A lot of mummies know what they should eat while pregnant. However, knowing the worst foods during pregnancy is just as essential as eating the right food. Keep yourself and your baby safe and healthy by removing certain items off the menu, at least for 9 months!
And while doing so, continue to maintain a balanced diet so your baby develops properly. Here are some foods to avoid during pregnancy, and how they affect you and your baby.
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What Foods Should Be Avoided in the First Trimester
During the first trimester of pregnancy, it’s crucial to be mindful of what you eat to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby. Certain foods should be avoided to minimise the risk of foodborne illnesses and potential harm to the developing fetus. Here are some foods to steer clear of during this delicate stage:
- Raw/Undercooked/Processed Meat, Fish & Egg
- Fish with High Mercury Levels
- Unpasteurized Cheese, Milk & Juice
- Herbal Supplements and Teas
- Unwashed Vegetables/Fruits & Raw Sprouts
- Alcohol
Remember to maintain a balanced diet, including five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, along with sufficient protein, calcium, water, and prenatal vitamins for the well-being of both you and your little one.
Wondering why the foods mentioned above should be avoided not only during the first trimester, but all throughout your pregnancy? Keep reading to find out.
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
1. Unpasteurised cheese
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If you love cheese, take note! Soft, unpasteurised cheese like camembert, gorgonzola, and bleu cheese carry the bacterium Listeria.
This can cause listeriosis which results in an early miscarriage! These types of cheeses are included in the foods to avoid during early pregnancy, and throughout the nine months you are expecting.
Pasteurised cheese is safe, but check the label before purchasing or eating it!
2. Raw eggs
It might have been part of your morning workout routine as a quick protein hit. After all, it’s like a multi-vitamin pill!
But raw eggs carry the risk of salmonella, which can cause serious health problems in your unborn child. This makes raw eggs among the worst foods during pregnancy.
Avoid sauces and food products with uncooked eggs like chocolate mousse and salad dressings (think mayonnaise, Caesar salad).
Eggs are fine if you fully boil or fry them.
3. Raw meat
Of the worst foods during pregnancy you could eat, raw meat is universally known to be blacklisted.
A raw steak or undercooked chicken also carries listeria. So remember that raw meat is included among the foods to avoid during pregnancy.
Make sure your meat is always thoroughly cooked. You can enjoy all the rare steak after the little one is out!
4. Deli meats
It can be convenient to put in sandwiches or eat on the go.
However, these meats are known to contain listeria, making them one of the worst foods during pregnancy.
Cooking the meats at high temperature makes them safe to eat. If that ruins the flavour or enjoyment of deli meats, then consider not buying them for now!
5. Fish high in mercury
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Avoid eating fish that’s high in mercury content like swordfish, king mackerel, or shark. The element delays babies’ overall development and can cause neurological defects.
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises limiting your weekly portion of low-mercury fish to 8 to 12 ounces, like salmon, tuna, and cod. But make sure they’re fully cooked through!
When it comes to consuming fish during pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of the mercury content. Opt for low-mercury fish like Nature Made Fish Oil, which are not only safe but also provide essential omega-3 fatty acids for overall health. Nature Made Fish Oil supplements can also be a great addition to support your body’s omega-3 needs during this crucial time.
6. Raw sprouts
Raw sprouts, like beansprouts, are staple ingredients in certain dishes like Pho. However, foods from this vegetable family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, radish, and even onions, are known to carry salmonella, listeria, and E.coli.
If you’re cooking at home, make sure your sprouts are fully cooked. If you’re ordering out, remove these from the dish if you’re not sure, or order an alternate dish altogether.
Raw sprouts are among the foods to avoid during early pregnancy, and to be on the safe side, don’t eat them until the baby has come out.
7. Unwashed fruits and veggies
While some people purchase unwashed produce as a sign of their freshness, these items also carry Toxoplasma bacteria.
Toxoplasmic microbes dwell in the soil where these products grew. And it can give your baby and placenta an infection. For these reasons, unwashed fruits and veggies are among the worst foods during pregnancy.
