Food restrictions while pregnant

11 Foods and Beverages to Avoid During Pregnancy

One of the first things people learn when they’re pregnant is what they can’t eat. It can be a real bummer if you’re a big sushi, coffee, or rare steak fan.

Thankfully, there’s more you can eat than what you can’t. You just have to learn how to navigate the waters (the low mercury waters, that is). You’ll want to pay close attention to what you eat and drink to stay healthy .

Certain foods should only be consumed rarely, while others should be avoided completely. Here are 11 foods and beverages to avoid or minimize while pregnant.

Mercury is a highly toxic element. It has no known safe level of exposure and is most commonly found in polluted water.

In higher amounts, it can be toxic to your nervous system, immune system, and kidneys. It may also cause serious developmental problems in children, with adverse effects even in lower amounts.

Since it’s found in polluted seas, large marine fish can accumulate high amounts of mercury. Therefore, it’s best to avoid high mercury fish while pregnant and breastfeeding.

High-mercury fish you want to avoid include:

shark
swordfish
king mackerel
tuna (especially bigeye tuna)
marlin
tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico
orange roughy

However, it’s important to note that not all fish are high in mercury — just certain types.

Consuming low mercury fish during pregnancy is very healthy, and these fish can be eaten up to three times per week, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Low mercury fish are plentiful and include:

anchovies
cod
flounder
haddock
salmon
tilapia
trout (freshwater)

Fatty fish like salmon and anchovies are especially good options, as they are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for your baby.

This one will be tough for you sushi fans, but it’s an important one. Raw fish, especially shellfish, can cause several infections. These can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, such as norovirus, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Listeria.

Some of these infections may only affect you, causing dehydration and weakness. Other infections may be passed on to your baby with serious, or even fatal, consequences.

Pregnant women are especially susceptible to listeria infections. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are up to 10 times more likely to get infected by Listeria than the general population. Pregnant Hispanic women are 24 times more at risk.

This bacteria can be found in soil and contaminated water or plants. Raw fish can become infected during processing, including smoking or drying.

Listeria bacteria can be passed to your baby through the placenta, even if you’re not showing any signs of illness. This can lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth, and other serious health problems, according to the CDC.

It’s definitely advised to avoid raw fish and shellfish, including many sushi dishes. But don’t worry, you’ll enjoy it that much more after baby is born and it’s safer to eat again.

Some of the same issues with raw fish affect undercooked meat, too. Eating undercooked or raw meat increases your risk of infection from several bacteria or parasites, including Toxoplasma, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.

Bacteria may threaten the health of your little one, possibly leading to stillbirth or severe neurological illnesses, including intellectual disability, blindness, and epilepsy.

While most bacteria are found on the surface of whole pieces of meat, other bacteria may linger inside the muscle fibers.

Some whole cuts of meat — such as tenderloins, sirloins, or ribeye from beef, lamb and veal — may be safe to consume when not cooked all the way through. However, this only applies when the piece of meat is whole or uncut, and completely cooked on the outside.

Cut meat, including meat patties, burgers, minced meat, pork, and poultry, should never be consumed raw or undercooked. So keep those burgers on the grill well done for now.

Hot dogs, lunch meat, and deli meat are also of concern, which is sometimes surprising to pregnant people. These types of meat may become infected with various bacteria during processing or storage.

Pregnant women should not consume processed meat products unless they’ve been reheated until steaming hot.

Raw eggs can be contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria.

Symptoms of salmonella infections include fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

However, in rare cases, the infection may cause cramps in the uterus, leading to premature birth or stillbirth.

Foods that commonly contain raw eggs include:

lightly scrambled eggs
poached eggs
hollandaise sauce
homemade mayonnaise
some homemade salad dressings
homemade ice cream
homemade cake icings

Most commercial products that contain raw eggs are made with pasteurized eggs and are safe to consume. However, you should always read the label to make sure.

To be on the safe side, make sure to always cook eggs thoroughly or use pasteurized eggs. Save those super runny yolks and homemade mayo until after baby makes their debut.

Organ meat is a great source of a variety of nutrients.

These include iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, zinc, selenium, and copper — all of which are good for you and baby. However, eating too much animal-based vitamin A (preformed vitamin A) is not recommended during pregnancy.

Consuming too much preformed vitamin A, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, can lead to congenital malformations and miscarriage.

