The 9 forbidden foods in pregnancy (and breastfeeding)

Wear a healthy and balanced balanced diet during pregnancy is essential for a good development of the pregnancy. This not only includes taking the necessary nutrients for the mother's body and the baby, but it is also important to know what not to consume during pregnancy.

Here we present you a list with the 9 forbidden foods in pregnancy and lactation, which can have negative effects or can cause diseases such as toxoplasmosis. - Related article: "How to breastfeed without pain (with 10 tips and techniques)”

9 foods forbidden in pregnancy and lactation

This is the list of foods to avoid consuming if you are pregnant or you are breastfeeding, since they can pose a danger to your body and the fetus.

1. Caffeinated drinks

Some of the foods forbidden in pregnancy are as commonly consumed as coffee, tea or some carbonated soft drinks. Its caffeine and excitant content are inadvisable for both pregnant and lactating women, and its consumption should be limited to a maximum of 200 mg of caffeine per day.

Excess caffeine consumption in pregnant women carries risk to the fetus, since it can affect pregnancy and even increase the risk of miscarriage. Consumed while breastfeeding can affect the baby and alter her sleep.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol is undoubtedly another of the prohibited foods during this stage, since it is rapidly absorbed and easily crosses the placenta. Its negative effects on the fetus are permanent and they can be fatal, leading to abortions or sudden death syndrome of the neonate.

It is not recommended to take it also during breastfeeding, since it can reduce milk production and affect the growth of the baby.

3. Unpasteurized dairy products

Unpasteurized dairy products are another of the foods forbidden during pregnancy, as is the case with some types of cheese or fresh milk.

These may contain Listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious health problems in both the mother and the fetus, and even can lead to abortion.

In order to safely consume dairy foods, they must have been pasteurized and sterilized. During breastfeeding, it is only advisable to consume low-fat dairy products.

4. Processed foods

Processed foods are also prohibited during pregnancy, as they contain substances that can be harmful and that in excess can lead to developing gestational diabetes, which can cause problems during pregnancy and delivery.

Therefore, the consumption of foods that contain a high amount of refined or artificial substances, including products such as processed meat, should be avoided.

5. Raw eggs

The consumption of raw eggs or products made with it, such as homemade mayonnaise, should be prohibited during pregnancy, since they are in poor condition can transmit Salmonella and endanger the life of both the mother and the fetus.

In case of infection, there is a risk of premature delivery or death of the newborn. Therefore, it is important that the products you consume contain cooked or pasteurized eggs. During lactation there is no danger of contagion, but its consumption should be monitored.

6. Viscera

Products made with organ meats are another of the prohibited foods in pregnancy. Consuming meats such as liver or other organ meats can lead to increased levels of vitamin A in the mother, which can affect the fetus and its development.

Some of its derivatives, such as patés or foie gras, are also inadvisable due to the possibility of transmission of the Listeria bacteria.

7. Undercooked meat or sausages

The same goes for sausages or undercooked meats. They can transmit bacteria and parasites that can cause serious problems in the development of the baby during pregnancy.

Sausages may contain Listeria and raw meats can spread the parasitic disease Toxoplasmosis, which carries the risk of serious infections or can even cause the death of the fetus. In general, try to eat only well-cooked or boiled foods during pregnancy.

8. Large fish and shellfish

Among the foods prohibited in pregnancy are many types of fish and shellfish, especially large blue ones or those that are consumed raw, as in the case of sushi or oysters. These may contain a parasite that can affect the health of both the pregnant mother and the fetus.

Large blue fish, such as swordfish or bluefin tuna, are also not recommended during pregnancy, since they have a high presence of mercury. Fish such as salmon, white tuna are more recommended. mackerel, herring or sardines.

White fish and fatty fish are also recommended, as is the case with fish such as hake, monkfish, sea bream or sea bass.

9. Green shoots

Raw vegetables, such as green sprouts, are also forbidden foods in pregnancy, as they contain bacteria that are difficult to wash off. Therefore, they should only be consumed once cooked.

Anyway, do not forget to always wash any other type of vegetables, fruit and vegetables before consuming thema, or choose to consume it cooked.

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