Health and Nutrition: What NOT to Eat

While it is important to eat a wide variety of foods while you are pregnant, there are some foods and beverages that you should stay away from during this important time. Some foods contain toxins that can be harmful to your baby and may even cause birth defects. Luckily, there are plenty of good foods you can eat. Here are some of the ones you should stay away from.

Alcohol

Alcohol’s link to birth defects, mental retardation, and premature delivery has been well established. Stick to sparkling cider and virgin margaritas.

Caffeine

You don’t have to give up your morning coffee, but you may need to forgo your afternoon latte. Caffeine has been associated with miscarriage. Limit caffeine to no more than 300 mg a day; that’s two cups of coffee or three cups of black tea. Be sure and check the caffeine content of any soda or energy drinks you drink as well.

Artificial Sweeteners

Saccharin should not be eaten during pregnancy. Although the FDA does approve other sweeteners like aspartame (Equal or NutraSweet) and sucralose (Splenda), many doctors suggest you stay away from these sweeteners while pregnant. Consider trying Stevia – a natural herb sweetener.

Swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and white snapper

These fish contain high amounts of mercury which can be harmful for your baby. You should also limit albacore tuna to 4 ounces a week (light tuna has less mercury, so if you love tuna, choose the light variety, but still keep it under 12 ounces a week). You should also avoid all raw fish and shellfish. Don’t eliminate fish from your diet completely. There are plenty of varieties that are safe to eat. Fish and shellfish are excellent sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Deli Meats

Deli meats can become contaminated with bacteria if not handled properly. You can still eat them, but make sure you heat them until they steam to kill any bacteria. Also be sure to thoroughly cook pork, beef, and lamb for the same reason.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses like feta, brie, goat, queso blanco, and camembert are often unpasteurized and may contain listeria – a bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Raw Eggs

Raw eggs can contain salmonella, so stay away from salad dressings and mayonnaise that contain raw eggs. Cook your scrambled eggs so they aren’t runny and don’t nibble on the cookie batter.

Nonfood No-No’s

Remember that toxins are not just found in food.  Cigarette smoke is full of them. Stay away from people who are smoking and if you smoke, quit. Of course recreational drugs are not a good idea during pregnancy and you should discuss prescription and over-the-counter drugs with your doctor. Stay away from toxic fumes in paint thinner, pesticides, heavy cleaning products etc.  Let someone else deal with the litter box – cat feces can contain a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis; an infection that can harm your baby.  Some people also believe you should not use an electric blanket and keep your distance from microwave ovens.

If you have any questions about what you should or shouldn’t eat or expose yourself to, error on the side of caution, and then ask your health care provider.

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