Foods to avoid during pregnancy

[sweetlalitha]

A biggest confusion when you got pregnant for first time, what to eat and not eat!!!

Let's share here some of the foods that have to be avoided during pregnancy.

1. Don't eat spicy food
2. Fish containing high levels of an industrial pollutant should be avoided.
3. Caffeine consumption can put the pregnant woman to the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
4. Raw eggs should not be eaten during pregnancy, because they contain Salmonella, a bacteria that causes food borne illness.
5. Consumption of alcoholic beverages causes host of health problems in the baby, including low body weight, learning disabilities, visual problems, deformed organs and other abnormalities.

 

[sweetlalitha]

Papaya during pregnancy

Many people got confused whether to eat papaya during pregnancy.

Papaya can cause miscarriage, it is partially true because Un-ripe papaya contains a white latex which can cause miscarriage.

However, there is nothing wrong with fully ripened Papaya.

But be carefull in choosing it.

 

[Penmai]

yeah me too heared about unripe papaya cause miscarriage because it contains high concentration of latex that can cause uterine contractions which in turn cause a miscarriage.

If you search on this topic on the internet, you will find many contradicting opinions. But on the safer side it is best to avoid it.

 

[radhika]

I had logged in penmai in a right time i think. Thanks for the information of Foods to avoid during pregnancy.

Looking forward your all help to get through my journey of pregnancy.

 

[cutegeetha]

Also please add this to the list of foods to be avoided during pregnancy. Pineapple, horse gram, bamboo, Sugarcane, unboiled or half-boiled egg and bittergourd.

 

[sweetlalitha]

Thanks geetha, i too heard of pineapple and unboiled egg forget to add it.

 

[simran]

Having coffee or anything which contains caffeine as caffeine is not gud for pregnant women.
Even dont take too much cold drinks also......

 

[sweetlalitha]

Having coffee or anything which contains caffeine as caffeine is not gud for pregnant women.
Even dont take too much cold drinks also......

yes simran... its really bad ... and also creates constipation...

 

[sweetlalitha]

Having coffee or anything which contains caffeine as caffeine is not gud for pregnant women.
Even dont take too much cold drinks also......

yes simran... its really bad ... and also creates constipation...

 

[radhika]

very useful post thanks for sharing. Is drinking tea is also bad for health? and what about butter milk is it good or bad.

 

[cutegeetha]

hi radhika its better to avoid tea and coffee. try having any formulated foods like mothers horlicks etc.

Butter milk is good to have during pregnancy, but minimize the salt intake.

 

[simran]

1. Raw meat such as sushi, seafood, rare or uncooked beef, or poultry because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.
2. Raw eggs, or foods containing raw egg such as Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custard, unpasteurized eggnog, or Hollandaise sauce because raw egg may be contaminated with salmonella.
3. Soft cheese such as blue cheese, feta, Brie, Camambert, and Latin-American soft white cheeses such as queso blanco and queso fresco because they may harbor harmful bacteria.
4. Fish containing accumulated levels of mercury in their fatty tissues such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish. When a pregnant woman consumes large amounts of mercury, her baby may suffer brain damage resulting in developmental delays (for example, delays in learning to walk or talk).
5. Fish containing high levels of an industrial pollutant called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their fatty tissues such as bluefish and striped bass, and freshwater fish such as salmon, pike, trout, walleye from contaminated lakes and rivers.
6. According to the March of Dimes, consumption of large amounts of PCBs by pregnant women is linked to decreased attention, memory, and IQ in their babies. Check with your local Health Department to determine which fish in your area are safe to eat.
7. Deli meats – Could pose a threat due to bacteria.

Radhika check out the link here you will get more info regarding foods to avoid during pregnancy...
ALL THE BEST
Reference:
Foods to be avoid during pregnancy

 

[roja123]

thanks lalitha for providing me with such a great information.

 

[Parasakthi]

Raw or Undercooked Meats

Pregnant women are more apt to fall ill from the bacteria that is carried in meat or poultry then an average person might be. By assuring that meats and poultry are cooked thoroughly, women lessen the risk of developing salmonella, toxoplasmosis and coliform, which all can prove harmful to a developing fetus, due to the side effects of these illnesses.

Certain Seafood Types

While there are some seafood types that are acceptable to eat while pregnant, there are others that need to be avoided at all costs. Consuming any raw seafood or fish is never recommended while pregnant. When selecting fresh fish, be sure that it has not come from a contaminated water source, as pollutants can cause problems for pregnant mothers. Additionally, smoked seafood that is not canned should be avoided as it could carry listeria.

