When you are pregnant, what you eat becomes more important than ever. You are not only eating for yourself, but also for at least one other little person who has no say in what you put in your mouth. That’s why it is vitally important to know which meats, drinks, vegetables and fruits you should avoid during pregnancy.
Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy
Though most fruits are recommended for pregnant women, there are some fruits that should always be avoided. That’s because the immune system of a pregnant woman is going through serious changes, and some bacteria and other nasty things on certain fruits can make them dangerous. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Pineapple
Though luscious pineapple seems like it would be great for you, it is important to remember that pineapple and pineapple juice can actually induce labor. The liquid in pineapple contains bromelain, which has been known to induce labor, especially during the first trimester. Always speak to your doctor before eating or drinking anything that has pineapple in it.
Grapes
Some experts say that grapes are okay, but others say they are not. They are considered one of the fruits to avoid during pregnancy becausesometimes very harsh chemicals are sprayed on the plants to ward of insects. However, the biggest problem is a compound called resveratrol, which is naturally occurring in grapes. This can lead to serious levels of toxicity in the mother, which also harms the baby.
Papaya
If you do choose to eat papaya, makes sure it is completely ripe – unripe papaya has been known to lead to uterine contractions. Apparently, some women in various countries have used papaya mixtures as a way to abort a pregnancy in the early stages, so it stands to reason that pregnant women should avoid this fruit. To be sure that you are getting papaya that is actually healthy for you and the baby, go with papaya that is over-ripe.
Unwashed Fruits
Did you know that the vast majority of people eat fruits and veggies before washing them? That’s a terrible way to ingest all kinds of awful things: errant bacteria, toxic pesticides, parasites such as toxoplasma gondii and listeria. All of these can lead to birth defects, labor and delivery problems, and even the death of the unborn child. So apart from fruits to avoid during pregnancy listed above, unwashed fruits are also harmful for pregnant women. It is vitally important not to just wash the fruits, but to wash them thoroughly. Use warm water and a small brush that is designed for cleaning vegetables and fruits. Even if you intend to eat a fruit that requires the peel be discarded, such as cantaloupe or watermelon, wash the outside very thoroughly before cutting through it. To be even safer, go with fruits that have been grown organically instead of those that are loaded with pesticides.
Fresh Juice
Juice is wonderfully good for you most of the time, but fresh juice might also lead to problems, such as contracting E. coli or salmonella poisoning. That’s why pregnant women should always go for juice that is pasteurized, or juice your own fruit after you have washed it thoroughly. Once you have juiced the fruit, drink it immediately to avoid letting bacteria grow in the warm drink.
Other Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
In addition to fruits to avoid during pregnancy, there are other foods that pregnant moms should steer clear of. Be on the lookout for sushi, rare meat and raw eggs, as these are never good for pregnant women. Other points to remember:
- Avoid seafoods high in mercury
These include certain fish, such as swordfish or tuna. Also avoid any seafood that is raw or uncooked, even if it has been refrigerated. Keep an eye out for certain advisories about different types of fish that might have rising mercury levels. When you do cook seafood, make sure it reaches a temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Lay off on the caffeine and teas
Caffeine can be a nice pick-me-up, but it can also lead to problems for the unborn baby. The same is true for certain teas, which might have properties that can lead to early labor. Limit caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day.
- Avoid certain meat, poultry and eggs
Any undercooked meat is a big no-no, so you will have to pass on the rare steak for now. Another problem is hot dogs or other pork dishes that contain nitrites, which can lead to serious infections in pregnant women. Egg custards or drinks like eggnog, which might be made with partially-cooked eggs, should also be avoided. Finally, avoid refrigerated meat pates and spreads, as they might not be cooked appropriately.
- Never drink alcohol
Though some say that it’s okay to have a glass of wine here or there, the truth is that no one knows how much alcohol it takes to hurt your baby. The best way to avoid any problems at all is to keep away from alcohol during pregnancy, including mixed drinks that might include tiny amounts of it. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry.