There are some foods you should not eat when you are expecting because they might make you ill or harm your baby. Foods that are too high in mercury or Vitamin A can pose a health risk to your baby as well as canned foods that are known to cause foodborne illness. Make sure you know the important facts which foods you should avoid or take extra care with when you are pregnant. The best option is to eat freshly prepared or cooked food. Take a look at these 10 dangerous foods you should avoid during pregnancy:

1.  Soft cheese

Relax, you don’t have to avoid all cheese during pregnancy. Only soft cheese should be avoided because they may contain listeria bacteria, which could be fatal for the foetus. The bacterial infection can cause miscarriage and even lead to stillbirth and premature delivery. The best advice is to avoid soft cheese and that includes brie, feta, gorgonzola, camembert and roquefort.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine, in general, is not good for our body system but small doses won’t create that much of a trouble. However, it is best to avoid it as much as possible especially if you are pregnant. Caffeine acts as a diuretic and is linked to the foetus’ low weight. Caffeine is not only contained within coffee or tea, it is often hidden in many processed products such as chocolates, energy drinks and general cold and flu-related medicines.

3. Raw eggs

One food that could be dangerous for pregnant women and should be avoided at all cost is the undercooked or raw egg. Raw eggs may typically have a tinge of salmonella bacteria that cause frequent vomiting and diarrhoea. While properly cooked eggs are very good for the developing baby but raw eggs are definitely not the case. Make sure you cook them until both the egg whites and yolk are nice and firm. Do you know that raw eggs can be concealed in some salad dressings? So it is a good idea to check the ingredients to make sure it’s safe.

4. Canned foods

This kind of foods should be avoided not only during pregnancy but at all times as well. Canned foods are packed and stored for longer period of time and they are filled with synthetic preservatives and chemicals that are harmful to your health. Canned foods develop a certain level of inertia which will make you very lethargic as it consumes a whole lot of energy from you to digest it. Hence, pregnant women especially must avoid canned food and to always have fresh home-made food whenever possible.

5. Alcohol

Everyone knows that pregnant women cannot consume alcohol. For decades, scientific studies have proven the ill effects of excessive alcohol consumption over a child’s development. Some say the occasional sip is okay but there is no proven minimum quantity given. So it is best to totally avoid it if you are expecting. Studies have shown that a pregnant woman with lower levels of enzyme makes her more susceptible to harm because the alcohol may circulate in the body without being broken down to simpler compounds for a relatively long period of time.

6. Unpasteurised dairy products

Milk and dairy products are really good for women during pregnancy but you have to be careful in choosing the right type. Raw or unpasteurised milk and dairy have a risk of carrying certain bacteria and parasites that can cause digestive issues apart from food poisoning. A woman’s body is super sensitive during pregnancy so it is best to avoid raw dairy. If you really want to drink raw milk, you just have to boil the milk for a minimum of 20 minutes or buy the products which are pasteurised before they are packed. This process would kill most of the bacteria contained in the milk.

7. Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, a substance that causes the softening of the uterine and contractions. That’s the reason why it is rated as one of the most dangerous foods for pregnant women. It creates a substance that is responsible for causing miscarriages. So, it is recommended to avoid pineapples especially during the first three months of the pregnancy.

8. Processed foods

Processed meats especially hot dogs and sausages should not be eaten during pregnancy. They are as bad as canned foods. Processed meats can be infected with listeria, a bacteria that can cause listeriosis which in severe cases can raise the risk of a miscarriage. As a pregnant woman, you need to consume a healthy and balance diet. Add more fruits and vegetables in your daily meals and avoid processed meats as a safer choice.

9. Certain types of fish

Fish like salmon is high in nutritional content and can be a good choice during pregnancy. It is best to ask your doctor which varieties of fish are acceptable and which you should stay away from throughout the course of your pregnancy to avoid any severe case. Some fishes contain higher levels of mercury which can be dangerous for the baby. Again, raw or under-cooked shellfish like mussels, clam and oysters can cause seaborne illnesses. Raw food is not good for pregnant women. Cooking them can help reduce the risk but the infections related to algae remain in the fish.

10. Undercooked meat

Meat is essential since the body utilises the high levels of protein and energy content in it. But do you know that undercooked meat is one of the foods that you need to avoid during early pregnancy? Researchers have proven that raw or under-cooked meat contain certain dormant, undamaged bacteria and parasites that are potential threats to the baby’s health. You need to make sure the meat is cooked totally without any rawness in the core of it. Cook the meat till it is well done as it can destroy any bacteria or parasite in the deeper layers of the chunks.

Use Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Conception Indicator

If you are planning to conceive, then you should avoid all these 10 foods that may be dangerous to your baby. Consume more fruits and vegetables and take less sugar and any unhealthy food. Make sure your baby gets enough nutrient throughout the pregnancy journey.

The Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Conception Indicator is the first and the only test that is as accurate as an ultrasound scan. It indicates how many weeks since conception occurred; either 1-2, 2-3 or more than 3 weeks thanks to its Smart Dual Sensor™. This pregnancy test offers the most accurate result with over 99% accuracy from the day of your expected period.