What Can't Pregnant Women Eat And Why?

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Keeping yourself safe keeps your baby safe during your pregnancy. Part of that involves food. So, what can’t you eat while pregnant and why?

Why Can’t Pregnant Women Just Eat Their Usual Diet?

While eating a healthy amount of balanced nutrients is advised while pregnant, where you get them from is important too. Certain food items can contain dangerous bacteria and contaminants that could be harmful to you and your baby. You may be surprised which items in your regular diet can’t be eaten while pregnant.

Which Foods Are Unsafe During Pregnancy And Why?

The table below outlines foods that are unsafe during pregnancy and why.

UNSAFE FOODS AND WHY THEY ARE UNSAFE

Raw Cookie Dough Or Cake Batter	May Contain Salmonella
Homemade Ice Cream	May Contain Salmonella
Sushi Or Other Raw/Uncooked Fish/Seafood	May Contain Parasites Or Bacteria
Smoked Seafood	May Contain Parasites Or Bacteria
Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert, etc)	May Contain E. Coli or Listeria
Fish With High Mercury Concentrations (Mackerel, Swordfish, Tuna, Marlin, etc)	May Cause Mercury Poisoning In Mom And Baby
Unpasteurized Juice Or Cider	May Contain E. Coli
Unpasteurized Milk	May Contain Bacteria, Like Campylobacter, E. Coli, Listeria, or Salmonella
Premade Salads Like Chicken Salad, Ham Salad, And Seafood Salads	May Contain Listeria - Make Your Own, Following Proper Food Prep Procedures
Raw Shellfish, Such As Clams And Oysters	May Contain Vibrio (Bacteria)
Raw Or Undercooked Sprouts	May Contain E. Coli Or Salmonella
Deli Meats (Luncheon Meats, Hot Dogs, Cold Cuts, Fermented Sausage, Dry Sausage, etc)	May Contain Listeria
Eggnog	Some Eggnog May Contain Salmonella, Especially Homemade Varieties
Undercooked Eggs And Any Pasteurized Egg Products	May Contain Salmonella; Cook Well (to 160͒ F)
Undercooked Fish	May Contain Parasites Or Bacteria; Cook Well (to 145͒ F)
Undercooked Meat (Beef, Lamb, Pork, etc)	May Contain E. Coli; Cook Well
Unpasteurized Refrigerated Meat Spreads And Pate	May Contain Listeria
Undercooked Poultry And Stuffing	May Contain Bacteria, Like Campylobacter Or Salmonella

What If A Pregnant Woman Has already Eaten Some Restricted Foods?

If you have already consumed some of these unsafe foods, try not to panic. Most of these foods aren’t going to automatically harm you or your baby. Simply stop eating them at least until after you have your baby and are finished with breastfeeding. Discuss food safety with your OB or midwife so that you both are aware of any potential risks.

When Should A Pregnant Woman Discuss Food Safety With Her Doctor?

Nutrition should be one of the very first discussions with your OB or midwife. If they don’t bring it up, take the initiative. If you have accidentally consumed any of the restricted foods and notice any warning signs after eating them or you have consumed foods with a large mercury concentration, let your doctor know. Only your doctor can tell you the actual risk for your specific situation.