Foods to eat when pregnant? Consuming the right nutrients is extremely important. Especially to ensure your baby is getting the necessary nutrients.
In general, there aren’t many food limitations for pregnant women. However, there are some that you should completely avoid due to them either causing miscarriages, stillbirths or other serious health complications.
Here’s a list of food items you should NOT eat when pregnant:
RAW FISH
Avoid raw seafood such as poke, oysters, caviar etc. As they may interfere with the baby’s brain and nervous system.
FISH HIGH IN MERCURY
Examples include shark, tuna, and swordfish.
ALCOHOL
Consuming alcohol when pregnant increases the risk of miscarriages, stillbirths and fetal alcohol syndrome.
UNDERCOOKED MEAT
Always make sure your meat is cooked thoroughly. When eating outside always opt for well cooked steak or meat of your choice.
UNPASTEURIZED JUICES, CHEESE AND MILK
Avoid all kinds of soft cheese such as brie, queso fresco, queso blanco etc. as they increase the risk of bacterial infections.
RAW SPROUTS
Raw sprouts may be filled with bacteria that is nearly impossible to remove.
DELI MEAT
Deli meat may be infected with Listeria which is a bacteria that crosses through your placenta and can effect your developing baby.
UNWASHED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with bacteria such as Toxoplasma therefore, it’s crucial that you thoroughly rinse all of your produce.
Instead, focus on consuming these highly nutritious food items:
These are the foods to eat when pregnant:
SWEET POTATOES
An excellent source of vitamin A that is integral in the growth of cells in your fetus.
SALMON
Omega 3 is extremely beneficial not only for the mother but also in the development of the baby’s brain and eye development.
AVOCADOS
Helps in relieving leg cramps that is common in pregnant women AND has been linked to improving fetal health.
BROCCOLI
Rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, and disease fighting antioxidants all of which are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
BANANAS
An excellent source of potassium and often aids with pregnancy fatigue.
WALNUTS
Filled with omega 3 , magnesium, folate, healthy fats, and vitamin E all of which aid in the baby’s brain development.
YOGURT
Incorporating yogurt in your diet may reduce your baby’s risk of developing eczema and other allergies later in life.
WATER
You will need to consume twice the amount of water to avoid dehydration and other complications during your pregnancy.
PRENATAL VITAMINS
These can help fill in the gaps in your diet to ensure your baby is receiving adequate nutrition. Click here for our prenatal vitamin recommendation.
