Foods to Avoid

For a healthy pregnancy, one must have a well balanced diet. The diet must include cereals, yogurt and other foods  essential for the body.

The expectant mother should know which food items must be included and which to be avoided from her dietary plan as whatever mother eats, will have direct influence on the development of the fetus. Proper care must be taken on dietary plan. Some of the foods which should be avoided during pregnancy period are:

Caffeine can be harmful to both the mother and baby’s health. More than 500 milligrams of caffeine a day may lower the baby’s weight. During breastfeeding, caffeine will be present in the breast milk. It is better to have 300 mg per day.

Dairy products such as skim milk, mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese can be a healthy part of your diet. But they contain  unpasteurized milk. These may lead to food-borne illness. Unless the soft cheeses are labeled as pasteurized, never use them.

Sea food contains 3 fatty acids that help the development of brain. But fishes like swordfish, Shark, King mackerel and file fish should be avoided. As they contain mercury, when you cook using 10 minute rule.

Smoked seafood such lox, nova style, kippered or jerky should be avoided as they might be contaminated by listeria. But canned or shelf safe smoked seafood is fine to eat.

Herbal Teas like chamomile and other teas should be avoided as they may affect the health of the baby. Large portions of these  may create and cause the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor.

Juices purchased from roadside stands, at farms or in stores are   prone to germs, including E. coli. Check the label to be sure   juice is pasteurized.

Raw sprouts such as alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean must not be consumed as they are more susceptible to the health effects of the germs sprouts possess.