There are a many myths associated with pregnancy. It can be hard to sort the fact from the fiction, but there are some foods doctors recommend you avoid while pregnant.
1. Seafood With High Mercury Levels: This includes shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel. 12 ounces or less of tuna a week is safe.
2. Certain Freshly Caught Fish: Check with your local Environmental Protection Agency office to determine if there are local pollutants contaminating the water supplies you get any local fish from.
3. Raw Fish: Always avoid raw fish when you are pregnant. No matter how much of a sushi buff you are, you’ll need to say no to dragon rolls and try a nice California roll for a bit.
4. Deli Meat: Legally delis must follow health codes, but cross contamination between raw meats and your order is still possible.
5. Undercooked Or Raw Meat And Poultry: Pregnant women can be especially susceptible to food poisoning and other bacterial infections, so stay away from refrigerated pâtés and potentially undercooked meats.
6. Undercooked Eggs: Salmonella is a concern for both you and your baby. The good news is that there are super tasty cookie dough recipes out there that don’t require any eggs for your times of need.
7. Smoked Meats: Should be avoided for the same reason. Cross contamination or poorly processed meats are a concern.
8. Unpasteurized Food: This is going to be a painful section for some. Cheese can still be your friend, but you’ll want to stay away from blue cheese, brie, feta, and Mexican cheeses unless they’re clearly labeled as pasteurized.
9. Unpasteurized Drinks: Fruit juices are the most common manifestation of this. Fresh squeezed juice is fine but some store bought brands shouldn’t be drunk. The same applies to fresh milk.
10. Unwashed Fruits And Vegetables: If you aren’t sure of their cleanliness rewash them. Fruits and vegetables can have bacterial growth if they are overripe; cut out the bad spots prior to eating. Also be aware of potential chemicals. You are much less sensitive to pesticides than your baby.
11. Raw Sprouts: These can also contain bacteria. Steam or boil any sprout you wish to eat.
12. An Excess Of Vitamin A: This can be tricky as relatively small quantities of meat can contain large amounts. Your daily recommended level is 2,565 international units, or IU. Liver is especially high in this vitamin, so eat only very small portions.
13. Heavily Caffeinated Drinks: Caffeine has the same effect on your child it does on you. If you can’t give it up entirely, about 200 milligrams a day is safe.
14. Herbal Teas, Even Those Marked For Pregnancy: Some herbs haven’t been extensively tested, particularly not concerning their long-term effect on pregnancy. Unless your doctor recommends a specific blend it’s best to not experiment.
15. Alcohol: Alcohol should be avoided in all forms. No amount of alcohol has been proven to be safe during pregnancy.
Being pregnant can seems like a massive lifestyle shift. Just remember to stay positive and keep a basic idea of the foods to avoid in mind, and nutritionally you’ll be fine!
Alicia Lane has worked for a maternity clothing store for the past 4 years. She recommends checking out this article to learn more about compression clothing and its medical benefits.
