Eating for Two? Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Being pregnant is a very exciting time. But it also means being extra careful about what you eat. The food you eat affects both you and your growing baby.
While it’s important to eat healthy foods, there are some you should avoid to keep you and your baby safe. Here’s a simple guide of foods to avoid during pregnancy.
Raw or Undercooked Fish
Fish is a great source of nutrients that help your baby’s brain grow. However, raw or undercooked fish like sushi, sashimi, and raw oysters can be risky. This makes them really important foods to avoid during pregnancy. They might contain nasty germs that can cause illnesses like listeriosis. This can be very serious for your baby. It’s best to stick to well-cooked fish.
Fish High in Mercury
Some types of fish have high levels of mercury, which can harm your baby’s developing nervous system. It’s best to avoid fish like shark, swordfish, and marlin while you’re pregnant. The NHS has a full list of fish to avoid and those that are safe to eat, so you know which foods to avoid during pregnancy.
Unpasteurised Dairy
Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and some blue cheeses can be a problem if they are made from unpasteurised milk. These can contain a bacteria called Listeria, which is very dangerous during pregnancy and can lead to serious problems. Always check the label to make sure dairy products are pasteurised. Most dairy sold in UK supermarkets is pasteurised, but it’s always good to be sure. If you go on holiday to France, these are foods to avoid during pregnancy if you have any doubts.
Raw or Undercooked Eggs
Runny or raw eggs can contain Salmonella, a germ that causes food poisoning. While you can buy British Lion-stamped eggs, which are safe to eat runny, it’s safest to make sure any other eggs are cooked until the white and yolk are solid. To be sure, many people say foods to avoid during pregnancy simply include all undercooked or runny eggs.
Cold Cured Meats
Meats like salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni are not cooked; they’re cured. This means they could carry parasites that cause toxoplasmosis. While the risk is low, the NHS advises that these are foods to avoid during pregnancy. If you do want to eat them, you can make them safe by cooking them thoroughly, like on a pizza.
Too Much Caffeine
High levels of caffeine can be linked to a low birth weight for your baby, and it is even suggested that it can be linked to miscarriage, but I am not aware of any evidence for this. The NHS recommends limiting your caffeine intake to 200mg a day. That’s about two mugs of instant coffee or one mug of filter coffee. Remember that caffeine is also in tea, some fizzy drinks, and chocolate.
Pâté
All types of pâté should be avoided. Even vegetable pâté can have Listeria. Liver pâté is also very high in vitamin A, which can be harmful to your baby.
Summary of Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
To keep it simple, here’s a quick summary of foods to avoid or be careful with:
- Cheeses: Mould-ripened soft cheeses (unless cooked).
- Meat: Raw or undercooked meat and liver products.
- Fish: Shark, swordfish, marlin, and limit tuna. Avoid raw shellfish.
- Eggs: Only eat raw or runny if they have the red Lion Code stamp.
- Milk: Unpasteurised milk (unless boiled).
- Caffeine: Limit to 200mg a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat sushi when pregnant?
The NHS says it’s generally safe to eat sushi in the UK. This is because any raw wild fish used for it must be frozen first, which kills any parasites. If you’re eating out, you can ask the staff to confirm this.
Is it safe to eat deli meats like ham?
Pre-packaged meats like ham and corned beef are safe to eat. For cured meats like salami or chorizo, it’s best to cook them first, or freeze them for four days before eating.
Why do I need to avoid liver?
Liver and liver products (like liver pâté) have very high levels of vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can be harmful to a developing baby.
Always speak to your midwife or doctor if you have any worries about what you should and shouldn’t eat and the key foods to avoid during your pregnancy. Has this helped you to know which foods to avoid during pregnancy? Or perhaps you are cooking for a pregnant lady and want to be safe. Whatever your situation I hope all goes well for you.
