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6 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Certain foods can affect your baby’s health or yours during pregnancy. Eating well balanced meals are important, but knowing what is not safe can help you make healthy choices.

UNDERCOOKED MEAT, POULTRY AND EGGS - These can cause food-borne illnesses due to coliform bacteria, salmonella, and toxoplasmosis.

UNPASTEURIZED FOODS - Which includes most imported soft cheeses, Mexican-style cheeses (queso blanco and fresco), Brie, Blue cheese, Feta, Camembert. These contain bacteria called listeria, which has the ability to cross the placenta and can lead to miscarriage, and possible infection or blood poisoning in the fetus.

SEAFOOD HIGH IN MERCURY - Some may contain dangerous levels of mercury which can damage your baby’s nervous system. Higher amounts of mercury are found in the bigger and older fish. Avoid swordfish, shark, Tilefish and King mackerel. You can eat up to 12 ounces or two small servings of fish weekly, like tuna, catfish, cod and shrimp.

CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES - Try to avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the chance of miscarriage. Moderation is the key and caffeine should be limited to no more than 300mg per day while pregnant. Refraining from caffeine is the safest thing.

DELI MEAT AND SMOKED SEAFOOD - Both found at the deli counters, they can be contaminated with listeria. They are safe to eat when they have been cooked in a meal.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES - Always wash them to prevent possible exposure to toxoplasmosis. The soil in which the fruits and vegetables are grown can be contaminated by toxoplasmosis.

For more information, go to: www.americanpregnancy.org

Michelle A. Irvin, MD

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center