Pregnancy is the most amazing phase for every woman. Each one wants to take the utmost care to their baby inside the tummy. Everything you eat should be hygiene, and few food items should be avoided or minimized during pregnancy which may harm the baby's growth.

It is the most critical and sensitive period. When it comes to food, you should take more care because what you eat will be helpful to your baby growth.

Here are some food items that should be avoided during pregnancy are:

Raw eggs:

Raw eggs contain Salmonella. Salmonella is an infection generally experienced by mothers which result in fever, vomiting, cramps in the stomach. This infection can cause pain in the uterus which leads to premature babies. So, pregnant women are recommended to avoid foods that contain raw eggs.

Caffeine:

Caffeine is generally found in coffee, tea, and in some soft drinks. Pregnant women should limit their intake of these liquids, which contain caffeine as it is absorbed quickly and passes easily into the fetus and placenta.

Babies in your tummy don't have enzymes to metabolize caffeine. Consuming more caffeine during pregnancy will increase the risk of the weight of the baby at delivery. So, pregnant women are advised to take 200 mg per day of caffeine-containing drinks.

Fish Containing High Mercury

Fishes such as shark, swordfish, albacore tuna, and king mackerel have high levels of mercury. Hence, it is best to avoid these fishes since it is not suitable for the baby. Mercury is a highly toxic element. If you eat fish that contains mercury during pregnancy, it might cause complications in pregnancy and even cause harm to the fetus.

Raw or Uncooked Fish

Raw fishes can cause infections. These fishes contain bacteria. It affects the mother by making her dehydrate and weak. The bacteria present in raw fish is found in soil and dirt water. Pregnant women should avoid raw fish.

Also Read: 10 Eats To Improve Liver Function & Prevent Your Liver From Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Disorder

Unwashed fruits or vegetables

Unwashed and unpeeled fruits and vegetables contain several bacteria. Some of the bacteria, like Toxoplasma, Salmonella, and Listeria are obtained through hands or soil. During transport, the harvest or production of fruits and vegetables may acquire these bacteria.

When pregnant women consume these fruits or vegetables without washing the bacteria present on those fruits will affect both the baby and mother. So, consume fruits and vegetables after washing only.

Undercooked and raw meat

If you are consuming raw meat, you might develop the risk of being infected from several bacteria or parasites living on them. Toxoplasma, E. coli, and Salmonella are the most common among them.

The bacteria, if ingested into the body, might become life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. There might be other complications such as stillbirth, blindness, intellectual disability, and severe neurological illness.

Cut meat, including meat patties, burgers, minced meat, pork, and poultry should never be consumed raw or uncooked. Keep yourself away from hot dogs, lunchmeat, and deli meat. They quickly become infected with several bacteria during the process and storage.

It is advised that pregnant women should never consume processed meat unless they are reheated and steaming hot.

Alcohol:

During pregnancy, drinking of alcohol should be avoided entirely as it raises the risk of miscarriage. A small amount of alcohol consumption will result negatively in babies' brain development.

These are some of the items that should be avoided or minimized during pregnancy. Few foods are strictly avoided by pregnant women. What you eat will make your baby, so think before you consume by knowing is it safe for your baby or not.

Up Next: 7 Worst Foods for Your Brain to Prevent from Dementia by which 65 Million's will be affected by 2030