Harmful foods pregnant women should avoid

When a woman is pregnant is of essence that she should eat healthy foods at all times to ensure that she and her baby is in good stead. Expectant mothers should be cautious with the foods she will ingest. Keep in mind that unhealthy foods may set stage for infections and other harmful outcomes because of bacteria and unsafe chemicals.

Alcohol – Consumption of alcoholic beverages may lead to health problems in the baby such as low body weight, learning disabilities, visual problems, deformed organs and other abnormalities.

Caffeine – Consumption of foods with caffeine may make a pregnant woman vulnerable to miscarriage and premature birth. Foods with caffeine should be strictly kept away from expectant mothers.

Raw eggs – This should not be eaten for these may contain salmonella. Foods such as Caesar salad dressing, cookie batter and eggnogs are not good for consumption.

Fish with mercury – Fish is much-sought after for its Omega-3 fatty acids. But other types of fish may contain mercury that can be so harmful to your baby. Mercury may cause the delay in the brain development of your baby. Types of fish that have high level of mercury include tilefish, shark, swordfish and king mackerel.

Smoke seafood – The aroma emanating from smoked seafood can make you feel hungry, but this may contaminated with a harmful bacteria called Listeria.

Raw shellfish – Uncooked shellfish is the source of seafood-borne diseases. Seafood should be avoided during pregnancy.

Unwashed vegetables – Vegetables should be thoroughly washed before being consumed. Unwashed or not thoroughly washed vegetables may have been exposed to toxoplasmosis (a form of parasitic disease). Cat’s manure is the source of this disease.

Fish from rivers and lakes that are industrial zones should be avoided, because they could’ve been exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, which is a type of organic compounds that are harmful for both expectant mother and her baby.

Here you have it a short list of foods that should not be present in the diet of pregnant women. I hope this helps in a way.

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