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food should be avoided during pregnancy
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Gynecology & Pregnancy Care
Question #14685
45 days ago
99

food should be avoided during pregnancy - #14685

Kavya

I am really starting to worry about what I'm eating during my pregnancy. I'm in my second trimester now, and I just read somewhere that certain food should be avoided during pregnancy but I’m not completely sure which ones. Like the other night, I had sushi (I know, I know, bad idea, right?), and then I thought about all those other things I crave like soft cheeses and deli meats. I mean, is it really that serious? I also heard that certain fruits might not be great, but I love my mangoes! 😩 What's the deal? I really want to be careful, but sometimes it feels like I can’t eat anything without it being on a no-no list. Friends keep telling me this or that, and it gets confusing! Are there any specific food should be avoided during pregnancy that I should be super aware of? I really don’t want to stress myself out but I also wanna do the best for my baby. Anyone have solid advice on what food should be avoided during pregnancy? Like, what if I accidentally eat something bad? Can it really harm my baby? Honestly just trying to figure this all out while balancing work and dealing with pregnancy symptoms. Help!

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Doctors’ responses

There is indeed quite a bit of information to sift through, so let’s break it down to the essentials you should keep in mind during pregnancy. First, let’s talk about raw or undercooked foods - these should generally be avoided. This includes raw fish or shellfish, sushi (unless it’s made with fully cooked seafood), and undercooked meats. These foods carry a risk of infection with bacteria or parasites, which can be harmful for both you and your baby. Next, unpasteurized products, such as certain soft cheeses (like Brie or Camembert), can contain Listeria - a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection during pregnancy. When it comes to deli meats, they should be heated until steaming hot to kill any potential Listeria. As for fruits and vegetables, they are generally good for you, but they should be washed thoroughly to remove any potential toxins or pathogens. While mangoes themselves are not harmful, moderation is key with fruits due to their high sugar content. Contrary to some myths, safe consumption of tropical fruits in moderate amounts is usually fine. As for your concerns about accidentally eating something off-limits, it’s understandable. If such a situation occurs, monitor for any unusual symptoms, and reach out to your healthcare provider for peace of mind. Typically, one instance of consuming a questionable food is unlikely to cause harm, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution and inform your doctor so they can advise you best. By adopting a balanced approach to your diet, focusing on well-cooked, nutritious foods, you can support a healthy pregnancy. Remember, it’s a journey, and you are doing your best!

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