14 Foods To Avoid When Pregnant

by Paul M. Tyson [MD]
Fact Checked Advertiser Disclosure

There are a lot of things to think about when you’re pregnant – what to eat, what not to eat, what supplements to take, and so on. It could be a lot to keep track of, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your diet could have a big impact on your pregnancy, both in terms of your own health and the health of your baby.

In this article, we’ll go over a few of the most important things to keep in mind regarding your diet during pregnancy. Here is a list of some of the foods to avoid while you’re pregnant. Keep reading to learn more!

Contents

Foods To Avoid When Pregnant

The following foods to avoid when pregnant:

  1. Mercury-Containing Fish

    Pregnant women are advised to avoid eating fish with high mercury levels. Mercury is a toxic element that could cause damage to the nervous system.

    Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mercury, as it could cross the placenta and enter the developing child.

    There are several fish that pregnant women should avoid, including swordfish, sharks, and tilefish. Canned tuna is also high in mercury, so pregnant women should also limit their intake of this food.

  2. Raw Or Undercooked Eggs

    Eating raw or undercooked eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially during pregnancy. This is because bacteria such as Salmonella could be present in raw eggs.

    To reduce your risk, avoid foods that contain raw or undercooked eggs, such as:

    • Unpasteurized eggnog
    • Homemade Caesar dressing
    • Hollandaise sauce
    • Raw cookie dough
    • Raw eggs in a cocktail

  3. Raw Meat

    Food poisoning-causing microorganisms may be present in raw meat. When you’re pregnant, your immune system is not as strong as it normally is, so you’re more susceptible to these bacteria.

    Eating raw meat could also increase your risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, which is a parasitic infection that could be harmful to your baby.

  4. Deli Meats

    Deli meats are a convenient and popular food, but they could pose a risk to pregnant women and their babies.

    Deli meats are often contaminated with listeria, a type of bacteria that could cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborn babies.

    Pregnant women should avoid deli meats unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Any bacteria that might be in the meat will be eliminated as a result. Pregnant women should also avoid foods that contain deli meats, such as cold cuts, hot dogs, and pate.

  5. Unpasteurized Milk

    Pregnant women should only consume pasteurized milk and dairy products. Pasteurized milk is safe because the process of pasteurization kills harmful bacteria.

    Pregnant women who consume unpasteurized milk are at risk for food poisoning, which could be dangerous for both the mother and the developing fetus.

  6. Soft Cheeses

    Soft cheeses could contain listeria, a bacterium that could cause serious illness in pregnant women and their babies.

    However, if you do choose to eat them, make sure that they are made from pasteurized milk and that they are cooked thoroughly before eating.

  7. Raw Sprouts

    Raw sprouts are often touted as healthy food, but they could be quite dangerous for pregnant women. This is because raw sprouts could contain harmful bacteria that could cause food poisoning.

    Pregnant women are especially at risk for food poisoning, as their immune systems are weaker than usual. For this reason, it’s best to avoid eating raw sprouts during pregnancy.

    If you’re craving crunchy raw food, there are plenty of other options that are safe for pregnant women to eat.

    Choosing cooked or raw fruits and vegetables that have been washed thoroughly is a much safer option. With a little bit of care, you could enjoy a healthy and safe pregnancy.

  8. Unpasteurized Juices

    Unpasteurized juices may contain harmful bacteria that could put both the mother and the baby at risk.

    Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria, so pasteurized juices are generally safe for pregnant women to consume.

    But if you do choose to drink unpasteurized juices, be sure to do so only from reliable sources and to take other food safety precautions to avoid any potential risks.

  9. A lot Of Caffeine

    Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate all contain caffeine, a stimulant. It is safe to consume moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy, but excessive caffeine intake could lead to health risks for both the mother and the child.

    Caffeine should not be consumed more than 200 mg per day by pregnant women. This is roughly the same as two 8-ounce cups of coffee. energy drinks, and chocolate.

    It is safe to consume moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy, but excessive caffeine intake could lead to health risks for both the mother and the child.

  10. Herbal Teas

    Herbal teas are often promoted as being healthy and safe for all to consume. However, when pregnant, it is important to be aware that some herbal teas could pose a risk to you and your child. Here are four herbal teas to avoid during pregnancy:

    • Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea could contain mugwort, which could lead to uterine bleeding and contractions

    • Ginger tea: Ginger could cause heartburn and indigestion in pregnant women. It could also stimulate the production of stomach acid, which could lead to nausea and vomiting.

    • Peppermint tea: Peppermint could relax the muscles of the digestive tract, which could lead to acid reflux and heartburn. It could also irritate the lining of the stomach, which could lead to nausea and vomiting.

  11. Canned Foods

    Many canned foods are safe to eat during pregnancy. However, there are a few that pregnant women should avoid.

    These include canned meats, fish, and soups. These foods could contain high mercury levels, which could harm the developing baby.

    Additionally, pregnant women should avoid foods that are high in sodium. These include canned vegetables, beans, and fruits. These foods could cause dehydration and could also increase the risk of developing hypertension.

    Finally, pregnant women should avoid eating canned food that has been stored in a lead-lined can. Lead exposure could cause developmental problems in the developing baby.

    If you are unsure if a food is safe to eat, you should check with your healthcare provider before consuming it.

  12. Licorice

    Licorice root is a common ingredient in candy, chewing gum, and herbal tea. While it may have some health benefits, licorice could also be dangerous for pregnant women.

    This is because licorice root contains a substance called glycyrrhizin, which could cause pre-term birth and low birth weight.

    So if you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid licorice and any products that contain it. This includes licorice candy, licorice tea, and chewing gum with licorice flavoring.

  13. Smoked Seafood

    Smoked seafood is a type of food that is typically made by smoking fish, shellfish, or other seafood.

    While smoked seafood could be a delicious and nutritious option for many people, it is important to avoid smoked seafood when pregnant.

  14. Alcohol

    Drinking alcohol during pregnancy could increase your risk of miscarrying or having a stillbirth. It could also cause various birth defects, including heart, cleft lip and palate, and brain damage.

    Fetal alcohol syndrome is a serious condition that could lead to lifelong problems, such as learning difficulties and behavioral problems.

Final Remark

To conclude, it is important to avoid certain foods when pregnant, as they could pose a risk to the developing fetus.

Some of these foods include unpasteurized dairy products, raw meat and fish, certain types of seafood, and certain herbs and spices.

Pregnant women should also avoid consuming excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for a healthy pregnancy.