Deli Meats

Women who are pregnant are advised not to eat sliced deli meats and cheeses, such as ham, turkey and bologna. Deli meats have a high likelihood of cross contamination and could carry listeria, which has proven deadly to unborn babies. While the risk is low, many doctors recommend that their patients do not eat sliced lunch meats or that they reheat the meats until they are steaming hot to kill bacteria, before consumption.

 

[Parasakthi]

Raw Eggs

Recipes that contain raw eggs should not be used during pregnancy. Raw eggs can carry salmonella, which is a dangerous bacteria to contract at any time. When pregnant, the accompanying illness can cause serious pregnancy complications.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Be sure to check that all milk and dairy that you consume has been pasteurized. When dairy is left unpasteurized, it could contain listeria. Though most dairy is pasteurized before distribution, products that come from organic farms and other sources may not have been processed and could pose a serious risk to an unborn baby.

Soft Cheeses

Certain types of soft cheese should not be eaten during pregnancy. Imported cheeses, such as Brie, Feta, Gorgonzola, Queso Blanco, and Camembert are generally not pasteurized can may contain listeria, which can result in illness or even miscarriage.

Unwashed Vegetables

While vegetables are an important part of a pregnant woman’s diet, unwashed vegetables can be dangerous. Be sure that all fruits and vegetables are thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt and bacteria that could be left on the surface. Soil that contains toxoplasmosis can transfer the bacteria to the plants, but it is easily removed with a thorough washing.

Caffeine

Pregnant women should cut back on their consumption of caffeine, particularly in the first trimester. There have been studies that have shown a correlation between caffeine intake and increased risk of miscarriage in the earlier weeks of pregnancy.


Alcohol


Although some claim that the occasional alcoholic beverage is acceptable during pregnancy, there has been no research that has established a safe level of alcohol consumption when pregnant. One of the effects of alcohol on an unborn baby is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which can cause serious birth defects, brain damage and other problems in infants.

Avoid Tobacco Smoke

Smoking is exceedingly bad to your unborn baby (as agreeably as to yourself) and have got to be totally avoided. In fact, it’s so harmful, such a pregnant women will be able to that much steer clear of opposite people’s smoke.

When you smoke, your baby becomes decreased oxygen, that can hint at your baby to step up a greater amount of continually and step up relatively low weight. Tobacco smoke has in addition been heard tethered to preterm labor and larger amount of pregnancy complications.

While this list may seem somewhat extensive, there are plenty of foods to include in your meals that are perfectly safe for you and your baby. If you have concerns about a specific type of food, be sure to speak with a medical professional. Although it can be tough to forego your favorite foods for nine months, the deprivation is well worth the reward of a happy, healthy pregnancy and baby.

 

[sandradavis]

You should avoid soft, unpasteurized cheese, raw eggs, and certain kinds of fish. I am not sure of what fish though...definitely no sushi though.
Eggs provide a lot of protein and fish is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids which are good for baby's brain development.

 

[nlakshmi]

Even Salads, freshly prepared Salads that are washed thoroughly is highly recommended. Wash each and every vegetable and greens that are to be used in the salads thoroughly. Salads available at stores that are not packaged or stored properly and restuarants where the vegetables are cut and openly stored may accumulate bacteria as the time lapses are not advisable to take during pregnant. Some bacteria and viruses are very harmful and also you may never know who came across those salads like people with common cold , kids with dirty hands, or just simple dust.

About the Raw eggs. Its not recommended to eat anything raw during pregnancy. Even milk should be pasteruized properly.All the food should be well and fully cooked. As the Immunity of your body goes down during pregnancy its will not have enough power to protect and fight against harmful bacteria or viruses.

 

[nlakshmi]

[h=3]So Long, Soft Cheeses[/h] Eating Mexican queso blanco or other soft cheeses during pregnancy can be risky. Those made with unpasteurized milk can harbor Listeria bacteria, which has been linked to miscarriage, premature delivery, and death. It’s best to avoid brie, camembert, feta, blue cheese, queso blanco, queso fresco, and Panela – unless the label says it's pasteurized. When in doubt or dining out, ask before you eat.


[h=3]Skip Undercooked Meat[/h] You might like your filet mignon rare, but pregnancy is a time to order all steaks and burgers well done. Raw or undercooked meat can harbor toxoplasma and a variety of bacteria. When dining out, make sure your meat is steaming hot and thoroughly cooked. At home, the temperature should reach at least 145° F for whole cuts, 160° F for ground meats like hamburger, and 165°F for chicken breasts.


