Pregnant women are often bombarded with advice. Everyone around educates them about what to eat or what not to eat. And as a result, they get confused. It’s a fact that there are certain foods that a pregnant woman needs to avoid. Sometimes, these foods will have a negative impact on the fetus, resulting in a miscarriage. A pregnant woman is, in fact, prone to food-borne illness as the mother’s immune system is altered during pregnancy. While the mother takes care of the developing fetus, she may find it difficult to ward off all harmful food-borne microorganisms. These microorganisms can cross the placenta, hurting the growing fetus. Foodborne illness during pregnancy can, thus, cause miscarriage in some women. So, it’s important to be aware of the foods that may cause it.
1. Fish With High Levels Of Methylmercury
Methylmercury is a metal found in certain fish. For most people, the risk from it is not a major concern. But, a pregnant woman and her unborn baby need to be careful about some fish and shellfish containing higher levels of methylmercury. They should refrain from eating swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark. Enjoy eating other fish that are lower in methylmercury such as salmon, shrimp, canned light tuna, pollock, and catfish.
2. Raw Or Lightly-Cooked Eggs
Eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, a harmful bacterium. You should avoid eating foods that may contain raw or lightly-cooked eggs. You will have to stop using batter or dough, which contains raw eggs. Also, don’t go for dressings and sauces made with raw eggs. You need to cook eggs until the yolks and eggs are firm. Ensure that scrambled eggs are also cooked properly. Using pasteurized eggs in the shell or carton is safe.
3. Unpasteurized Milk
Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous pathogen is a culprit here. Unpasteurized milk might be contaminated with it. Pregnant women should go for pasteurized milk. Even in the case of juices, drink juices that have been pasteurized or otherwise treated to kill hurtful bacteria. Also, its’s safe not to drink fresh-squeezed juices from juice bars or from roadside stands as they many not be pasteurized.
4. Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts are well known for its health benefits. But for a pregnant woman, its drawbacks may outweigh the benefits. Steer clear of raw sprouts of any kind. Always remember to check your sandwiches and salads for raw sprouts when you eat out. You can have the sprouts in cooked form.
5. Soft Cheese
Don’t worry about ditching the beloved soft cheese for next nine months. You can have soft cheese made from pasteurized milk. Other than that, soft cheeses like Feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, queso blanco, queso fresco, or Panela should not have a place in your kitchen.
6. Deli Meats
Pregnant women can get listeriosis by eating foods contaminated with it. In fact, most of these infections happen during the third trimester of pregnancy. But, infections that occur during the first trimester have more fetal consequences. And thus, L. monocytogenes is one of the most common causes of miscarriage. Listeria monocytogenes may exist in hot dogs, deli meats, and luncheon meats. Unless they’re reheated until steaming hot, don’t have them. Even refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads may contain this unhealthy bacteria. Canned or shelf-stable pâtés and meat spreads are safe to eat.
7. Raw Or Undercooked Meat
The presence of Toxoplasma gondii, which is a parasite, makes raw or undercooked meat a forbidden food. Raw or undercooked meat especially pork, venison, or lamb are at high risk. Even touching your hands to the mouth after handling undercooked meat may pose a danger. Be careful about contaminated knives, utensils, cutting boards and foods that have had contact with raw meat.
8. Limit Caffeine
No need to cut it out completely. But limit the amount of caffeine you have each day. Do not have more than 200mg of caffeine a day. It is the amount in about 12 ounces of coffee. Because high levels of caffeine might also cause miscarriage.
Take These Precautions
Fresh fruits and vegetables are inevitable during pregnancy. But, you should make adequate precautions before you use because the bacteria on the outside of fruits or vegetables may affect you. Thoroughly rinse raw fruits and vegetables under running water. Give special attention in cutting away damaged or bruised area where bacteria can thrive.
Wondering why papaya, pineapple, and some other fruits did not make it to the list of banned foods? Well, many of these foods are part of an old wives’ tale. There are no scientific studies to back it up.1 So, before you decide to shun any of your favorite fruit during these nine months, ask your doctor about the need for it. Well then, happy and healthy eating!
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