Fish
While it’s true that fish is an excellent source for iron, protein, and omega 3 fatty acids, there are some fish that may be dangerous to eat while pregnant because of their high content of mercury. These fish may contain a high amount of mercury:
- Swordfish
- Shark
- King mackerel
- Tilefish
The FDA says it is safe to eat 12 ounces a week of the following:
- Shrimp
- Canned tuna
- Salmon
- Pollock
- Catfish
- Albacore tuna and tuna steaks should be limited to 6 oz a
week.
Avoid eating raw fish to avoid getting bacteria or viruses.
Meat and Poultry
Make sure all your meat and poultry is fully cooked in order to prevent ingesting bacteria like E coli. Cook the meat until the juices are clear, but also use a meat thermometer to make sure. Meat should be cooked to 160 degrees.
Dairy Foods
Eating unpasteurized dairy products is definitely not on your pregnancy diet. Before eating, check the labels on the following list of soft cheeses to make sure they are not made with unpasteurized milk.
- Brie
- Feta
- Camembert
- Roquefort
- Mexican cheeses
Caffeine
Drinking too much caffeine daily can affect your baby’s heart rate and breathing, as well as the baby’s weight at birth and the measurement of the head. Your doctor may want to put a limit on your daily caffeine intake.
It has also been suggested that drinking too much herbal tea while pregnant my cause contractions and therefore cause an increase in the risk of miscarriages or premature labor.
Alcohol and Drugs
Because of the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome, miscarriage, and stillbirth, there is no tolerance for drinking alcohol while you are pregnant. And, of course, avoid illegal drugs. Even over-the-counter medications should be run by your doctor before you take them.
Remember, it is important to know what kinds of foods to avoid while being pregnant. It is just as important as knowing what kinds are good for you.
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