Although this is mostly associated with vitamin A supplements, it’s best to keep your consumption of organ meats like liver to just a few ounces once per week.

You may be one of the millions of folks who love their daily cups of coffee, tea, soft drinks, or cocoa. You’re definitely not alone when it comes to our love of caffeine.

Pregnant people are generally advised to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per day, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Caffeine is absorbed very quickly and passes easily into the placenta. Because babies and their placentas don’t have the main enzyme needed to metabolize caffeine, high levels can build up.

High caffeine intake during pregnancy has been shown to restrict fetal growth and increase the risk of low birth weight at delivery.

Low birth weight — defined as less than 5 lbs., 8 oz. (or 2.5 kg) — is associated with an increased risk of infant death and a higher risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

So keep an eye on your daily cup of joe or soda to make sure baby doesn’t have exposure to too much caffeine.

Your healthy salad choice may not be free from rogue ingredients, either. Raw sprouts, including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts, may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The humid environment required by seeds to start sprouting is ideal for these kinds of bacteria, and they’re almost impossible to wash off.

For this reason, you’re advised to avoid raw sprouts altogether. However, sprouts are safe to consume after they have been cooked, according to the FDA.

The surface of unwashed or unpeeled fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with several bacteria and parasites.

These include Toxoplasma, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can be acquired from the soil or through handling.

Contamination can occur at any time during production, harvest, processing, storage, transportation, or retail. One dangerous parasite that may linger on fruits and vegetables is called Toxoplasma.

The majority of people who get toxoplasmosis have no symptoms, while others may feel like they have the flu for a month or more.

Most infants who are infected with the Toxoplasma bacteria while still in the womb have no symptoms at birth. However, symptoms such as blindness or intellectual disabilities may develop later in life.

What’s more, a small percentage of infected newborns have serious eye or brain damage at birth.

While you’re pregnant, it’s very important to minimize the risk of infection by thoroughly washing with water, peeling, or cooking fruits and vegetables. Keep it up as a good habit after baby arrives, too.

Raw milk, unpasteurized cheese, and soft-ripened cheeses can contain an array of harmful bacteria, including Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. (These are probably sounding familiar by now.)

The same goes for unpasteurized juice, which is also prone to bacterial contamination. These infections can all have life-threatening consequences for an unborn baby.

The bacteria can be naturally occurring or caused by contamination during collection or storage. Pasteurization is the most effective way to kill any harmful bacteria, without changing the nutritional value of the products.

To minimize the risk of infections, eat only pasteurized milk, cheese, and fruit juice.

It’s advised to completely avoid drinking alcohol when pregnant, as it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Even a small amount can negatively impact your baby’s brain development.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can also cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which involves facial deformities, heart defects and intellectual disability.

Since no level of alcohol has been proven to be safe during pregnancy, it’s recommended to avoid it altogether.

There’s no better time than pregnancy to start eating nutrient-dense foods to help both you and your growing little one. You’ll need increased amounts of many essential nutrients, including protein, folate, choline, and iron.

It’s also a myth that you’re “eating for two.” You can eat as you normally do during the first semester, then increase by about 350 calories per day in your second trimester, and about 450 calories per day in your third trimester.

An optimal pregnancy eating plan should mainly consist of whole foods, with plenty of nutrients to fulfill yours and baby’s needs. Processed junk food is generally low in nutrients and high in calories, sugar, and added fats.

While some weight gain is necessary during pregnancy, excess weight gain has been linked to many complications and diseases. These include an increased risk of gestational diabetes, as well as pregnancy or birth complications.

Stick to meals and snacks that focus on protein, vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, and starchy vegetables. Don’t worry, there are lots of ways to sneak veggies into your meals without sacrificing taste.

When you’re pregnant, it’s essential to avoid foods and beverages that may put you and your baby at risk.

Although most foods and beverages are perfectly safe to enjoy, some, like raw fish, unpasteurized dairy, alcohol, and high mercury fish, should be avoided.

Plus, some foods and beverages like coffee and foods high in added sugar, should be limited in order to promote a healthy pregnancy.

If you want to learn more about what foods you should eat during pregnancy, check out this article: Healthy Eating During Pregnancy.