[h=3]Beware Fresh Juice[/h] Fresh-squeezed juice in restaurants, juice bars, or farm stands may not be pasteurized to protect against harmful bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli. Some markets also sell raw, unpasteurized juice in the refrigerated case – look for the required warning label and steer clear. Pregnant women should opt for juice that is pasteurized. Shelf stable juice in boxes and bottles is also safe.


[h=3]Sayonara, Sushi[/h] Sorry, sushi fans, but it's time for a 9-month hiatus from this treat. Although seafood is a great source of protein, raw seafood can be a source of harmful parasites and bacteria. The FDA recommends pregnant women only eat fish and other seafood that has been cooked thoroughly.



Continues....

 

[nlakshmi]

[h=3]Raw Cookie Dough[/h]
When you're baking cookies, you may be tempted to pop a bit of raw dough in your mouth. But even a taste can be risky if the dough contains raw eggs. The CDC estimates one in 20,000 eggs is tainted with salmonella bacteria. To be safe, resist tasting unbaked cookie dough, batter, or filling made with raw eggs. The good news is store-bought cookie dough ice cream is safe.

[h=3]Homemade Caesar Dressing[/h] Raw eggs are also used in many homemade dressings and sauces, such as:

• Caesar salad dressing
• Béarnaise sauce
• Hollandaise sauce
• Mayonnaise

Pregnant women should opt for store-bought versions, which are made with pasteurized eggs.


[h=3]Homemade Tiramisu[/h] Many homemade desserts, including mousse, meringue, and tiramisu, also contain raw eggs. If a store-bought version won’t do, there is a safe way to prepare your favorite recipe. Some supermarkets sell pasteurized eggs, which are OK to eat raw. Make sure the label on the eggs specifically states "pasteurized."


[h=3]Fresh Pre-Stuffed Poultry[/h] A pre-stuffed turkey or chicken offers a short-cut to a guest-worthy meal. But the juice from fresh, raw poultry can mix with the stuffing and promote bacterial growth. Cooking protects most people, but pregnancy makes it harder to fight off infections. A safe alternative is buying frozen pre-stuffed poultry. Be sure to cook it directly from frozen – don't let it defrost first. The thigh meat should hit 180 ºF.


[h=3]Fish With Mercury[/h] Swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark contain high levels of methylmercury. This metal can harm an unborn baby's development. Pregnant women should choose fish that are low in mercury, such as catfish, salmon, and canned light tuna. If you prefer albacore (white) tuna, limit yourself to 6 ounces per week. Check with your doctor before taking fish oil or any other supplements while pregnant.



Continues....

 

[nlakshmi]

[h=3]Deli Meats[/h] Unlike many other foodborne germs, listeria can grow at the temperatures inside your fridge. For this reason, pregnant women should avoid perishable, ready-to-eat meats, such as cold cuts and hot dogs. You can make these foods safe by heating them until they are steaming hot and eating them promptly.


[h=3]Pâtés or Meat Spreads[/h] Pâtés contain perishable meats, so they may harbor listeria as well. Keeping your fridge at or below 40° F will slow the growth of this bacteria, but won't stop it completely. Because pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to listeria, it's best to avoid any type of refrigerated meat spread. Spam lovers can breathe easy. Canned and shelf-safe meat spreads are OK during pregnancy, if not exactly a healthy food.


[h=3]Unwashed Fruits/Veggies[/h] Pregnancy is no time to skimp on fresh fruits and vegetables. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly under running water. A parasite called toxoplasma can live on unwashed fruits and veggies. It causes an illness called toxoplasmosis, which can be very dangerous to an unborn baby. Don’t use soap to wash produce. Instead, scrub the surface with a small vegetable brush. Cut away any bruised areas, since these may harbor bacteria.


[h=3]Raw Sprouts[/h] Pregnant women should not eat raw sprouts of any kind, including alfalfa, clover, and radish. Bacteria can get into the seeds before the sprouts begin to grow, and these germs are nearly impossible to wash away. At the deli, check sandwiches to make sure they don't contain raw sprouts. At home, cook sprouts thoroughly to destroy any bacteria.


[h=3]Smoked Seafood[/h] During pregnancy, it's best to skip the lox when you enjoy your morning bagel. Like ready-to-eat meats, refrigerated smoked seafood is vulnerable to listeria. This includes smoked salmon (often labeled nova or lox), as well as smoked trout, whitefish, cod, tuna, or mackerel. It is safe to use smoked seafood in a cooked meal, such as a casserole.


Continues....