Adoption Blog

Eating well balanced and nutritional meals is important at all times, but even more so during pregnancy. Most foods and beverages are safe, but there are a few that could be dangerous to the health of you and your baby.

Fish High in Mercury

Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. Examples of fish high in mercury include:

• Sushi
• Swordfish
• King Mackerel
• Canned Tuna

Raw Meat

Uncooked meat of any kind (seafood, beef or poultry) should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis and salmonella.

Alcohol

There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy. Exposure to alcohol while pregnant can interfere with the healthy development of the baby, and even cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Alcoholic beverages include:

• Beer
• Wine
• Champagne
• Liquor

Deli Meat

Deli meats have gained an unpleasant reputation for being contaminated with listeria. If you decide to eat deli meat, make sure to reheat it until it is steaming. This will kill the bacteria.

Caffeine

Although most studies show that caffeine in moderation is safe, there are others that show caffeine intake may be related to miscarriage. It is most important to avoid caffeine during the first trimester. Caffeine containing beverages include:

• Coffee
• Some Sodas
• Some Teas
• Energy Drinks

Soft Cheeses

Imported soft cheeses may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Only consume cheeses that clearly state they are made from pasteurized milk. Examples of soft cheeses to avoid are:

• Brie
• Camembert
• Roquefort
• Feta
• Gorgonzola

Unwashed Vegetables

Veggies are an important part of a healthy diet, so you still need to eat them during pregnancy. It becomes dangerous when the vegetables are unwashed. Unwashed vegetables may contain toxoplasmosis and other harmful bacteria.