Quick tips for foods to avoid when pregnant
Avoid high-mercury fish including shark, swordfish, tuna, and marlin.
Raw fish and shellfish can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. Some of these can cause adverse health effects and harm both you and baby.
Raw or undercooked meat may contain harmful bacteria. As a general rule, meat should be cooked all the way through.
Raw eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella, and may put you and your baby at risk. Be sure to thoroughly cook eggs before eating.
Organ meat is a great source of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and copper. To prevent consuming too much vitamin A limit your intake of organ meat to a few ounces once a week.
Limit caffeine intake to under 200 mg per day, which is about 2 to 3 cups of coffee. High caffeine intake during pregnancy may limit baby’s growth and cause low birth weight.
Raw sprouts may be contaminated with bacteria. Only eat them thoroughly cooked.
Fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, including Toxoplasma. It’s important to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables with plenty of clean water.
Don’t consume unpasteurized milk, cheese, or fruit juice, as these foods increase the risk of bacterial infections.
Avoid all alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and fetal alcohol syndrome.
Eating processed foods during pregnancy can increase your risk of excess weight gain, gestational diabetes, and complications. This can have long-term health implications for you and your child.

5 Foods to Limit or Avoid While Breastfeeding

Breast milk is incredibly nutritious. In fact, it provides most of the nutrients that your baby needs for the first 6 months of life (1, 2).

While the composition of breast milk is tightly regulated by your body, research has shown that what you eat does have some effect on the contents of breast milk (3, 4).

In general, no foods are off-limits. Instead, women are recommended to eat a balanced, varied diet. Still, there are some foods and beverages that you may want to limit while breastfeeding.

Here are 5 foods to limit or avoid while breastfeeding, as well as tips for how to tell if your diet is affecting your baby.

Fish is a great source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — two types of omega-3 fatty acids that are important for brain development in infants, yet can be hard to find in other foods (5).

However, some fish and seafood can also be high in mercury, a metal that can be toxic — especially in infants and kids, who are more sensitive to mercury poisoning (6, 7).

Acute exposure to high levels of mercury can permanently affect your infant’s central nervous system. As a result, they may have delays or impairments in (6, 8):

cognition
fine motor skills
speech and language development
visual-spatial awareness

Therefore, fish that are high in mercury should be avoided while breastfeeding. Examples include (9):

bigeye tuna
king mackerel
marlin
orange roughy
shark
swordfish
tilefish

To ensure adequate omega-3 intake while reducing the risk of mercury poisoning, mothers who breastfeed are recommended to avoid high mercury fish and instead consume 8–12 ounces (225–340 grams) of low mercury fish per week (9).

summary
Due to concerns over mercury poisoning in infants, women who are breastfeeding should avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and bigeye tuna.

The use of herbs and spices like cumin or basil to season food is considered safe during breastfeeding.

However, when it comes to herbal supplements and teas, there are some concerns about safety, as there’s a lack of research in women who are breastfeeding (10, 11).

Additionally, because herbal supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, there’s also the potential for these supplements to be contaminated with potentially dangerous heavy metals (10, 11).

While many women try supplements to help increase milk supply, there’s overall limited evidence on their effectiveness, with most studies finding no difference in breast milk production compared with a placebo (12).

It’s best to speak with your healthcare provider before trying out a supplement.

summary
As most herbal supplements haven’t been evaluated for their safety during breastfeeding, it’s recommended to talk with your healthcare provider before using any supplements or herbal teas.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), abstaining from alcohol is the safest option during breastfeeding. However, an occasional drink is likely safe, as long as you’re cautious about the amount and timing (13).

How much alcohol your baby can get from breast milk depends on how much alcohol you consumed and when you consumed it. Research shows that the amount of alcohol in breast milk peaks 30–60 minutes after your last drink (14).

Plus, alcohol can remain in your system for up to 2–3 hours. This is just for one drink — the more alcohol you have, the longer it can take to be cleared from your system (14).

As a result, the CDC recommends limiting alcohol to just one standard drink per day and waiting at least 2 hours after that drink to breastfeed (13).

One standard drink is equivalent to (15):

12 ounces (355 mL) of beer
5 ounces (125 mL) of wine
1.5 ounces (45 mL) of hard alcohol

High levels of alcohol consumption have been shown to reduce breast milk output by 20%. (14)

Moreover, frequent, excessive alcohol intake during breastfeeding has been linked to an increased risk of disrupted sleep patterns, delay in psychomotor skills, and even cognitive delay later in life (13, 14, 16, 17).

summary
Women who are breastfeeding are recommended to limit alcohol to one drink or less per day and to wait at least 2 hours before breastfeeding. Frequent and excessive alcohol intake can reduce milk production and have serious effects on your baby.

