5 Foods You Must Avoid During Pregnancy

A healthy pregnancy diet is important for both mom and baby, as what a woman eats and drinks during pregnancy is her baby’s main source of nourishment. Prepare for the journey by acquainting yourself with the foods to avoid during pregnancy and ensure good health not only for your baby but for yourself, too.

# Alcohol

Though some people may think they can drink small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy, there is no safe level for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

# Raw or Soft Boiled Eggs

Eggs can be almost irresistible when they’re cooked perfectly. Many of us enjoy eating soft-boiled or undercooked eggs. However, during pregnancy, they’re definitely a big no-no as they may be contaminated with salmonella which is a bacterium that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. You should also avoid other foods and desserts which are made from raw eggs, including custards and mousse.

# Unpasteurised Dairy

It is extremely important that you consume milk on a daily and regular basis for the proper development of your child. It provides you and your baby with important nutrients like minerals, calcium, and proteins. But, make sure that you consume only pasteurised milk. Unpasteurised milk may contain pathogens that can cause severe food poisoning. It is advisable that you avoid all kinds of dairy products which are not pasteurised.

# Avoid unwashed fruits and vegetables

To eliminate any harmful bacteria, thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid raw sprouts of any kind — including alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean — which also might contain disease-causing bacteria. Be sure to cook sprouts thoroughly.

# Avoid excess caffeine

While caffeine can cross the placenta, the effects on your baby aren’t clear. To be safe, your health care provider might recommend avoiding or limiting the amount of caffeine in your diet to less than 200 milligrams (mg) a day during pregnancy.