What food to avoid during pregnancy

When you find that you are pregnant, you make want to make a few changes to your lifestyle for the healthy development of your baby. For example, you may need to stop alcohol and smoking. 

You may also want to switch to a healthier diet for the good of your baby. Indeed, many health authorities around the world also recommend women to avoid certain food during pregnancy. 

Alcohol

First and foremost, you should avoid alcohol. Pregnant women should stay away from alcohol as it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Many studies have confirmed that even a small amount can negatively impact the brain development of your baby.

It can also cause fetal alcohol syndrome. This syndrome involves facial deformities, heart defects and mental retardation.

Uncooked or undercooked fish or meat

First, any uncooked or undercooked fish or meat is not allowed. Uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided during pregnancy because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis and salmonella.

Soft cheese

Do not eat soft cheese made from unpasteurized milk. This includes Brie, Feta, Camembert and Roquefort.

Cheese made from unpasteurized milk may contain the virus E.coli or Listeria.

Caffeine

Coffee, tea, chocolate and some soft drinks have a high level of caffeine. Pregnant women should limit their consumption to one or two cups in a day.

This is because the caffeine can be passed to the growing fetus very quickly. Furthermore, the unborn baby do not have the enzyme to metabolize the caffeine, causing the caffeine level to build up.

According to one study published by the National Institute of Health, high maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with the risk of low birth weight in babies.

Caffeine is also a diuretic, this will excerberate frequent urination that pregnant women face. 

You may want to refer to what foods to avoid during pregnancy for a complete list of food to avoid during pregnancy