what is not safe to eat during pregnancy?

Answer 1

There's a long list, but ALCOHOL and DRUGS is the most important thing that you must, must, must not partake. Remember, the first 3 months are **critical**.

Raw Meat: Uncooked seafood and rare or uncooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.

Deli Meat: Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which may be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming.

Fish with Mercury: Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has less amounts of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation. Certain types of fish used in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury. Please see Mercury in Fish for specific types of fish and further information on how to calculate mercury levels.

Fish exposed to Industrial Pollutants: Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphyenyls. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include: blue fish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye. Contact the local health department or Environmental Protection Agency to determine which fish are safe to eat in your area. Remember, this is regarding fish caught in local waters and not fish from your local grocery store.

Raw Shellfish: The majority of seafood borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which include oysters, clams, and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infection, but it does not prevent the algae-related infections that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose concern for everybody and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.

Raw Eggs: Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs. Unpasteurized eggnog should also be avoided.

Soft Cheeses: Imported soft cheeses may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. The soft cheeses to avoid include: brie, camembert, Roquefort, feta, gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco. Soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.

Unpasteurized Milk: Unpasteurized milk may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Make sure that any milk that you drink is pasteurized.

Pate: Pate should be avoided because it may contain the bacteria Listeria.

Caffeine: Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is okay, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage. As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. This can result in water and calcium loss. It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages. Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. The safest thing is not to consume caffeine.

Alcohol: There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing, and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders. If you consumed alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. Alcohol should continue to be avoided during breastfeeding. Exposure to alcohol as an infant poses harmful risks, and alcohol does reach the baby during breastfeeding.

Unwashed Vegetables: Yes, vegetables are safe to eat, so you still need to eat them. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may contaminate the soil where the vegetables were grown.

Answer 2

Not safe, raw meat is pretty much off limits. Careful with fish, mercury is in some of it which can hurt the baby. Make sure your foods are cooked well or washed well so that no bacteria or pesticide residue is left on the food. Don't try to eat rare meat, either, it doesn't make sure that all the bacteria is killed. Talk to your doctor about any foods that may be off limits for you because of possible problems (my sister actually developed gestational diabetes and had to avoid sugar)

Answer 3

You really can eat almost anything you want that doesnt cause you to get sick. I have heard recently that tuna has high levels a mercury and that you should limit or just not eat it while pregnant or breastfeeding. You should also NOT drink things with caffeine, it has been shown to cause mis-carriages. You are also supposed to avoid wild game that has been hunted and cleaned at home because of some kind of parasite. I would probably avoid under cooked meat. Most regular food is fine, dont worry too much.

Answer 4

Limit tuna and fish intake because of the risk of mercury. I've been told to cook processed lunch meats like bologna before eating them. Also some sprouts can be harmful. I have always stayed away from diet drinks because they have said that aspartame can lead to birth defects so I stay away from all sugar substitutes while I am pregnant.

Answer 5

You shouldnt eat too much salt and youre only supposed to eat tuna like once or twice a week. Eat stuff thats healthy for you and the baby.

Answer 6

Someone said spicy foods. Thats not true!! I live in New Mexico and all i craved was mexican food. Lots of chili. So spicy food is perfect! I avoided sashimi (raw fish), tuna salad, alcohol... and cold rice is supposed to be dangerous. I'd say try and avoid buffets. You don't want tp get sick. Good luck darling!

Answer 7

salty, greasy, sweet foods. those who are under 'junk foods' are not suggested. I was still in college when i got pregnant and i needed to look after my diet. I switched to vegetarian diets and really healthy foods. I also did a lot of good exercise and it just took me 20 minutes to deliver a healthy girl. She's three years old now and she's never sick.

Answer 8

A whole lotta things my dear. Get a list from your GYN. Stuff like deli meat, no under cooked foods, definitely no sushi, liverwurst(don't ask), etc.. Check with your doc or call a family planning center.

Answer 9

antifreeze
bleach
pine-sol

Avoid anything underneath the kitchen counter! I'm SO kidding with you! I'd avoid anything that is generally unhealthy period. It'll help you and the baby. Ya know, you can have a fat baby if ya feed it too much and that's a trend you don't wanna start. Just do what it takes to take care of you and him/her! :)

Answer 10

salty, spicy, and greasy foods. If you do eat these, eat in moderation, not a lot of it unless you want to have swollen ankles.

Answer 11

not too much you cant eat you never eat before. just have to remember you DO NOT need to eat more lol

contrary to popular belief (and confirmed by your doctor of coarse) you are not eating for two