What foods should pregnant women not eat

Pregnant women should avoid consuming raw meat, unsterilized dairy products, high mercury fish, alcoholic beverages, and excessive caffeine. These foods may increase the risk of fetal malformation, miscarriage, or premature birth, and special attention should be paid to dietary safety during pregnancy.

1. Raw meat

Raw or undercooked meat may carry pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and Salmonella. Toxoplasma gondii infection may lead to abnormal development of the fetal nervous system or miscarriage. Pregnant women should ensure that the temperature of the meat center meets safety standards and avoid consuming raw fish slices, semi cooked steak, marinated seafood, etc. Thoroughly clean hands and kitchen utensils after processing raw meat.

2. Unterilized dairy products

Untreated milk and its products may contain Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can infect fetuses through the placenta, causing sepsis or meningitis. When purchasing dairy products, it is necessary to confirm the packaging label "pasteurized" to avoid soft cheeses such as Brie cheese, blue cheese, etc. Refrigerated food needs to be heated until steam rises before consumption.

3. High mercury fish

Large predatory fish such as sharks, swordfish, and mackerel have higher levels of mercury. Mercury can accumulate in the mother's body and damage fetal brain development. It is recommended to choose low mercury fish such as salmon, cod, and pomfret, with a weekly intake of 200-300 grams. Freshwater fish should ensure that their source is pollution-free and thoroughly remove their internal organs before cooking.

4. Alcoholic beverages

Any dose of alcohol may affect the fetus through the placenta. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, manifested as growth retardation, facial deformities, or intellectual disabilities. All alcoholic beverages, including red wine and beer, should be prohibited, and cooking wine should also have its alcohol content fully evaporated.

5. Excessive caffeine

Daily caffeine intake exceeding 200 milligrams may increase the risk of miscarriage. Besides coffee, strong tea, chocolate, and energy drinks also contain caffeine. It is recommended to choose low calorie coffee with a brewing time of no more than 3 minutes. When palpitations or insomnia occur, the intake should be stopped immediately, and substitutes such as barley tea and flower fruit tea can be used.

Pregnant women should pay attention to balanced nutrition and food safety in their diet. Suggest increasing the intake of whole grains, dark vegetables, and low sugar fruits, with steaming and stewing as the main cooking method. Daily supplementation of nutrients such as folate, iron, and calcium to maintain freshness and diversity of ingredients. When experiencing food allergies or gastrointestinal discomfort, it is important to keep a diet log and seek medical advice promptly. During regular prenatal check ups, personalized dietary plans can be discussed with doctors to avoid blind supplementation or excessive dietary restrictions.