So we went over the foods that you SHOULD eat during pregnancy (link), as well as ALL the nutrient-rich, feel-good, good-for-you treats that will do you and your babe right. But, certain foods traditionally pose some level of risk. Look, do we think the toro at Nobu is going to wreak havoc on your baby’s health? Or that a lil freshly carved turkey from the local diner poses a serious threat? We can’t be sure. The best thing is to consult your doctor, and learn the ins and outs of why the following foods can be viewed as dangerous:
- Raw Meat: It’s not like you’re going to be reaching for that raw hunk of steak, but uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry contains risk of bacteria, toxoplasmosis + salmonella.
- Deli Meat: Though extremely rare, some deli meats have been known to be contaminated with a bacteria known as listeria, which can lead to miscarriage. The American Pregnancy Associations recommends that if you’re going to eat deli meat, be sure to heat the meat until it’s steaming.
- Fish With High Levels Of Mercury: Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. Some of these fish include shark, swordfish, king mackerel + tilefish. Eat tuna in moderation.
- Smoked fish: “What do you mean I can’t have a bagel and lox during my pregnancy?!?!” It’s a tough one, mama, but smoked fish aka lox, nova + kippered salmon also poses heightened risks of listeria. (However they are safe when cooked, so order up those LEO’s!)
- Raw Shellfish: The majority of post dinner “WTF did I eat last night?” toilet-hugging sickness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which includes oysters, clams and mussels. Do yourself a favor and cook ‘em up.
- Raw Eggs: Salmonella risk right here, including homemade dressings and ice creams as well as custards. Check that hollandaise sauce before slathering it all over your perfectly cooked steak.
- Soft Cheeses: Sooooooo imported soft cheese like brie, roquefort, camembert and queso fresco may contain listeria unless they’re clearly stated that they’re made with pasteurized milk, so check before you go create your Pinterest-worthy cheese plate. Speaking of which, make sure your milk is pasteurized too. K thx.
- Pate: Meat spreads pose a listeria risk so buy ‘em canned.
- Caffeine: We’re on the one-cup-a-day team over here, but you do you. If you’re going to opt out, do it in the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage is higher. As a general rule, limit caffeine to fewer than 200 mg per day. Also remember to compensate with water as caffeine is a diuretic, which flushes fluids from the body. Some research suggests that large levels of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, low birth weight and premature birth, so be sure to check in with your doctor.
- Alcohol: Here’s another toughie. We know some women who abstain for 40 weeks and afterwards, and some gals who swear by a glass of wine each day. Didn’t Gwyneth drink beer during her pregnancies? Didn’t all of our moms? Don’t they do it in France? Regardless, here’s what you need to know. Alcohol is not regarded as safe during pregnancy, and excessive exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby and in extreme cases Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which can include mental issues, malformations of the skeletal system + major organ systems as well as cognitive issues. Check in with your doctor and gage your own comfort level with having a sip now + then.
