5 Foods You Need To Avoid When You Are Pregnant

1. Excess caffeine

Experts suggest that caffeine consumption should remain under 200 milligrams over the course of pregnancy. High levels of caffeine can cause a low birthweight, and animal studies showed decreased fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage.

"Caffeine in pregnancy can be an issue if large amounts are consumed," said Dr. Michele Hakakha, a board-certified OB-GYN based in Beverly Hills, California. "We know from many of our studies that caffeine crosses the placenta, and a baby's developing metabolism can't quite handle the caffeine jolt."

2. Certain supplements

It is not recommended to take any fish liver oil supplements or high-dose multivitamin supplements when you are pregnant. Vitamin A should also be avoided as it is linked to birth defects when consumed in high quantities – unless specifically prescribed by the doctor.

"For most women who are planning to become pregnant or who are pregnant, complex multivitamin and mineral preparations promoted for use during pregnancy are unlikely to be needed and are an unnecessary expense," stated one study published in 2016.

3. Raw meat

Toxoplasmosis – caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii – is a foodborne illness which can be found in uncooked and raw meat. Acquiring this infection while pregnant can be dangerous in the baby as it can raise the risk of blindness, hearing loss, and brain problems.

Make sure that meat such as lamb, sausages, chicken, pork, and other kinds of meat should be cooked properly. Try to also avoid exposure from knives, utensils or kitchen surfaces that may have come into contact with raw meat.

4. Fish with mercury

Eating fish with high in mercury is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as mercury exposure can affect brain development in the child. Fish such as swordfish, shark, orange roughy, marlin, king mackerel, Gulf tilefish, and tuna should be avoided. But, there are certain varieties of fish with low levels of mercury can be consumed as they provide pregnant women with health benefits.

"The best option for people in the at-risk groups is to stick to the fish on Consumer Reports' low- and lowest-mercury fish lists," said Jean Halloran, director of food policy initiatives for Consumers Union.

5. Soft cheeses

Cheeses that are made from unpasteurized milk can increase the risk of listeriosis – being infected with bacteria called listeria. Apart from this, it can also increase the risk of infection for the newborn baby, miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests skipping soft cheeses such as blue-veined cheeses, Camembert, brie, and feta. Certain Hispanic cheeses should also be avoided due to a high risk of contamination, these include queso blanco and queso fresco.