8 foods pregnant women should not eat

1. Raw eggs

And also products containing them: eggnog, homemade mayonnaise, raw dough, poached eggs, fried eggs with raw yolk, tiramisu.

What is the danger

One word is enough: salmonellosis. Fortunately, this acute intestinal infection is not fatal, but it is accompanied by severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration. But this is already bad: the normal blood supply to the fetus and the level of amniotic fluid in the uterus depend on the amount of moisture. Water deficiency can result in disruptions in the development of the unborn baby, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage.

What to do

If you don't have the strength to refuse eggs, make sure that they are thoroughly washed and thermally processed. Hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, baked goods are safe.

2. Raw meat

And also steaks roasted rare ("with blood"), uncooked smoked and dried sausages, poorly fried minced meat, for example, in fast food.

What is the danger

Raw meat can be infested with parasites. For example, Toxoplasma. They are able to penetrate the placental barrier and cause serious disruptions in the development of the unborn baby.

What to do

It is easy to rid meat of parasites - heat it properly. When it comes to jerky or smoked products, freezing them for four days will help reduce the risk.

3. Raw fish

You should be especially careful with river and wild ocean fish, molluscs (oysters, mussels), dried, smoked fish of all kinds and land.

What is the danger

The spectrum of troubles that you can get by eating a roll or dried perch is wide:

like meat, fish can be infested with parasites;
pathogenic bacteria are also found in the pulp - for example, listeria or botulinum bacteria, which cause deadly botulism (for the mother as well);
river fish can be caught in chemically polluted water bodies - and all toxic substances will go to both mother and baby;
ocean fish accumulate mercury in themselves. Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy are especially dangerous in this regard, shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tile. Mercury poisoning affects the health of both the mother and the unborn baby - this element can cause brain damage and developmental delays.

What to do

There is only properly cooked fish. You can take a chance with canned food: just keep track of the expiration date and in no case use a product from swollen cans.

4. Liver

As well as liver pate and sausage, cod liver oil Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation During Pregnancy.

What is the danger

Too much vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can lead to the development of birth defects in the fetus.

What to do

Do not overuse liver products. Especially if, for some reason, you are taking medications with vitamin A. Yes, and in no case should you prescribe vitamins and supplements to yourself - only your doctor can do this.

5. Soft cheeses

In the area of special attention:

soft cheeses with white mold - brie and camembert;
blue cheeses - gorgonzola, roquefort, Danish blue.

What is the danger

Due to the high humidity and mold, such cheeses are an ideal environment for the development of all kinds of bacteria, including those dangerous to the fetus. The same listeria, once in the body of a future baby, can provoke severe developmental disorders, miscarriage or stillbirth.

What to do

The ideal option is to switch to hard cheese (cheddar, parmesan, stilton and others): it is safe. Soft cheeses can also be eaten, but only if they are made from pasteurized milk. These are mozzarella, feta, ricotta, cream cheeses, halloumi, processed cheeses.

6. Unpasteurized milk

As well as yoghurt and ice cream made from it.

What is the danger

All in the same high risk of bacteria. Unpasteurized milk is a product that has not undergone heat treatment. Therefore, the same listeria, which is deadly for the unborn child, can be found in it.

What to do

Try to drink only pasteurized milk. If for some reason only raw is available, be sure to boil it before use.

7. Products with caffeine

This is not only coffee, but also green tea, chocolate, cola, energy drinks, as well as some medicines for colds and flu.

What is the danger

An overabundance of this substance can lead to the fact that the baby will have a low birth weight - and this increases the risk of health problems in the future. Sometimes the abuse of caffeine products triggers a miscarriage.

What to do

You don't have to completely cut out caffeine - just don't consume more than 200 mg per day. In order not to cross the line, be guided by the approximate values of Foods to avoid in pregnancy:

1 cup of instant coffee - 100 mg of caffeine
1 cup of espresso - 140 mg
1 cup of tea - 75 mg
1 can of cola (330 ml) - 40 mg;
1 can of energy drink (250 ml) - 80 mg;
50 g of dark chocolate - up to 25 mg;
50 g milk chocolate - up to 10 mg.

We emphasize once again: these are approximate figures. But they can be used for calculation. For example, if you had a cup of espresso in the morning and a can of cola in the middle of the day, you got almost 200 mg of caffeine.

8. Poorly washed vegetables and fruits

And also berries that grow close to the soil - the same strawberries or currants on the lower branches of the bush. Freshly squeezed juices are also questionable if you do not know how thoroughly you washed the ingredients before cooking.

What is the danger

The bacteria that cause toxoplasmosis and botulism also live in the soil. There is a risk that an apple picked up from the ground or a poorly washed carrot carry them.

What to do

It is impossible to give up fruits and vegetables during pregnancy: this is part of a healthy balanced diet. But it is imperative to monitor their cleanliness. Not only the health of the mother herself depends on this, but, possibly, the life of the future baby.