To ensure the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy, there are certain foods that pregnant women should consume cautiously or avoid altogether. First are undercooked or raw foods, such as sushi, rare steaks, and soft-boiled eggs, which may carry pathogens like Listeria and Toxoplasma gondii. Infections from these pathogens can easily lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or fetal malformations. Dairy products that have not undergone pasteurization, such as raw milk and soft cheeses, also pose a risk of disease.
Secondly, spicy, greasy, and stimulating foods, such as chili peppers, fried foods, strong tea, and coffee, can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, worsening constipation and digestive discomfort during pregnancy. The caffeine in coffee may also affect fetal nervous system development, so it is recommended that daily intake be limited to no more than 200 milligrams. Additionally, preserved foods like pickled vegetables and cured meats contain large amounts of nitrites, which may endanger the health of both mother and baby. High-sugar foods such as cakes and candies can easily cause blood sugar fluctuations in pregnant women, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes.
There are also some specific foods to be avoided, such as hawthorn and longan, which may stimulate uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage; aloe vera may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even endometrial congestion. Alcohol is strictly prohibited, as it can cross the placenta and affect fetal brain and organ development, leading to fetal alcohol syndrome.