7 Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Women need to be extra careful when it comes to choosing the right kind of foods to eat when they’re pregnant. That’s because they are eating not only for themselves but also for their baby. For someone who’s expecting, here are seven foods to avoid during pregnancy.

1. Undercooked meat

Pregnant women must avoid eating undercooked meat because they can be a major cause of bacterial poisoning. Always cook meat properly and use a food thermometer to determine whether or not you have cooked the meat right.

2. Unpasteurized products

Unpasteurized food items like milk and cheeses can be harmful to you and your baby because they are carriers of food borne diseases. Stick to low-fat dairy products and make sure they’re pasteurized.

3. Excessive caffeine

Caffeine is present not only in coffee but also in tea, chocolates and some beverages. Drinking too much caffeine can lead to a low birth weight and is even considered a cause of miscarriage. You don’t need to abstain from caffeine but don’t exceed the 200mg limit.

4. Alcoholic drinks

Carrying a baby in your body for nine months is a big responsibility, which is why you have to make certain sacrifices such as avoiding alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can cause deformities, mental retardation and eventually heart diseases. Don’t drink alcohol when pregnant to ensure your baby comes out and stays healthy.

5. Raw or undercooked eggs

Bacteria can grow and multiply fast in raw or uncooked eggs. For someone who’s pregnant, it’s best to cook your favourite eggs until the white and yolk are well done. Also avoid products like homemade dressings and eggnog that use raw eggs.

6. Contaminated seafood

Seafood is an excellent source of nutrients for pregnant women. However, there are those which are contaminated. Fishes, shellfishes and the like which are caught in highly polluted or contaminated waters must be avoided. You should also steer clear of seafood with high mercury content.

7. Undercooked poultry

Always have your poultry products well-cooked to avoid diseases. Again, use a meat thermometer to guarantee that your chicken or turkey was cooked correctly under the right amount of heat.

Women must be aware of these foods to avoid during pregnancy. It is one way for them to protect themselves and their baby from diseases.

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