Which foods should be avoided during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time when a fertilized egg develops into a human being. Most of the foods and beverages a woman consumes are transferred in varying concentrations to the fetus through the blood and umbilical cord. Therefore, it is especially important to adjust one’s diet to make it as safe as possible for the baby.

A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, with a variation of about two weeks earlier or later considered normal. During this time, the fertilized egg becomes an embryo and, after implanting in the uterus, gradually develops into a small human. The fetus is connected to the mother’s body through the umbilical cord, which carries nutrients from the mother’s blood. Pregnancies can vary greatly – some women feel well until birth, while others experience strong symptoms from the very beginning. Cravings are also common – sudden urges for specific foods or unusual combinations. However, not all foods are healthy for the baby, so it’s especially important for expectant mothers to know which products they should avoid during pregnancy.

What shouldn’t be drunk during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it’s not only important what you eat, but also what you drink. Most importantly, all forms of alcohol must be avoided. Ethanol easily enters the bloodstream and is passed to the unborn baby via the umbilical cord. Since the fetal body cannot metabolize alcohol, it acts like a toxin and puts a strain on the baby. To protect the baby from harmful effects, complete abstinence from alcohol is essential throughout the entire pregnancy. Regular alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which can cause low birth weight, facial deformities, nerve cell damage, and developmental delays.

In addition to alcohol, sweetened carbonated drinks should also be avoided. These contain high amounts of sugar as well as artificial colors and preservatives. Some also contain caffeine or taurine. These beverages raise blood sugar levels without providing significant nutrients.

Which foods should not be eaten during pregnancy?

Knowing which foods to avoid during pregnancy is essential, as some can seriously harm the developing baby.

Fast food should be excluded from the diet, as it contains a lot of fat and is often made from low-quality ingredients. It is high in calories but low in nutrients. Sweets should only be eaten in moderation due to their high sugar content and artificial additives, which can lead to excessive weight gain without delivering necessary nutrients.

Completely avoid mold-ripened cheese, raw milk cheese, aged cheeses, and feta – these can contain Listeria bacteria, which may cause listeriosis. Also off-limits are raw meat and raw eggs. Meat can be a carrier of toxoplasmosis and listeriosis – both of which can cause premature birth or severe birth defects. Raw eggs may contain salmonella, which can also be dangerous during pregnancy.

Highly processed foods should also be avoided, as they often contain preservatives that could harm the baby.

What can you eat during pregnancy – and what only in moderation?

Expectant mothers should pay close attention throughout pregnancy to what they can eat – and what should only be consumed with caution. Some products are not strictly forbidden but should only be eaten occasionally and in small amounts. These include:

• Liver (contains a lot of vitamin A, which can be harmful in high doses)
• Peanuts (may contain aflatoxins, which could harm the fetus)
• Coffee and strong black tea (may affect the fetal heart function)
• Grilled and smoked foods (often highly salted and may contain harmful substances from smoke)

Which types of fish should be avoided during pregnancy?

Fish is generally a valuable part of a healthy diet, as it provides omega-3 fatty acids, protein, iodine, and vitamin D. However, due to increasing environmental pollution, it is becoming more difficult to find uncontaminated, nutrient-rich fish. That’s why it is important to know which types of fish should be avoided during pregnancy.

Raw fish – especially sushi – should be completely avoided throughout pregnancy. Shellfish are also considered questionable.

Large predatory fish such as swordfish, tuna, or king mackerel should be avoided as well. These fish eat smaller fish and thus accumulate more pollutants and heavy metals, which can harm the baby’s nervous system.

Which fruits should be avoided during pregnancy?

Fruit is a healthy part of the diet because it is rich in vitamins. However, all fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly to remove as many chemical residues from the peel as possible.

Caution is advised with exotic fruits, strawberries, and citrus fruits – these may trigger allergies or allergic reactions.