Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

The first foods which come to mind when I think of what a pregnant woman should not consume are not even specific foods. They are types of foods.

Your developing baby needs the highest quality foods that you can provide.

Limit Junk Foods

If possible, avoid non organic foods. Instead, substitute fresh, local, top quality organic fruits and vegetables.

Avoid white flour and white sugar. Instead, substitute whole grain breads and foods. Use natural sweeteners in limited quantities. Do not use artificial sweetener, even those derived from natural sources.

Carefully Select Protein

Limit fatty meats as they contain excess calories as well as lots of cholesterol. Consuming a great deal of cholesterol while pregnant may predispose you to gallstone formation. Instead, obtain protein from either lean meats or, better yet, plant based proteins. Soy, quinoa, dried beans, lentils, and dried peas provide excellent protein. Whole grains are excellent choices too, as is Greek yogurt.

Limit your consumption of fish depending upon where the fish comes from. Cold water ocean wild fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring are fine. Limit your consumption of tuna. If eating fish from fresh water, check with your local fish and game department for their recommendations. Many lakes and rivers contain fish which are contaminated with mercury and other toxins. Your local authorities may offer guidance about what fish is and is not safe to eat and how frequently it may be safely consumed by a pregnant woman.

Watch What you Drink

Do not drink any alcohol. Some health practitioners say that an occasional glass of wine late in pregnancy is safe. I highly oppose that advice. If you are addicted to alcohol, do whatever you need to avoid exposing your unborn child to its very dangerous effects.

Caffeine needs to be eliminated or severely curtailed during pregnancy. Caffeine is commonly consumed as tea, cola, coffee or chocolate. Other foods and drinks may have caffeine too. Read the labels of products.

If you are trying to get pregnant, several studies have indicated that caffeine consumption can reduce your chances of conceiving.

A large study found that the risk of low birth weight babies is increased among pregnant women who consume caffeine. Low birth weight is associated with a variety of problems for the babies. Studies are underway to determine if heart problems and other birth defects occur more frequently among babies born to mothers who consume caffeine. Animal studies show that birth defects and premature labor are linked to caffeine consumption. Some researchers believe that the risk of miscarriage is elevated in women who consume caffeine; however, studies are conflicting.

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