Medically Reviewed By Experts Panel
When you’re pregnant, it’s essential to avoid foods and beverages that may put you and your baby at risk.
Although most foods and beverages are perfectly safe to enjoy, stay away from raw food, caffeine, alcohol, junk and processed food.
Plus, some foods and beverages like coffee and foods high in added sugar, should be limited in order to promote a healthy pregnancy.
- Raw sprouts/Salads: you should avoid raw sprouts/salads during pregnancy as they can cause food poisoning due to harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
- Raw Eggs – Raw eggs should be avoided in pregnancy as they can be host to disease causing bacteria called salmonella. Symptoms of salmonella infections include fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.
- Unpasteurised milk and fruit juice – Raw, unpasteurised milk may contain bacteria like E-coli which can cause foodborne illnesses.
- Caffeine –Caffeine consumption during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss. Large amounts of caffeine can negatively and irreversibly affect the development of the baby, which happens in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Alcohol – It’s advised to completely avoid drinking alcohol when pregnant, as it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Even a small amount can negatively impact your baby’s brain development.
Adverse effects – An inadequate or excessive amount of some nutrients may adversely affect your growing baby. Personal habits such as consumption of alcohol or
Stick to meals and snacks that focus on protein, vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, and fibre-rich carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, and starchy vegetables. There are a whole lot of foods that you can eat to ensure your baby is safe and healthy. Keep your gynaecologist informed about your eating choices and diet chart so they advise you appropriately.
