Some types of cheeses
Eating soft cheeses during pregnancy can be risky. Those that contain unpasteurized milk can contain listeria bacteria , a condition that can cause spontaneous abortion , premature birth and even the death of the fetus.
Therefore, during pregnancy, cheeses with mold, brie, camembert, feta, queso blanco, queso fesca will be avoided, except for the situation in which the label specifies that they are pasteurized. If there is any doubt or the necessary information cannot be obtained, it is better to avoid their consumption.
Undercooked meat
Meat cooked in blood can be tasty, but during pregnancy it is recommended to eat only well-cooked meat. The raw or insufficiently prepared one can contain toxoplasmosis , but also other bacteria that can negatively influence the development of the fetus.
Fresh juice
Freshly squeezed juice in restaurants and bars, because it is not pasteurized, could contain bacteria such as salmonella and e-coli . You can buy fresh, unpasteurized juice that is refrigerated. It will be consumed by pregnant women only if it is pasteurized, preferably bottled in boxes and bottles packed in safe conditions.
Sushi
Future mothers who prefer sushi should take a break for 9 months in which they do not taste this delicacy. Although seafood is an important source of protein, it can also be a source of parasites and bacteria harmful to the fetus. In any case, fish and seafood that are part of a pregnant woman’s menu must be well prepared, at high temperatures.
Raw ingredients and mayonnaise
When a female person prepares cakes or other types of food, she might be tempted to taste a little of the composition or the raw dough. But this can be risky for the normal development of the fetus, if the eggs in the mixture are raw, because many of them may contain salmonella .
The good news is that the frozen doughs, bought in stores, for cakes are safe. The same risk is valid in the case of mayonnaise, and the alternative would be vegetable mayonnaise or the one that contains pasteurized eggs.
Hygiene during cooking
During pregnancy and beyond, you must avoid using the same chopper or kitchen utensils used for raw meat and then for cutting bread, for example, without washing them carefully. Also, to protect against infections, an alternative would be not to wait for the meat to thaw completely before it is prepared.
Fish with mercury
Swordfish, mackerel, shark contain a high level of methylmercury. This metal can affect the normal development of the fetus. Pregnant women should consume fish with low levels of mercury, such as salmon, catfish and tuna, and no more than 150 grams per week. Before using fish oil or any other similar supplements during pregnancy, the doctor’s opinion will be requested.
sausage
To distinguish it from other germs, listeria can also develop inside the fridge. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid consuming perishable foods (sausages) even if they have been kept cold. In the case of horseradish, the risks decrease if they are boiled and eaten shortly.
Pâté or meat paste
Patties contain perishable meat and may also contain listeria. Keeping the refrigerator around 5 degrees Celsius will slow down the growth of this bacteria but will not stop it completely. Since pregnant women are vulnerable to listeria , it is best to avoid any kind of refrigerated meat. However, eating canned goods during pregnancy is ok, even if they do not contain the healthiest foods.
Germs from raw foods
Pregnant women should not eat raw foods of any kind (salad, radishes, cabbage, etc.). Bacteria can enter the seeds even before they grow, and these germs are impossible to wash. If these types of raw foods are well cooked, any bacteria is destroyed.
Smoked fish
During pregnancy, it is best for expectant mothers to avoid smoked fish, regardless of whether it is trout, white-fleshed fish, cod, tuna or mackerel. The main risk is contact with listeriosis.
Crustaceans and clams
Raw clams are one of the main sources of parasites and bacteria. But when crustaceans, clams, oysters, mussels are well cooked, the dangers are minimal. However, such foods should not be handled during pregnancy in a raw state, with the shells unopened.
Fish from local waters
If the degree of pollution of the waters, bays and lakes is not known exactly, the fish caught in them will be avoided. Some waters are contaminated with chemical and industrial substances.
The food offered by acquaintances
Loved ones, friends and acquaintances can offer you various types of food. However, if there is any reason for concern regarding the safety of consuming the food product (such as storing it for more than 2 hours outside the refrigerator), it would not be advisable to consume it.
Unpasteurized milk
Do not consume unpasteurized milk, as the chances of it containing listeria are quite high. Any dairy product is protected from listeriosis through the pasteurization process.
Caffeine
Studies have shown that a moderate amount (maximum one small cup) of coffee can be safely consumed during pregnancy, but caffeine is also found in the composition of tea, some juices, chocolate and energy drinks.
Alcohol
It is already known that excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to serious congenital malformations . What is probably not known is that even small amounts of alcoholic beverages are harmful and cannot be consumed safely during pregnancy (including beer, wine, liquors, etc.).
Takeaway food
If the food from the restaurant to the home is not kept in proper conditions, and it is warm in the means of transport, the bacteria will multiply. Any kind of food must be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of two hours after it has been cooked, especially if the food will be consumed by future mothers.