I just found out that I'm pregnant. What are some foods I should avoid so I can stay healthy?

Answer 1

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.

Smoked Seafood -Refrigerated, smoked seafood often labed as lox, nova style, kippered, or jerky should be avoided because they could be contaminated with Listeria. (These are safe to eat when they are in an ingredient in meal that has been cooked like a casserole.) This type of fish is often found in the deli section or regrigereated section. Canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is ok to eat.

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.

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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 homemade Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs.

If the recipe is cooked at some point, this will reduce the exposure to salmonella. Commercially manufactured ice cream, dressings and eggnog are made with pasteurized eggs and do not increase the risk of salmonella. Restauants also should be using pasteurized eggs in any recipe that is made with raw eggs, such as Hollandaise sauce or dressings.

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. You would need to avoid soft cheeses such as : brie, camembert, Roquefort, feta, gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pastuerized milk. All 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: Refrigereated pate or meat spreads should be avoided because it may contain the bacteria Listeria. Canned pate, or shelf-safe meat spreads can be eaten.

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

I'm also newly pregnant, and figuring out what foods i can and can't eat. Apart from the obvious (alcohol, too much caffeine, fish high in mercury), I was surprised to learn that you are not supposed to eat deli meats or hot dogs unless they are reheated until steaming, soft cheeses (like brie, feta), although pasturized cream cheese is ok. You're also supposed to avoid foods made with raw egg (some caesar salad dressings). I'm sure there are more things to avoid, but that's all i can think of at the moment. I'm going through morning nausea/sickness these days, so although I'm trying my best to eat a healthy, balanced diet, I'm finding my food aversions are making this difficult. Good luck to you and congratulations!

Answer 3

You can still go to the doc. Medicade will back date your coverage, especially if you are pregnant. Just let the doc. know that you are planning on applying. You should go and get some prenatal vitamins...you should be able to get some at GNC or a Drug store for about $10-$15 a bottle, its very important for the brain development of your baby. Walk a little bit, everyday to stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables. If you get cravings, go for it, but in small portions.. Drink a LOT of water at least 10-12 glasses a day. Get as much rest as you can. I hope this helps you.

Answer 4

One thing that I avoided mainly because it just caused upset stomach were acidy drinks like orange juice 1st thing in the morning. I would recommend avoiding foods that have lots of preservatives and/or chemical additives. Try to stay as natural as possible. Limit pre-packaged junk and make wholesome meals.

Answer 5

You should avoid excessive amounts of caffeine (more than 2 servings a day), no more than 2-3 servings of artificial sweetener a day. Avoid unpasturized dairy products, like soft cheeses. Don't eat excessive amounts of fish, especially tuna. And heat deli meats if you're going to eat them.
Good luck and congrats!

Answer 6

Mackerel, tilefish, swordfish, shark, and any Great Lakes fish due to high mercury content.

Any soft or unpasteurized cheeses, such as Brie and Bleu, due to risk of listeriosis (very dangerous to fetus).

Hot dogs and processed lunchmeats unless microwaved to steaming, also due to risk of listeriosis. Hot dogs processed lunchmeats are high in salt, fat and nitrates so there is little redeeming nutritional value in them anyway, go lightly on them.

Of course drink lots of water and fluids and keep a watchful eye on your salt intake.

Congrats on the pregnancy!!!

Answer 7

Definately no caffiene. Try to eat fruits and veggies instead of fatty foods. It's hard because you crave unhealthy foods. I made a mistake of eating what I wanted and gained 60 pounds. Now my stomach looks like a deflated balloon. Oh and try to walk too.

Answer 8

I think you should just avoid overly spicy foods or certain types of fish. Here is a link>

Answer 9

avoid...
lunch meat
shrimp, crawfish, lobster
only 6 oz. of fish per week (like tuna, tilapia, salmon...etc)
you can still have caffeine in moderation...no more than 2 cups a day.
no soft or unpasteurized cheeses
no alcohol (duh)

make sure to take your prenatals and make sure your calcium intake is good (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese)

Answer 10

I ate everything when I was pregnant. Believe me u will have cravings for junk food eventually

Answer 11

I have heard that pregnant women should avoid fish.