Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

September 06, 2008

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Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
reviewed by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

Some foods that are fairly safe under regular circumstances can be dangerous to eat during pregnancy. Others are best avoided regardless of whether or not you are pregnant. Below is a list of foods that you should steer clear of in pregnancy.

Shark and swordfish
Shark, swordfish, tuna steaks, sea bass, and many other large fish are known to contain high levels of methyl mercury, a substance that can potentially cause neurologic damage when consumed in large amounts. While it is not clearly defined exactly how much seafood one would have to eat to experience harmful effects, there is reason to believe that the fetus is likely to be more susceptible than an adult because of the sensitivity of the developing nervous system.

If you are pregnant--or even just of childbearing age--experts at the Food and Drug Administration advise that you limit the number of times you dine on these delicacies to no more than once a month. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) believes that these recommendations are too lenient and that pregnant women should avoid these fish altogether. Farm-raised trout and catfish, Pacific salmon, and fish sticks are safe, and canned tuna is intermediate. For more information, check out www.pirg.org/toxics/reports/brainfood.

Raw meats
Whether it is in the form of raw hamburger or pork, or in the Middle Eastern dish called kibbe, raw meat has the potential to cause serious infections during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can result in a potentially serious intrauterine fetal infection, and E. Coli infection are the two prime examples.

Toxoplasmosis. Besides raw meat, the parasite responsible for this type of disease can also be found in soil, on unwashed vegetables, and in the feces of cats (hence the recommendation for women to refrain from changing the kitty litter while pregnant). Healthy adults do not typically experience any symptoms or dangers related to toxoplasmosis infection, and without having had a specific blood test, most people do not know if they have ever had the infection. Fortunately, many women have already been exposed to "Toxo" before becoming pregnant and are therefore protected by antibodies. However, for women who have not had Toxo, becoming infected during pregnancy could harm the baby and should therefore be avoided.

E. coli. Raw or even just rare hamburger can harbor a toxic form of the bacteria known as E. coli. This is dangerous for adults and children as well as for pregnant women. When cooking meat, be sure to cook hamburger and pork to an internal temperature of no less than 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and steak 170 degrees F.

Raw chicken
Now that you're pregnant, it's even more important to avoid eating raw chicken, or even coming in contact with the surfaces that have been touched by raw chicken, as it can transmit Salmonella. The result can be a serious, albeit treatable, diarrheal disease. Diarrhea with its resultant dehydration is particularly dangerous when you are pregnant, although the Salmonelladoes not infect the fetus.

Raw eggs
For some of you, the thought of eating raw eggs would never cross your mind. But there are some fad diets and drinks out there that call for them, and more than one pregnant woman has been known to nibble on batter containing raw eggs while making a batch of chocolate chip cookies. And, of course, Caesar salads and eggnog are quite popular, too. That said, it is important to know that raw egg products, too, can be contaminated with Salmonella. To eliminate this risk, always cook your eggs well before eating.

Soft cheeses
Soft cheeses, including Brie, Camembert, Mexican-style, and any other cheese that may be made with inadequately pasteurized milk, can harbor Listeria. This type of bacteria has the ability to cross the placenta and infect the fetus. While adults with Listeria quite often show no symptoms of infection (asymptomatic) or simply develop flulike symptoms, a fetus or newborn can suffer life-threatening complications. Listeriosis has been known to cause miscarriage, premature birth, and blood poisoning. For these reasons, it is best to set aside these types of cheese until after the birth of your baby. Most cheeses imported into the US are pasteurized--just check the label to be sure.

Pate
In case you were anticipating eating pate during your pregnancy, think twice--it also may contain Listeria.

Unwashed vegetables
Vegetables that are not washed have the potential to transmit toxoplasmosis, since this parasite can contaminate the soil in which the vegetables were grown.

Rumors abound
Other edibles that you may have heard are unsafe in pregnancy are more open to debate. Aspartame (Nutrasweet) and shellfish both have bad reputations, but are probably no worse than when you're not pregnant--if eaten under safe circumstances (see below) and in moderation.

Aspartame. Aspartame is not technically a food but a sweetener, but it might as well be, given the amount that many people consume. The concern about aspartame is that it contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that is toxic for children with the rare condition phenylketonuria (PKU). Since your body will break down the phenylalanine, ingestion during pregnancy likely wouldn't cause a problem for your fetus, even if she did have PKU. However, the best advice for aspartame (even if you're not pregnant) is "everything in moderation."

Raw shellfish. The illnesses you can get from shellfish are not specific to pregnancy, but are often mentioned because they can be severe in anyone. According to the Food and Drug Administration, undercooked molluscan shellfish--which includes oysters, clams, and mussels--are known to cause a majority of the seafood-borne illnesses. This includes not only Salmonella, but other types of bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections (including hepatitis A) as well.

While you probably want to minimize your likelihood of being infected regardless of whether or not you're expecting, pregnancy is an especially good time to avoid mollusks. Cooking prevents some types of infection, but it cannot prevent the algae-related infections that are borne on red tides. Avoid cooked as well as raw shellfish in warm months when algae are at their peak.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Sports and Exercise During Pregnancy
			Healthy Eating during Pregnancy

Created September 12, 2000
Reviewed August 27, 2004

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