10 foods to avoid while pregnant

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Getting the right kind of nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the baby's health. Eating the wrong kinds of foods may pose serious health risk to both the expectant mother and child. For soon-to-be mothers who are unsure if consuming a certain food is unsafe, it is best to talk to your doctor.

Here are some foods that you should avoid eating during pregnancy:

1.) Raw Meat

Any type of meat that is undercooked or hasn't been cooked should be avoided by pregnant women as it can increase the risk of being contaminated with salmonella, coliform bacteria and toxoplasmosis, according to American Pregnancy. In addition, pregnant women should also stay away from deli meat as it may potentially be contaminated with listeria, a bacterium that can cause miscarriage and blood poisoning.

2.) Fish and shellfish high in mercury

While seafood is a good source of omega-3 acids and protein, there are some that may contain mercury, a toxic substance that is especially dangerous for unborn babies and their growing brains.

According to Mayo Clinic, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency advise pregnant women to stay away from shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tile fish. They are also advised to not eat raw sashimi, sushi and shellfish such as oysters, clams or scallops.

3.) Unpasteurized dairy products

Milk that has not been pasteurized could contain bacteria that can cause food borne illness. Soft cheeses such as feta, brie and blue cheese should be avoided, according to Mayo Clinic.

4.) Raw or undercooked eggs

Any food that contains raw eggs such as cookie dough, eggnog, ice cream, mayonnaise, Caesar salad dressing and chocolate mousse should be avoided by pregnant women. Baby Center recommends using pasteurized egg products for foods that use uncooked eggs.

5.) Caffeine

Consumption of caffeine by pregnant women is linked to increased risk of stillbirth, miscarriage or low birth weight in their children. According to WebMD, caffeine should be limited to only 200 milligrams or 12 ounces daily or forego caffeine altogether to be safe.

6.) Alcohol

WebMD also recommends avoiding all forms of alcohol such as beer, wine and spirits as this can affect fetal development in physical and intellectual aspects.

7.) Pate

Pate in the form of meat spreads or any kind, including vegetable pate should be avoided because according to American Pregnancy, it can contain listeria.

8.) Canned foods

According to Mom Junction, foods have been canned should be avoided by pregnant mothers. The cans could be lined with Bisphenol A or may have preservatives that may be harmful for the baby.

9.) Street foods

It is also recommended by Mom Junction that street foods be avoided by pregnant women as they may be unhygienic and could result to food poisoning and other illnesses.

10.) Too much vitamins or supplements

Pregnant women should not overdose in vitamins and supplements as this can do more harm than good. According to Mom Junction, it is best to follow the doctor's orders and take only the recommended medicine at the right dosage.