Coffee, soda, tea, and chocolate are common sources of caffeine. When you consume them, some of that caffeine can end up in your breast milk (18, 19).

This can be problematic, as babies have a hard time breaking down and getting rid of caffeine. As a result, large amounts of caffeine over time could accumulate in your baby’s system, causing irritability and trouble sleeping (19, 20).

According to the CDC, mothers who are breastfeeding are recommended to consume no more than 300 mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to two or three cups of coffee (18).

As energy drinks often contain added vitamins and herbs, in addition to high amounts of caffeine, women who are breastfeeding are recommended to avoid these products unless otherwise approved by a trusted healthcare provider (21).

summary
During breastfeeding, women are recommended to limit caffeine intake to 300 mg per day or less to prevent irritability and disrupted sleep patterns in your infant.

To meet the increased nutrient demands of breastfeeding, it’s incredibly important that you eat a healthy, balanced diet (22).

As highly processed foods are generally high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, yet low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it’s recommended to limit their intake as much as possible.

Early research has also suggested that a mother’s diet while breastfeeding may influence her child’s diet later in life (23, 24, 25).

Specifically, animal studies have found that flavors infants are exposed to through breast milk can influence their food preferences as they grow up (26).

One study observed that rats born to mothers with a high junk food diet were significantly more likely to prefer high fat, high sugar foods than those whose mothers had a balanced, healthy diet (27).

While more research is needed in humans, there’s a concern that frequent exposure to fatty, sugary foods as an infant may lead to less healthy eating habits and obesity as the child ages.

summary
As highly processed foods are generally low in essential nutrients and may affect your child’s food preferences later in life, it’s recommended that breastfeeding moms limit their intake of foods that are high in added sugars and processed fats.

As flavors of foods and beverages end up in your breast milk, some moms find that strongly flavored foods like onion, garlic, or spices cause their babies to refuse to feed or become fussy after eating (28, 29).

While there’s no evidence to suggest that all mothers should avoid strongly flavored foods, if you notice changes in your baby’s feedings, it’s important to talk with your dietitian or pediatrician about eliminating certain foods or spices from your diet (29, 30).

Other potential food groups that may need to be avoided during breastfeeding include cow’s milk and soy products.

Approximately 0.5–2% of breastfed infants may be allergic to cow’s milk protein from their mother’s milk, while 0.25% may be allergic to soy protein (31, 32, 33, 34).

If your pediatrician suspects that your baby may have an allergy to milk or soy, it’s recommended to exclude all cow’s milk or soy protein from your diet for 2–4 weeks if you want to continue breastfeeding (35).

summary
Some babies may be more sensitive to strongly flavored foods or have an allergy to cow’s milk or soy protein. In these cases, it’s important to talk with your pediatrician before eliminating foods from your diet.

Every baby is different. However, there are some common signs that your diet may be affecting your baby, including (36, 37):

eczema
bloody stools
vomiting
diarrhea
hives
constipation
wheezing
congestion
abnormal fussiness
excessive gas
anaphylaxis — while rare, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention

If your baby exhibits any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that your baby is allergic or intolerant to a food in your diet. It’s important to make an appointment with your pediatrician, as they can work with you to help identify the problematic food.

For some food allergies, you may be instructed to cut out any suspected allergens for 2–4 weeks to see if symptoms subside.

Keep in mind that though your baby may have intolerances or allergies as an infant, they may still be able to tolerate those foods as they get older. Consult your pediatrician before adding foods back into your diet or your child’s (38).

summary
Symptoms like eczema, bloody stools, diarrhea, and congestion can indicate a food allergy or intolerance in your infant. It’s important to work with your pediatrician to identify which food(s) may be affecting your baby.

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients for your growing infant.

While most foods that were off-limits during pregnancy are back on the menu, there are some foods and beverages that may not be tolerated by or have negative effects on your baby.

While it’s recommended to completely avoid fish high in mercury and some herbal supplements, foods like alcohol, caffeine, and highly processed products can still be consumed but in limited amounts.

If your baby has symptoms like eczema or bloody stools, it may be due to something in your diet. It’s important to share your concerns with your pediatrician before making any sudden dietary changes.

