Whether it’s PB&J or Poke Bowls, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t putting anything in your body that may lead to developmental problems for your baby. Each trimester is crucial and the baby’s health can be greatly affected by certain foods you may not expect that you need to avoid.
Foods to Avoid:
Raw Meat
Undercooked animal foods — such as rare meat, raw oysters, clams, sushi, unpasteurized eggs, raw cookie or cake dough, and homemade eggnog), may contain an array of bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Hot Dogs, Luncheon Meats, and Unpasteurized Dairy Foods
Also includes refrigerated pates or meat spreads, and refrigerated smoked seafood. These foods are prone to Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that causes listeriosis, which may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or other serious health problems.
Certain Seafood and Fish
Certain types of fish used in sushi, shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. These contain higher concentrations of mercury. Fish caught for sport in rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams may also contain industrial pollutants.
Raw Vegetable Sprouts
The FDA advises everyone, regardless of pregnancy, not to eat raw sprouts — including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts. The reason: Bacteria can get into sprout seeds and are “nearly impossible” to wash out.
Soft Cheeses
Imported soft cheeses may contain listeria. You would need to avoid soft cheeses such as brie, Camembert, Roquefort, feta, Gorgonzola, and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk
A few more things to avoid on this venture include raw shellfish, raw eggs, and unpasteurized milk.
And now you’re probably thinking “Well that’s basically everything!!”
Not entirely true. You still have some great options that are easily found anywhere. And the good news is a lot of the most nutritious foods are readily available too!
Since calorie and nutrient needs are increased during pregnancy, it is very important that you choose nutrient-dense, healthy foods such as:
1. Dairy products
2. Legumes– such as lentils, peas, chickpeas, soybeans, and peanuts.
3. Sweet potatoes.
4. Salmon– which is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Eggs- a little of almost every nutrient you need.
6. Broccoli and dark, leafy greens– such as kale and spinach.
7. Lean meat– which has high quality protein
8. Fish liver oil– which is also very rich in the omega-3 fatty
9. Berries– which are packed with water, healthy carbs, vitamin C, fiber and plant compounds.
10. Whole grains- which help meet the increased calorie requirements that come with pregnancy
11. Avocados– with monounsaturated fatty acids.
12. Dried fruit- high in calories and various vitamins and minerals.
13. Water!
Keep in mind, if we’ve just broken your heart because one of your “can’t live without” foods is on the “no fly list:”
A). Your tastebuds will probably be changing very shortly.
B). It’s only a 9 month- you can have it again soon!
Resources:
https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/foods-to-avoid-when-youre-pregnant#1
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-foods-to-eat-when-pregnant#section12
