6 Foods to Avoid during Pregnancy

It is essential that you take care to avoid certain foods when pregnant. This is due to your baby’s immune system not being sufficiently developed to fight any infection you may pass to it whilst within the womb. It is believed that a mum-to-be’s immune system may not function at its peak during pregnancy so it is essential that all necessary precautions are taken

Foods to Avoid


1. Cheese

Not all cheeses contain bacteria but there are some, especially soft cheeses which could be potentially harmful to a pregnant mother. Do avoid soft cheeses which usually have a surface mould or rind such as Brie, Camembert and Danish Blue. Also avoid cheeses coated in wax such as Gouda, Post Salut. It is best to stay clear of the majority of blue veined cheeses such as Stilton, Gorgonzola and Roquefort. There's a chance these soft cheeses could contain listeria, a bacteria that would otherwise get killed during pasteurization. This infection can lead to miscarriage or preterm delivery.

Hard Cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Red Leicester fall into the safe category as do softer cheeses made from pasteurized milk such as Cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, processed cheese and cheese spreads. If in doubt, play safe and avoid eating it.

2.Eggs

The salmonella bacteria is most commonly found in eggs. It is best to avoid eating soft or half boiled eggs or any foods made with raw or partly cooked eggs such as homemade mayonnaise, cheesecakes, sorbets or mousses. Eggs are only safe if they have been cooked long enough so that their yolks are hard. Shop-bought mayonnaise is usually safe as long as they have been made with pasteurised eggs. Always check the label if in doubt.

3. Unpasteurized Milk

Avoid all products which have not been pasteurized. Unpasteurized or raw milk are available on dairy farms and some have advocated that raw milk is the freshest form of milk that is beneficial . However, studies have shown that unpasteurized milk can contain bacteria, parasites and virus that can make you and baby seriously ill. Traces of the cow's faeces have even been found in raw milk. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that unpasteurized milk can be a serious health risk.All pasteurised products are safe to use all through pregnancy and beyond.

4. Meat

Do not eat raw or under cooked meat or poultry. Also avoid meats which have been preserved in nitrates such as salami, frankfurters and luncheon meat. Always cook meat so the juices run clear and there is no ‘pinkness’ or blood within. When touching raw meat and poultry always wash your hands thoroughly before touching any other foods. Liver contains vitamin A in the form of retinol which if taken by a pregnant women can increase

her levels way above the recommended daily level and become damaging to the baby. Liver should be avoided aswell as products containing liver such as pate and liver sausage.

5. Seafood

Oysters and any raw or uncooked fish should be avoided. Also shelled seafood such as crab, prawns, and cockles should be avoided unless they have been thoroughly cooked and are hot. Most seafood bought from a fishmonger or supermarket should be safe. Fresh tuna should only be eaten once a month due to the potential levels of mercury found within. This is also true for swordfish and shark. Tinned tuna contains lower levels so this is safe to eat every week.

6. All prepared shop-bought salads are best to be avoided. So too are dressed salads such as coleslaw, potato salad and Florida salad. It is best to make your own and ensure that all leaves are thoroughly washed free from soils and other deposits found on the leaves.