Nutrition of a pregnant woman

So, your plans and decisions to give birth to a child have come true - you are pregnant! But this news causes you a double feeling: - on the one hand, a feeling of joy, and on the other hand, a feeling of certain fear and even fear of unknown trials for your life and the fate of the unborn baby. What will he be like? - healthy, beautiful, happy?...

And this largely depends on the woman herself, on what lifestyle she will lead during pregnancy and, most importantly, how she will eat. nine0003

Nutrition of a woman in different periods of pregnancy

The main thing in the menu of a future mother is variety. She should consume foods from all food groups: meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, dairy products, bread and cereals.

A woman's nutrition during pregnancy can be roughly divided into three periods (trimesters).

If before pregnancy a woman ate normally, felt comfortable, did not experience allergies to any products, then it is not worth changing her diet at an early stage of the first trimester of pregnancy. nine0003

During this period, all organs and systems in the child's body are formed, tissues are formed. The body needs complete proteins and vitamins: lean meat (rabbit, chicken, turkey), fish and seafood, dairy products. Be sure to eat rice, fresh or frozen vegetables, seasonal fruits. In the first trimester, many expectant mothers are still working. No matter how difficult it is to control your diet in the workplace, you need to do it - find time for a full breakfast and lunch. nine0003

In the first trimester of pregnancy, there is an active restructuring of the body and adaptation to a new state. During this period, it is recommended to switch to a low-calorie diet, which includes more fruits, juices, decoctions of dried fruits, including rose hips. At the very beginning of pregnancy, especially if toxicosis torments, more frequent, but less plentiful meals are recommended.

Always keep a hematogen, a bag of nuts or dried fruit in your pocket to have a snack on the street. If your condition does not allow you to eat regular food, you should pay attention to baby food. Baby products literally save expectant mothers suffering from severe toxicosis. These are boxed cereals, children's curds, cookies and fruit purees. nine0003

In the first trimester, special attention must be paid to the quality of products. Gradually abandon sauces, semi-finished products and canned food containing harmful chemical additives. Do not forget that the placenta freely accumulates and passes chemistry. The importance of products containing folic acid is great, without it intensive metabolism is impossible, its deficiency can cause developmental abnormalities. Folic acid is found in greens, nuts, white cabbage and broccoli, beets, legumes, and eggs. nine0003

According to nutritionists, the diet of pregnant women should be 300 kcal / day higher than that of non-pregnant women, but in the first trimester there is no need to increase the energy value of the diet at all; in the second trimester, an additional 340 kcal / day is required; in the third trimester - 452 kcal / day. Pregnant women generally get enough calories, and more than 80% of women achieve and even exceed the required weight gain. These extra calories benefit the fetus. An underweight woman should gain 16–20 kg during her entire pregnancy, an overweight woman about 7 kg, and a normal body weight of 11–12 kg. nine0003

In the second trimester there are active jumps in the height and weight of the baby and uterus, so the caloric content of the diet needs to be increased. It is desirable to eat more and better. At this time, the need for trace elements increases: iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, calcium, potassium. The child creates his own "reserve" of trace elements using the mother's resource, which means that the mother should have enough of them for two.

Very often in pregnant women in the second trimester hemoglobin drops, this is a normal physiological phenomenon, if it is not threatening to health. You can increase hemoglobin by eating red meat, chicken, fish, dried fruits, pomegranates, green vegetables and fresh herbs, buckwheat, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, pomelo, lemons), rosehip and berry infusions. nine0003

In the second trimester, a pregnant woman should limit the intake of smoked and fried foods, as well as salt in her diet. In no case should you limit the liquid. Pure water is the best drink for a pregnant woman, and water should be consumed up to 2-2.5 liters per day. Water is a natural drink for the body, it does not cause complications and has no contraindications. Edema is caused not by water, but by salt, which we not only add in its pure form, but also consume with canned food, mayonnaise, cheese, and sausage. The absence of salt is not harmful, it is naturally found in many products: vegetables, bread, so the diet will not remain completely without it. Excess salt disrupts metabolism. nine0003

During this period, you can increase the calorie content of food. Childbirth must be approached physically strong. It is better to eat meat and fish in the morning, for breakfast and lunch, and for dinner, prepare dairy and vegetable dishes: cheesecakes, stewed vegetables, cottage cheese and vegetable casseroles. It is necessary to minimize the intake of canned food, smoked meats, pickles and marinades, hot spices and fatty foods. Frequent walks in the air, physical activity are recommended.