Make sure to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables bought from the supermarket before eating them. But avoid buying and eating pre-cut fruits. Because hen not handled properly during processes such as peeling, slicing and removing seeds, fresh-cut fruits may become contaminated by harmful bacteria like listeria.
8. Processed food
It’s quite a broad category, but anything that’s not homemade is likely to have a higher level of sugar content. This even includes bread, biscuits, and candy.
It feels like you’re enjoying a sweet treat, but it can quickly lead to gestational diabetes. Although many pregnant ladies develop high blood sugar levels, it can result in more serious comorbid medical emergencies further down the line, such as shoulder dystocia!
To be on the safe side, hold off on processed food and include them among the foods to avoid during pregnancy.
9. Canned food
Popular canned foods like soup keep their flavour thanks to the high sodium content.
A high-salt diet will result in high blood pressure! Eat these foods in moderation. It’s better if you get a lot more whole produce in your diet!
10. Liver
Pregnant women should avoid eating liver due to its high vitamin A content, particularly in the form of retinol. Excessive intake of vitamin A during pregnancy can lead to potential harm to the developing fetus, as it is associated with an increased risk of birth defects and developmental issues.
The liver is known to contain a concentrated amount of retinol, and consuming it regularly or in large amounts can surpass the safe levels of vitamin A for pregnant women. Therefore, it is recommended that expectant mums limit their intake of liver and other foods rich in retinol to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
11. Soft-serve ice cream
Pregnant women are often advised to avoid consuming soft-serve ice cream due to potential concerns about food safety. While there is some confusion surrounding this issue, some pregnant women have been warned against eating soft ice cream because it is believed to carry a risk of listeriosis, a bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
However, according to the NHS, commercially produced soft ice creams are generally safe to eat during pregnancy as they are made with pasteurised milk and eggs, eliminating the risk of salmonella food poisoning. Still, the concern lies more in the cleanliness and hygiene of the machines used to produce the ice cream.
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Let’s pause for a while to entertain a very common question:
Can I Eat Prawns While Pregnant
For many Singaporeans, seafood, including the beloved cereal prawns, is a significant part of their culinary culture. When it comes to prawns and seafood during pregnancy, it’s essential to consider certain precautions.
While seafood can be a valuable source of nutrients like protein and omega-3 fatty acids, pregnant women should be cautious about potential risks. It is generally safe to consume prawns and other low-mercury fish during pregnancy, as they are rich in essential nutrients beneficial for the baby’s development.
However, it is crucial to avoid raw or undercooked prawns and seafood due to the risk of foodborne illnesses such as Sslmonella.
Additionally, expectant mums should steer clear of fish with high mercury levels, such as shark and swordfish. Prawns and low-mercury fish, like salmon and catfish, can be enjoyed in moderation, ensuring a healthy and balanced diet during this special time.
Drinks to Avoid During Pregnancy
While it is very important for pregnant women to be well-hydrated, these drinks can do more harm than good. So make sure you steer clear of the following:
1. Unpasteurised milk
Pregnant women should avoid drinking unpasteurised milk due to the potential risk of harmful bacteria like Listeria. To ensure the safety and well-being of both themselves and their unborn child, it is recommended that pregnant women opt for pasteurised milk and dairy products instead of consuming unpasteurised milk.
Pasteurisation is a process that involves heating milk to kill harmful bacteria, making it a safer choice during pregnancy.
2. Fresh juice
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Try to avoid fresh-squeezed juice from restaurants. There is a chance that it’s not pasteurised, meaning this seemingly-harmless drink carries the risk of salmonella and E.coli. This makes unpasteurised juices among the foods to avoid during early pregnancy and your entire pregnancy journey.
When buying fruit juice from supermarkets, check the label to see if it’s pasteurised first.
3. Caffeine
Consuming more than 200mg of caffeine daily has been linked with adverse side effects, like miscarriage. That is why coffee is in the list of drinks to avoid during early pregnancy.
Drinking 200mg of caffeine daily equates to 12 ounces of coffee. The general rule of thumb is to cut down, if not cut out coffee from your diet while pregnant.
But note that other products may contain coffee! These include iced teas, soft drinks, and energy drinks. In addition, coffee ice cream, matcha drinks, and chocolate drinks contain caffeine as well.
