While pregnant, the list of foods you should not eat can be longer than the list of foods you should eat, so you should be very careful when choosing what to buy from the store.
Below you will find what you should not eat while pregnant.
Semi-cooked foods - It is not recommended to keep semi-cooked food in the fridge because Listeria can always find a way in.
Because of this, it is best to stay away from perishable and semi-cooked food kept overnight.
It is best to consume these foods when they're warm and fresh.
Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables - During pregnancy, it is the time to eat many fruits and vegetables, but make sure before you consume them you take the time to wash them thoroughly.
Bacteria can live on unwashed fruits and vegetables, and toxoplasmosis can be extremely dangerous for your baby.
Don't ever use soap when washing the fruits and vegetables.
It is best to scrub them very well and to remove any leaves or stems.
Wheat Germs - While it is a healthy add-on to your salads, during pregnancy it is recommended not to eat any.
The main reason for this is because they cannot be properly washed, but you can destroy any bacteria by preparing them thermally.
Smoked Seafood - Avoid as much as possible to eat smoked fish or smoked seafood while pregnant because it will make you vulnerable in the face of Listeria.
If smoked fish is mixed in with a thermally prepared dish, then it is OK to consume.
Raw Mussels - Mussels are the main carrier of illnesses that you can get from seafood.
They contain parasites and bacteria that normally don't survive if thermally prepared.
Boil them until their shells open, and best to throw away the ones whose shells don't open.
Fish From Local Waters - You should only eat fish from local waters if you personally know the one who sells them, or if you fish it yourself.
Some lakes or rivers can be contaminated with industrial chemicals, so use your due diligence.
Food At Friends/Family - This does not mean that you when you visit your friends or relatives you should not eat at their place.
But you should always follow the 2 hours rule: don't ever eat something that's been sitting outside of the fridge for longer than 2 hours because it can be dangerous for the baby.
Unpasteurized Milk - Are you dreaming of visiting of farm and drinking milk straight from the cow? It is wise to wait a little longer (9 months or so) until doing so.
Fresh milk, that has not gone through the pasteurizing process, does not protect you against Listeria.
This bacteria can be very dangerous for you and your baby.
While pregnant, it is best to buy the milk, cheese, or any dairy products from the store and to make sure it is labeled as 'pasteurized'.
Caffeine - New studies show that the moderate consumption of caffeine is not harmful during pregnancy.
Even so, doctors advise against caffeine consumption while pregnant, as there is a link between caffeine and miscarriage.
Try to reduce your daily dose of caffeine to 200 ml, or eliminate it completely.
Also, be aware that caffeine can be found in chocolate, tea, and energy drinks, not only in coffee.
Alcohol - It's likely you already knew that alcohol can be very dangerous and lead to developmental problems for the baby if consumed, heavily or not, by the mother during pregnancy.
Studies show that even the smallest quantities of alcohol are not recommended for the soon to be mother, so it is best to keep away from any form of alcohol: wines, beer, and any other liquid/food that contains alcohol in any concentration.