In the third trimester, it is necessary to reduce the calorie content of foods at the expense of confectionery and flour products, eat less fatty meat, as well as cheese and sour cream. nine0003

By the end of this period, many experts advise pregnant women to give up meat altogether in order to increase tissue elasticity and prevent ruptures.

During the entire period of pregnancy, special attention should be paid to the combination of products. If you combine foods wisely, you can ensure more efficient absorption of food. If the food is digested poorly, then this can lead to rotting and fermentation of products and the formation of substances harmful to the body of the mother and child. In addition, the fermentation process is accompanied by gas formation, which can lead to flatulence (bloating) and discomfort. This is especially harmful in the last stages of pregnancy. nine0003

Try not to take the first, second and third course at the same time; this overflows the stomach and presses on the fetus, the food is poorly digested and poorly absorbed. Eat little and often. It is not recommended to eat immediately before starting work, a long walk, before charging and immediately after it; it is advisable to rest for 10 minutes before eating.

Eat only when you are hungry, try not to snack on the go. Follow the diet, eat at about the same time. nine0003

Proper preparation of food will help to maximize the useful substances contained in the products. Do not overcook food, try not to reheat the same dish several times, it is better to set aside only the portion that will be used. Cook in the most gentle way: baking, steaming, stewing. Avoid frying, boiling in large amounts of water, with this method of processing products, many useful substances are lost. If possible, do not cook for several days at once. Do not use aluminum cookware when cooking. Remember that for a pregnant woman, it is not calories that are important, but the quality of food, its naturalness, primarily a “living cell” (whole cereals, raw vegetables and fruits, fresh meat and dairy products). nine0003

What can harm the pregnant woman and the fetus

Smoking and alcohol – quit smoking from the first days of pregnancy, if you have smoked before, avoid "passive" smoking, and do not consume alcoholic beverages in any doses.

Lack of vitamins and microelements in the body - their absence or deficiency can lead to irreparable consequences. So, for example, iodine deficiency can lead to mental retardation of a child, folic acid deficiency - to severe fetal deformities, calcium deficiency - to a violation of the formation of the child's skeleton, iron deficiency - to anemia and a delay in the physical and neuropsychic development of the child. It is necessary to consult a doctor, perhaps he will recommend switching to iodized salt, as well as supplementing your diet with a vitamin-mineral complex and folic acid. nine0003

Excess weight is the risk of having a large child, which means the risk of complications during childbirth and the child's tendency to become obese at an older age.

The use of food additives (sauces, seasonings such as vegeta, bouillon cubes), exotic fruits, semi-finished products, carbonated drinks - the risk of allergies and anomalies in a child, unfortunately, increases.

Recommended for pregnant women:

Do not eat hot dogs and other snacks containing meat that has not been heated on fire or boiled in boiling water. nine0058
Avoid soft cheeses. Hard cheeses are safe.
Do not eat raw frozen pies and meat pastes, seafood. Canned analogues are safe.
Do not consume raw vegetables, unpasteurized juices, liver, meat, poultry and eggs that have not been sufficiently cooked. These products may contain Salmonella taxins.
Limit sweets.
In no case do not resort to starvation and various diets. nine0058
Regularly monitor blood pressure and do not miss visits to the gynecologist.

Remember!

Your child's development and health depend on your diet and lifestyle during pregnancy!

What Not to Eat During Pregnancy

Your body works like a finely tuned machine to support a growing fetus, but a healthy and balanced diet (and avoiding certain foods) can help Mother Nature do her job even better. So, how is the nutrition of pregnant women different from the usual proper nutrition? What exactly should you be eating? Many pregnant women also wonder what foods to avoid and what not to eat during pregnancy. Here you will find answers to your questions, as well as practical advice on nutrition during pregnancy. nine0081

We are always ready to help you with advice, but remember that each woman's pregnancy is different, so our advice cannot replace the advice of a doctor. Contact your doctor to discuss any individual changes to your diet.

