Pregnancy is a time when women need to be careful about what they eat and drink, as certain foods can be harmful to the developing baby. Some foods can cause miscarriage or other complications, and it is important for pregnant women to be aware of these risks and avoid them. In this list, we will explore 30 foods that can cause miscarriage or other complications during pregnancy, along with some details on why they should be avoided.
- Raw or
undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs: Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and
eggs may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E.
coli, and Listeria, which can cause serious illness and potentially harm
the developing baby. Pregnant women should cook meat, poultry, and eggs
thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.
- Fish
with high levels of mercury: Fish that are high in mercury, such as shark,
swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, should be avoided during
pregnancy. Mercury can harm the developing nervous system of the baby, and
pregnant women should consume fish that are low in mercury, such as salmon
and trout, in moderate amounts.
- Unpasteurized
dairy products: Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and cheese
made from raw milk, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria that can
cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women
should consume only pasteurized dairy products.
- Alcohol
and caffeine in excessive amounts: Alcohol and caffeine in excessive
amounts have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and other
complications during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid alcohol
completely and consume caffeine in moderation.
- Herbal
supplements such as black cohosh, blue cohosh, and dong quai: Herbal
supplements such as black cohosh, blue cohosh, and dong quai have been
linked to an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth and should
be avoided during pregnancy.
- Teas
made with pennyroyal or tansy: Some teas, such as teas made with
pennyroyal or tansy, may increase the risk of miscarriage and should be
avoided during pregnancy.
- High
doses of green tea or other caffeinated teas: High doses of green tea or
other caffeinated teas may increase the risk of miscarriage and should be
consumed in moderation.
- Deli
meats and cold cuts: Deli meats and cold cuts may be contaminated with
harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause serious illness and
harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should heat deli meats and cold
cuts until steaming hot before consuming them.
- Raw or
undercooked shellfish: Raw or undercooked shellfish may be contaminated
with harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness and harm
to the developing baby. Pregnant women should cook shellfish thoroughly
before consuming it.
- Raw
sprouts: Raw sprouts, such as alfalfa, clover, and mung bean sprouts, may
be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Pregnant women should avoid raw sprouts.
- Unwashed
fruits and vegetables: Unwashed fruits and vegetables may be contaminated
with harmful bacteria, pesticides, or other harmful substances that can
cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women
should wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
- Unwashed
hands and kitchen surfaces: Unwashed hands and kitchen surfaces may be
contaminated with harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness and harm
to the developing baby. Pregnant women should wash their hands frequently
and clean kitchen surfaces thoroughly to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Unpasteurized
juices and cider: Unpasteurized juices and cider may be contaminated with
harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, that can cause serious
illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should consume
only pasteurized juices and cider.
- Smoked
seafood: Smoked seafood, such as smoked salmon and trout, may be
contaminated with harmful bacteria and should be avoided during
- Large
amounts of vitamin A: Large amounts of vitamin A, found in some
supplements and in foods such as liver, can be toxic and cause harm to the
developing baby. Pregnant women should consume only moderate amounts of
vitamin A.
- Raw
cookie dough and cake batter: Raw cookie dough and cake batter may contain
raw eggs, which can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as
Salmonella. Pregnant women should avoid eating raw cookie dough and cake
batter.
- Artificial
sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, have been
linked to an increased risk of birth defects and should be avoided during
pregnancy.
- Soft
cheeses: Soft cheeses, such as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined, and
queso blanco, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Listeria,
which can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant
women should consume only hard cheeses or soft cheeses that have been made
from pasteurized milk.
- Processed
foods: Processed foods, such as fast food, chips, and snack foods, are
often high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar and low in nutrients.
Pregnant women should limit their consumption of processed foods and
choose healthy, whole foods instead.
- Excessive
amounts of vitamin C: Excessive amounts of vitamin C, found in some
supplements and in high doses of certain fruits and vegetables, can cause
diarrhea and other digestive problems that can be harmful to the
developing baby. Pregnant women should consume only moderate amounts of
vitamin C.
- Certain
types of nuts: Some nuts, such as peanuts, may be contaminated with
harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, and should be consumed in
moderation. Pregnant women should also avoid nuts if they have a family
history of allergies.
- Hot
dogs: Hot dogs may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and should be
heated until steaming hot before consuming them.
- Raw
honey: Raw honey may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as
botulism, which can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby.
Pregnant women should consume only pasteurized honey.
- Licorice
root: Licorice root may cause premature labor and should be avoided during
pregnancy.
- Processed
meats: Processed meats, such as sausage and bacon, may be high in
unhealthy fats, salt, and preservatives and should be consumed in
moderation.
- Energy
drinks: Energy drinks may contain high amounts of caffeine and other
stimulants that can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should avoid energy drinks.
- Raw or
unpasteurized sauerkraut: Raw or unpasteurized sauerkraut may be
contaminated with harmful bacteria and should be consumed only if it has
been pasteurized.
- Raw or
unpasteurized vinegar: Raw or unpasteurized vinegar may contain harmful
bacteria and should be consumed only if it has been pasteurized.
- High-sugar
foods and beverages: High-sugar foods and beverages can contribute to
unhealthy weight gain and increase the risk of gestational diabetes during
pregnancy. Pregnant women should consume only moderate amounts of sugar.
- Unwashed
or undercooked rice and grains: Unwashed or undercooked rice and grains
may be contaminated with harmful bacteria or toxins that can cause serious
illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should wash rice
and grains thoroughly and cook them until fully done.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy
is essential for the health of the mother and the developing baby. Pregnant
women should be careful to avoid certain foods that can cause miscarriage or
other complications, such as raw or undercooked meat, fish with high levels of
mercury, and unpasteurized dairy products. By following a balanced and healthy
diet, pregnant women can help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and give
their baby the best possible start in life.