Healthy pregnancy nutrition is of prime importance throughout the nine-month pregnancy period. What the mother eats, directly affects the growth and well-being of the unborn child. It is of significance that the mother follows a healthy pregnancy diet plan, and takes care to avoid certain foods, which might harm her and the baby growing in her womb.

Given below is a comprehensive list of foods, which should be avoided during pregnancy.

Some Fish

Although fish is healthy food, it is advisable to avoid fish that has been exposed to industrial pollutants or those, which contain high mercury content, as this might harm the baby developing brain. Examples of such fish are king mackerel, shellfish, swordfish, sea bass, and tuna.

Raw Eggs

These should not form part of your pregnancy nutrition, as they might contain bacteria. Even avoid foods that use raw eggs, such as mayonnaise, ice cream, and certain salad dressings.

Raw Meat and Poultry

Pregnant women are prone to bacterial food poisoning, which at times harms the unborn baby too. So, remember to consume only fully cooked meat and poultry. Avoid hot dogs, sausages, or deli meat in your pregnancy nutrition program.

Soft Cheeses That Have Not Been Pasteurized

Such kinds of cheese might carry life-threatening bacteria, such as Listeria, so avoid them in your pregnancy nutrition chart.

Unpasteurized Milk and Fruit Juices

Milk or milk products (cheese, butter, margarine) or fruit juices that have not been pasteurized should not be a part of your pregnancy nutrition, as they may be carriers of harmful bacteria.

Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol by a pregnant woman has shown to cause fetal abnormalities, facial deformities, and developmental problems in the baby. Therefore, it is better to abstain even during breast-feeding, as alcohol might pass on to the baby through the mothers milk.

Seafood

Seafood is definitely a rich source of iron, protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help, promote the development of a baby's brain. However, your pregnancy nutrition chart should eliminate seafood (shellfish, clams, oysters, smoked seafood) that contains high levels of mercury, as it might lead to poor oral skills and other growth problems when you baby grows up.

Caffeine

Caffeine is said to affect the baby heart rate as well as respiration, as it can traverse the placenta. Excessive consumption of caffeine can also lead to stillbirths and miscarriages. Therefore, if you are strictly following healthy pregnancy nutrition, then completely avoid caffeine in any form. Moderate intake (less than 300 milligrams a day) may be considered only after a doctor consultation, if you are a coffeeholic.

The list of foods to be avoided is small enough, so take care that you take every possible care to follow the best pregnancy nutrition, and give birth to a healthy baby! Pregnancy week by week development is dependent on your pregnancy nutrition, never forget that!

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About the Author

Healthy pregnancy nutrition is important all through your pregnancy period. Keep a check on your pregnancy diet as your progress in your pregnancy week by week.