What not to eat during pregnancy

The good news is that healthy eating during pregnancy is very similar to healthy eating for non-pregnant women. You should eat regularly and try to eat mostly natural foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Also, try to limit high-sugar and processed foods in your diet. nine0003

For safety reasons, avoid raw or undercooked meat, liver, raw fish sushi, raw eggs, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized milk and juices. Below you will find more information on some foods that should not be consumed during pregnancy: ^{1 2 3}

mercury content, which include marlin, swordfish, king mackerel, mackerel, shark, tuna and tilefish.

Only canned light tuna is allowed in moderation. nine0002 To the dismay of all sushi lovers, raw fish, shellfish and crustaceans are also among the foods that are highly discouraged during pregnancy, as they may contain bacteria or even parasites. Smoked seafood should also be excluded from the diet.

Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk
Soft cheeses such as feta, brie, dorblu and camembert are also on the list of foods that pregnant women should avoid. Because these cheeses are made from raw milk, they can be contaminated with Listeria. nine0094 4
Rule of thumb: look for the label that says the product is pasteurized!

Unpasteurized milk and juices
Similar rules apply to milk and juices. Freshly squeezed juice or any unpasteurized juice may contain disease-causing bacteria (E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella) ⁵ , so these products should not be consumed during pregnancy. nine0058

Raw eggs
Raw eggs or foods containing raw or semi-raw eggs should also be on your pregnancy avoid list: muffin mix, cookie dough, soft-boiled eggs, and fried eggs. Also be aware of foods that may contain half-baked eggs, such as salads, condiments, scrambled eggs, and ice cream. During pregnancy, it is necessary to consume only those eggs that have been heat-treated until fully cooked. nine0058

Semi-cooked or raw meat and poultry
Semi-cooked or raw meat may contain listeria. During pregnancy, be careful to avoid such deli meats, or steam the meat until it is fully cooked. Cold meat pâtés are also prohibited. As for sliced meat, make sure that it has been heat-treated until it is fully cooked before eating it.

Raw or semi-cooked foods of plant origin
Eating raw vegetables, fruits, berries, lettuce, legumes, root vegetables, etc. carries the risk of food poisoning and should be thoroughly washed or cooked before consumption to reduce the risk of bacterial growth . Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy0003
- Ready-to-cook fresh minced meat
  Be careful when eating semi-finished fresh minced meat. If you decide to buy a whole stuffed bird, you need to buy it frozen and do not defrost before cooking. Bacteria can grow in fresh meat in combination with stuffing. ⁷
- Sweets, carbohydrate-rich foods, fast food
  Although there is no conclusive scientific evidence, sweets, fast food, and foods high in fat and carbohydrates are usually on the list of foods that expectant mothers crave to eat. If you have an overwhelming craving for certain foods during pregnancy, try choosing healthier options. Can't imagine a meal without french fries? Fry foods in little or no oil with the Airfryer Airfryer, a healthy alternative that lets you enjoy delicious fried food at 9% less0%*fat content. You must remember that a balanced, healthy diet is important for maintaining your health and the health of your unborn baby.
- Excess caffeine
  During pregnancy, restrictions are placed not only on food, but also on drinks, among which drinks containing caffeine should be avoided. Remember that caffeine is found not only in coffee, but also in drinks such as tea, cocoa, cola.
  The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that “women with daily high caffeine intake (more than 300 mg per day) reduce their daily intake during pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight.” nine0094 8
After the birth of a child, the diet of a nursing mother is no less important than during pregnancy. Watch a webinar from a Philips Avent expert on nutrition during this period:

Healthy nutrition for expectant mothers

Pregnancy is a period of intensive growth and development of your unborn child, as well as a time of many physiological changes in the mother's body, so the nutrition of a pregnant woman should contribute in every possible way to the success of passing this path. It's a good idea to discuss this with your doctor so you can make sure you're getting enough of the right nutrients. Here are some key tips for a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy:
- Eat whole grains such as whole grain bread and pasta; Choose lean meat or poultry and aim for 225-350 grams of boiled fish per week (remember to choose low-mercury fish).
- Your diet should include five food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, protein foods, and dairy products. ⁹ Have half your plate of vegetables and fruits and the other half whole grains. nine0058
- And the easiest way to eat more fruits and vegetables is to make smoothies. Now there is a huge variety of recipes, and Philips blenders will help you cook them quickly and achieve the most delicate texture. Make new recipes from your favorite foods and add greens and nuts to them.
- Talk to your doctor about your diet, vitamin supplements, and other prenatal medications, such as folic acid and iron supplements.
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