What are the forbidden foods for pregnant women?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, my wife has just become pregnant, and our whole family is very happy. However, we don't know much about diet and are worried about eating the wrong things that might affect the fetus. Therefore, we would like to ask you, what foods should pregnant women avoid?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Pregnant women need to pay attention to many dietary considerations. It is generally not recommended to consume raw or undercooked foods, high-mercury fish, unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses, caffeinated beverages, high-sugar foods, or high-salt foods.
1. Raw or undercooked foods: Including raw meat, raw fish, and partially cooked eggs, these foods may carry pathogens such as Listeria and Salmonella, increasing the risk of infection.
2. High-mercury fish: Such as shark, swordfish, and tuna steaks. High mercury levels can affect fetal nervous system development. It is recommended to choose low-mercury fish, such as salmon and cod.
3. Unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses: Such as blue-veined cheese and Brie cheese, which carry a risk of Listeria contamination.
4. Caffeinated beverages: Such as coffee and strong tea. Excessive caffeine intake may increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight. It is recommended that daily caffeine intake not exceed 200 milligrams.
5. High-sugar foods: Such as cakes, honey, and candy. Excessive intake may trigger gestational diabetes, which is harmful to the health of both the fetus and the mother.
6. High-salt foods: Such as pickled vegetables, cured meats, and salted fish. Excessive consumption may lead to gestational hypertension, increasing the risks of stillbirth and fetal growth restriction.
In addition, preserved foods such as pickled vegetables, cured meats, and salted fish generally contain high levels of salt, and excessive consumption may cause edema and hypertension. During pregnancy, a woman's diet should follow the principle of balanced and diverse nutrition, ensuring sufficient intake of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
