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Is there any food I should avoid eating during pregnancy?

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  Is there any food I should avoid eating during pregnancy?
           *Please be sure to check with your specific doctor to receive current food guidelines and limitations.

       There are many safe foods that can be eaten throughout pregnancy in moderation and under the direction of your doctor; however, there are a few things you may want to avoid during pregnancy.
  • Fish, but not ALL fish- There are few specific species you want to avoid completely due to high levels of mercury contamination.  Specifically, you want to avoid, shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
  • Soft cheeses, but not ALL soft cheeses- The guideline is to not eat cheeses that are unpasteurized as they may contain bacteria called listeria which can be harmful to your baby.  This usually includes blue cheese, feta, brie, and camembert.  Hard cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, and cottage cheese can be safely consumed.
  • Raw meat -Bacteria that can be harmful for both a pregnant mother and her unborn baby can be carried in raw meat.
  • Raw eggs - Like raw meat, raw eggs can carry bacteria, specifically salmonella, which can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.

 		   

  Is there any food I should eat in moderation during pregnancy?
           In addition to the foods you should avoid during pregnancy, there are many other foods that you simply need to eat in moderation during pregnancy.  They include the following:
  • Fish - such as crab, clams, cod, salmon, scallops, shrimp, and so forth:  It is suggested that a pregnant woman's fish intake be limited to 12 ounces per week.  Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends eating no more than 6 ounces (about one can) of canned albacore tuna per week.
  • Caffeine -no more than 300 mg a day:  It is suggested that a pregnant woman limit her caffeine intake during pregnancy as it affects iron absorption, which is important for proper baby development.
  • Artificial sweeteners - such as Nutrasweet, Splenda, Sweet n'Low, and Stevia:  It is suggested that a pregnant woman limit her intake of artificial sweeteners as there is conflicting research that suggests they are safe while at the same time cancer-causing.  Additionally, some experts feel certain artificial sweeteners have not been around long enough to know if any long-term effects will result from their use during pregnancy.

 		   

  The bottom-line
           Always strive to eat a well-balanced diet giving you enough energy to support both you and your growing baby.   Remember to be aware of what you are taking in, read food labels at the grocery store, ask questions about a restaurant menu before ordering, and talk to your doctor when you have a question!

 		   

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