Pregnancy is one of the greatest joys of life. But for your little one to develop properly and be healthy, you need to be mindful of what you consume.
Since the baby gets nutrients from the mother’s body, during pregnancy an expecting mother should stay away from certain foods, even if they are their favourites, which cause harm to the baby.
Aside from what is shared in this article, it is important to always consult your doctor on what to consume and what to avoid during your pregnancy.
We look at some of the foods you should avoid when expecting:
1.Raw and undercooked meats
You should avoid as much as possible eating undercooked meat. Ensure that the meat you eat is cooked all through as under-cooked meat or raw meat contains a range of bacteria and worms which can be harmful to both you and the baby.
2.Unpasteurized milk and dairy products
Most of the milk sold in shops, supermarkets and restaurants is pasteurized and fine to drink. Pasteurization is the process where the milk is heated under very high temperatures to kill any bacteria.
If you prefer direct cow’s milk or that’s the only milk accessible to you, make sure to boil it thoroughly before consumption or usage to kill all the bacteria that could be lingering in the milk.
3.Liver and other foods containing vitamin A
Avoid liver and liver products like liver sausages. It is also not recommended to consume multivitamin tablets containing vitamin A or fish liver oils such as cod liver oil.
You need to stay away from foods that are indicated ‘fortified with vitamin A’ as excessive consumption of Vitamin A can be harmful to your baby.
4.Some cheeses
Stay away from mold-ripened soft cheeses such as brie, camembert and others with a similar rind including goat’s cheese and soft blue-veined cheeses. For the sake of the baby, you should consider switching these cheeses to other safer options as they may contain listeria.
5.Undercooked foods
Make sure to read the instructions given on food recipes or packages and be certain that they are well cooked. If in the house, remind your cook or help to make sure that the food is well cooked, undercooked foods can contain bacteria which is harmful to the baby and mother.
6.Raw fish and certain types of fish
This is the time to keep your fish sushi cravings away. For those who love fish you can have one serving per week and ensure that the fish is well cooked to make sure that all the bacteria is killed.
Fish is a good source of nutrients but there are some types of fish you need to avoid. Stay away from shark, swordfish and marlin as they contain high levels of mercury which can affect the baby’s nervous system.
7.Alcohol
It’s time to say good bye to margarita Mondays for a while. Alcohol should be avoided completely during pregnancy especially during the early stages. If possible, you should also avoid meals prepared using alcohol. Alcohol can affect you babies’ brain development.