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