A pregnant woman [Photo/All Christian News]
The long list of foods that pregnant women are advised to avoid can be a nerve-racking read for mums-to-be. While sushi and soft cheese are to be expected, many women are surprised to find out certain foods could be very dangerous during pregnancy. Here are a list of foods to avoid:
Processed, raw or undercooked meat
Not only can undercooked meat contain Listeria, but so can deli meats like ham and salami. However, ham and salami don’t have a lot of nutrition in them, so it is advisable that women avoid them during pregnancy. Instead, they should choose foods that are high in iron like fish, lean red meat or lean chicken.
Raw or uncooked eggs
Beware of foods such as chocolate mousse and fresh mayonnaise that are made with raw eggs, as they can contain both Listeria and Salmonella. If women miss out on chocolate mousse during pregnancy they should not worry because it’s not really nutritious and it’s full of extra kilojoules.
Raw of uncooked fish or seafood
All fish and seafood should be well cooked, so you can kiss your beloved sushi goodbye. As for the notion that shellfish should be avoided during pregnancy, its a myth. Expectant mums should avoid types of fish that are high in mercury, such as flake, swordfish and marlin.