women who are pregnant must also watch their salt intake which can cause bloating and edema. Sugar intake should also be watched as too much sugar can cause gestational diabetes which can not only be harmful to yourself but your baby as well.