4. Herbal teas
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Herbal teas might seem like a good idea to indulge in while pregnant. But certain herbs can contribute toward preterm labour, or worse, miscarriage. This makes them among the drinks to avoid during pregnancy.
Avoid drinking teas with herbs like Wormwood and Saw Palmetto. Despite the claimed ability to increase energy levels, these haven’t been tested. Speak with your doctor if you feel more tired than usual and have concerns.
5. Alcohol
It’s general wisdom not to drink alcohol while pregnant. “But surely a small glass every so often can’t hurt, right?”
Actually, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that even one alcoholic beverage each day significantly increases the risk of infant retardation in unborn babies.
Don’t be tempted, mum-to-be! Remember that alcoholic beverages are among the drinks to avoid during pregnancy. Avoid alcohol at all costs.
You might know which foods you should eat while pregnant. But it’s equally important to know the worst foods during pregnancy, so you can avoid them and ensure a healthy journey for you and baby.
The Risk of Eating These Foods
Eating healthy during pregnancy is crucial for both the mother and the baby’s well-being. However, there are specific risks that pregnant women should be aware of to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. Here are some important risks to watch out for:
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Listeriosis: Pregnant women should avoid unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses like brie, feta, camembert, and roquefort, as they may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause listeriosis. This infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.
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Toxoplasmosis: Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and half-boiled eggs should be avoided as they may contain toxoplasma, a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe reactions to foodborne illnesses.
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Salmonella: Certain foods, like undercooked hot dogs, ham, and luncheon meats, can carry salmonella bacteria, which can lead to bacterial food poisoning. During pregnancy, changes in metabolism and circulation increase the risk of severe reactions to these infections.
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Mercury: Pregnant women should limit their intake of certain fish, such as swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel, due to their high mercury content. Excessive mercury consumption can harm the developing fetus’s neurological system.
Food Poisoning During Pregnancy
Experiencing food poisoning during pregnancy can be worrisome for expectant mothers. Food poisoning occurs when you consume food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins that cause negative reactions in your body. Common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
During pregnancy, your immune system undergoes changes, making you more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. Additionally, your baby’s underdeveloped immune system puts them at risk too. It’s essential to recognise the signs of food poisoning, such as sudden and abnormal symptoms, and promptly inform your doctor to rule out any infections or viruses.
The most prevalent types of food poisoning during pregnancy include norovirus, listeria, E. coli, and salmonella, which can have severe effects on both the mother and baby. Complications may include dehydration, malnutrition, neurological issues, kidney failure, or even miscarriage or stillbirth in extreme cases.
To avoid food poisoning, follow your doctor’s food preparation instructions and avoid unsafe foods during pregnancy. Stay hydrated and seek medical attention if you suspect food poisoning.
How to Ensure Food During Pregnancy is Safe
When you’re expecting, taking care of your diet becomes even more crucial. Ensuring food safety is essential for your well-being and your baby’s health. Here are some easy and effective practices to keep in mind during pregnancy:
- Wash Fruits and Veggies: Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before consumption to remove any dirt, pesticides, or bacteria that might be present.
- Cook Meat Thoroughly: Make sure all meat, poultry, and seafood are cooked properly to kill any harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is safe.
- Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: Keep raw meats and ready-to-eat foods separate to prevent cross-contamination. Use different cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked items.
- Check Expiration Dates: Always check the expiration dates of packaged foods and avoid consuming expired products.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins from your body.
- Be Cautious Eating Out: Be cautious when dining out. Ensure the restaurant follows food safety practices and serves properly cooked food.
- Store Food Properly: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly to prevent bacterial growth. Use the freezer to retain food freshness when needed.
- Avoid High-Risk Foods: Stay away from high-risk foods like soft cheeses, deli meats, and packaged spreads that may harbour harmful bacteria.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you experience sudden and abnormal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, consult your doctor to rule out food poisoning.
Remember, a healthy diet during pregnancy is vital for your baby’s development. By following these food safety practices, you can ensure a smooth and healthy journey for you and your little one.
Updates by Romy Peña Cruz
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.