A pregnancy diet is not about losing weight, feeling slimmer or even choosing foods you want to eat. As with anything else during pregnancy, pregnancy diets involve being at your healthiest for not just the baby growing inside you, but for your own health throughout the first, second and third trimesters as well. Though it is important to know what to eat when pregnant, it is even more important that you know what not to eat when pregnant.

Eating Seafood While Pregnant

Seafood is considered a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids while pregnant –– all of which play an important role in a growing baby’s brain development. Seafood products, especially fish, can contain mercury and too much mercury during the growth phase of a fetus can lead to severe nervous system disorders. Therefore, certain fish are listed high on what not to eat when pregnant by medical professionals.

According to the Mayo Clinic, larger and older fish such as swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel and shark have been shown to contain high levels of mercury during FDA studies. Women can, however still enjoy the protein benefits of fish by eating items like shrimp, crab, salmon and canned light tuna but only in small moderations of six to eight ounces per week.

Eating Raw Or Undercooked Meats During Pregnancy

A pregnant woman should consume meats and other forms of protein during her pregnancy to provide essential nutrients to her baby. Raw meats, such as sushi or rare beef, however, are examples of what not to eat when pregnant, according to BabyZone.com.

Raw and undercooked meats contain certain bacteria, which can give a healthy adult mild discomfort such as fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

A pregnant woman, however, can have the same symptoms, but more severe, which can lead to miscarriage, premature labor or stillbirth. Cook all meats to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and ask for meat items at restaurants to be cooked to well-done. Fish products should be cooked until the meat easily flakes with a fork and egg products should have a yolk that is firm throughout.

What Not To Eat When Pregnant List Of Foods

Raw meats and seafood products are not the only food items listed on what not to eat when pregnant.

Women who are expecting have a list of foods to avoid during pregnancy that include: deli meats, raw shellfish, raw eggs, soft cheese, unpasteurized dairy products, pate, peanuts and unwashed vegetables, according to American Pregnancy Association.

What Not To Eat When Pregnant: Drinks

A pregnancy diet is not just limited to foods. Certain drinks can lead to nervous system, brain development and other disorders for a growing fetus, according to WebMD.

The most important drink listed for what not to eat when pregnant is alcohol. This includes wine, spirits and beer products, because they deprive the growing fetus of necessary nutrients and oxygen. No amount of alcohol consumption is safe and therefore women are advised to eliminate all alcohol from their diet.

Unpasteurized juices such as fresh-squeezed orange juice or cider from fruit stands can be contaminated with E.coli and other germs; therefore pregnant women are advised to avoid them throughout pregnancy.

Caffeine-containing drinks such as tea, coffee or soft drinks are believed to increase the risk of miscarriage, especially in high daily doses. It is advised that women limit their caffeine consumption to 200 milligrams or lower per day, which is the average amount of caffeine found in one-12 ounce cup of coffee.

Pregnant women should eat a well-balanced, healthy diet that consists of three essential nutrients: folate, iron and calcium. It is recommended that women planning on getting pregnant should start not only a pregnancy diet during the conception phase, but also take into consideration what not to eat when pregnant prior to conceiving to limit the chances of miscarriage, according to WebMD.