7 Foods To Say No To During Pregnancy

Cravings are a common part of pregnancy. However, sometimes, there are a whole lot of questions about what’s safe to eat. 

Sure, as much as you love to indulge in your favorite snacks, some foods are best left off the plate. 

The reason? 

Because certain foods can increase the risk of infections, harm the development of your baby, or even cause complications during pregnancy. 

Here are the top seven foods that you must completely avoid during this special time.

Did you know that raw or undercooked seafood can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, such as Listeria and Salmonella, that may cause foodborne illnesses? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are 10 times more exposed to contracting listeriosis than others. 

You can, however, go for cooked options such as grilled salmon or shrimp that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, good for your baby’s brain development.

Deli meats, including ham, salami, and turkey, may be contaminated with Listeria. This bacteria can cross the placenta and potentially lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. 

For a safer choice, it is best to go for steaming or reheating deli meats to at least 165°F before eating. 

Or even better, replace it with freshly cooked chicken or veggies for a safer choice.

Did you know raw eggs can carry Salmonella, a potentially harmful bacteria that may cause food poisoning? 

And symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever are particularly dangerous during pregnancy.

This is a primary reason why you should skip raw cookie dough, homemade Caesar dressing, and your favorite custards.

Unpasteurized milk, cheese, and other dairy products can also carry harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Listeria. These bacteria can be potentially dangerous to both you and your baby’s health. 

Therefore, it is a must to check for the ‘pasteurized’ label before reaching out to any dairy product. 

In fact, pasteurized dairy provides essential calcium and protein for the development of your baby’s growing bones.

Some fish, including swordfish, king mackerel, and shark, contain high levels of mercury. 

An exposure to mercury during pregnancy can actually affect the development of your baby’s nervous system. 

In fact, even the FDA recommends limiting mercury-rich fish and choosing safer alternatives such as salmon, sardines, and tilapia—around 8 to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish per week for optimal health benefits.

Yes, it might be difficult to say goodbye to your morning coffee. 

So, while moderate caffeine intake is generally safe, consuming more than 200 mg per day can actually increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight. 

Instead, you can try decaf coffee or herbal teas that can still give you the feel of the cozy morning ritual without any side effects.

Raw sprouts, including alfalfa, bean sprouts, and clover, can contract harmful bacteria such as Salmonella due to their humid growing environment. 

And these bacteria are difficult to wash off, which makes sprouts a hidden risk during pregnancy. 

It is best to cook sprouts thoroughly before adding them to dishes.

Pregnancy food restrictions might feel overwhelming. However, it's that special time when you need to make a little more informed choices, especially when it comes to you and your baby’s health. From raw seafood to excessive caffeine, this list reminds you that while the ‘no’ list is quite long, there are plenty of safer alternatives that are not just delicious but super healthy too. At the end, your nutritious choices will certainly be worth every bite.