Forget the Cravings! Here Are the 5 Foods You Should NEVER Eat During Pregnancy

Introduction

 

During pregnancy, most women experience crazy cravings for all sorts of foods. From ice cream to pickles, there’s seemingly nothing off-limits.

 

But as delicious as those cravings may be, there are actually a few foods you should avoid during pregnancy. Here are five of them.

 

Fish High in Mercury

 

Fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, but not all fish are safe to eat during pregnancy.

 

Fish high in mercury should be avoided. Mercury can damage the developing nervous system of the fetus, so it's best to avoid eating high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.

 

Canned tuna is a lower-mercury fish, but you should eat no more than 6 ounces per week. And remember, never eat raw fish –including sushi– during pregnancy.

 

Unpasteurized Cheese

 

Un pasteurized cheese is made from unpasteurized milk, which means the milk has not been heated to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria.

 

These bacteria can cause listeriosis, an infection that can be deadly to both mother and baby. Pregnant women are at an increased risk for listeriosis, so it's best to avoid unpasteurized cheese altogether.

 

Raw or Undercooked Meat

 

During pregnancy, it's important to avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. This is because these items can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.

 

Symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, and can unfortunately lead to hospitalization in some cases. So to be on the safe side, it's best to avoid eating raw or undercooked meat altogether.

 

Raw Sprouts

 

Raw sprouts are a no-no during pregnancy. They can contain harmful bacteria, including E. coli, which can cause serious health problems for both you and your baby. It's best to avoid them completely during this time.

 

Caffeine

 

Caffeine is one of the foods you should avoid during pregnancy. It's a stimulant that can cause you to feel wired and jittery, and it's also been linked to miscarriage and low birth weight.

 

So if you're struggling to give up your coffee habit, we understand. But try to at least cut back and switch to decaf whenever possible. And remember that caffeine is also found in soda, tea, chocolate, and some energy drinks, so be mindful of those as well.

 

Conclusion

 

While you may be tempted to indulge in some of your favorites during pregnancy, it’s important to avoid these five foods. Not only can they cause discomfort and problems during your pregnancy, but they could also potentially harm your baby. So, if you’re pregnant, steer clear of these foods and stick to the healthier options instead.