Pregnancy Nutrition and Diet Changes

A pregnancy is a delicate time for the mother and the child. Everything a woman eats or drinks affects the child growing inside of her. This is why it is important to consume a balanced and complete diet and to maintain a healthy level of exercise, too. Understanding which foods and drinks to avoid during a pregnancy ensures that no complications or issues occur. The following are some items to avoid when pregnant.

Raw Meat and Deli Meat

Raw meat includes everything from uncooked seafood to any poultry or beef that is undercooked. These items have an increased likelihood of containing bacteria, salmonella, or toxoplasmosis. Not only will such things hurt the mother and make her ill but they could harm the baby, too. Deli meats may be contaminated with listeria. This item can infect the baby and lead to blood poisoning, or worse. Similarly, smoked seafood options like lox and jerky may also contain listeria and should be avoided. Avoiding such meats will ensure that a miscarriage does not occur.

Raw Eggs

It is important for pregnant women to avoid eating raw eggs. This means being wary of homemade ice cream, Hollandaise sauces, and mayonnaise. Raw eggs can expose a pregnant woman to salmonella, which could end up harming the baby. Pasteurized eggs are safe to consume and cooked eggs are fine, too.

Soft Cheeses and Any Unpasteurized Milk

It is important to avoid imported soft cheeses, especially if they are made with unpasteurized milk. This is because listeria is known to exist in everything from brie and feta to gorgonzola and Mexican cheeses like quso blanco. Any cheeses that are made with treated or pasteurized milk are fine. Additionally, any pate or meat spreads may also contain listeria and should be avoided. A general rule to follow with such cheeses is that when in doubt don’t eat the item. There’s no reason to risk a miscarriage or blood poison because of carelessness.

Alcohol

There is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during a pregnancy. This is why it should be avoided at all costs. It may be hard to give up that glass of wine with meals, but it will keep the child safe from harm. Too much alcohol can not only interfere with the baby’s development and cause complications but it can also lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Caffeine

One needs to be careful about how much coffee or caffeine she consumes. A moderate amount like a cup a day is okay but too much can cause a miscarriage. It is important to avoid caffeine during the first trimester. After this, it is okay to have a cup or two. Caffeine can dehydrate a woman because it is a diuretic. Thus, avoiding this substance ensures the baby is protected from low birth weight and a premature birth.

Best Pregnancy Nutrition Cookbook