could that one bite of sushi or sip of coffee really affect your baby if you're pregnant or planning to be you might be second guessing every single thing on your plate but don't worry I've got you covered today we're talking about 10 foods you should avoid during pregnancy to keep both you and your little one safe some of these might be obvious but others they might completely surprise you pregnancy is one of the most exciting journeys of your life but it also comes with a long list of DOS and don'ts and when it comes to food the wrong choices can lead to food borne illnesses nutrient imbalances and even risks to your baby's development so without further ado let's dive into the foods you should avoid for the next 9 months food No. 1 raw or undercooked seafood sushi lovers I've got bad news raw fish is off limits during pregnancy it can contain bacteria and parasites like listeria and salmonella which increase the risk of food poisoning and miscarriage even shellfish like oysters and clams can carry harmful toxins that cause serious infections if you're craving sushi opt for fully cooked rolls like tempura or veggie options your baby's safety is worth the wait for that sashimi platter food No. 2 unpasteurized dairy products soft cheeses like Brie camember and feta may seem harmless but they can carry listeria a bacteria that can cause pregnancy complications unpasteurized milk and dairy products increase the risk of infections that could affect your baby's development always check labels for the word pasteurized before eating cheese yogurt or milk based products the good news most store bought cheeses in the US and many other countries are pasteurized when in doubt go for hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss food No.
3 deli meats and hot dogs cold cuts and hot dogs might seem like an easy grab and go meal but they can harbour listeria which thrives in refrigerated foods this bacteria can cross the placenta and lead to severe infections or even miscarriage if you really want a Turkey sandwich or a hot dog heat it until it's steaming hot before eating that extra step can kill harmful bacteria and make your meal much safer so before you bite into that sub give it a quick toast or microwave zap food No. 4 high mercury fish fish is packed with Omega threes which are amazing for your baby's brain but some fish contain high levels of mercury a neurotoxin Mercury can harm your baby's nervous system leading to developmental delays and learning difficulties avoid shark swordfish king mackerel and certain types of tuna especially big eye and albacore instead choose low mercury fish like salmon shrimp and tilapia which are both safe and nutritious a little caution now means a healthier start for your little one food No. 5 raw or runny eggs eggs are a great source of protein but eating them raw or undercooked can expose you to salmonella a bacteria that causes severe food poisoning this means no runny yolks no homemade Caesar dressing and definitely no raw cookie dough if you're baking or making sauces opt for pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk fully cooked eggs are completely safe so go ahead and enjoy those scrambled eggs or a well cooked omelette food No.
6 caffeine that can't start your day without coffee you're not alone but excessive caffeine can cross the placenta and affect your baby's heart rate and development experts recommend sticking to 200 milligrams or less per day about one 12 ounce cup of coffee remember caffeine is also found in tea chocolate and soda so watch your total intake if you need an energy boost try decaf options or naturally energizing foods like bananas food No. 7 alcohol yes even a small amount you might hear people say a little wine won't hurt but research shows no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy alcohol can interfere with fetal development leading to conditions like fetal alcohol syndrome FAS which affects brain and organ growth even small amounts can impact your baby's cognitive and behavioral development if you're craving a fancy drink try alcohol free mocktails for a safe alternative your baby's health is worth skipping that glass of wine food No. 8 Ross sprouts sprouts might seem like a healthy addition to your salad but they can harbour eat Cola and salmonella which thrive in their moist growing conditions unlike other veggies Ross sprouts are nearly impossible to clean thoroughly increasing the risk of food borne illness always cook sprouts before eating them to stay safe which kills harmful bacteria if you're craving a crunchy salad topping opt for shredded carrots or sunflower seeds instead a little caution now keeps both you and your baby safe food No.
9 excessive sugar and junk food craving sweets it's totally normal but too much sugar can lead to gestational diabetes excessive weight gain and energy crashes processed junk foods are also high in unhealthy fats and additives that offer little nutritional value for you or your baby instead of reaching for candy or sugary snacks try fresh fruits yogurt or dark chocolate in moderation a balanced diet keeps both you and your little one healthy while still satisfying those cravings food No.
