Harmful food during pregnancy has always raised concerns from expectant mothers and very little information is provided.

Whilst you are carrying your unborn child, some food is considered harmful not only to yourself, but also your unborn baby. Therefore there are certain foods that need to be avoided during pregnancy.

There can be many complications that follow the consumption of harmful food during pregnancy. These complications can range from miscarriages, common birth defects and stillbirths. Also contracting toxoplasmosis, salmonella and escheichia coli (E coli) are a factor.

The unborn foetus grows within yourself depending on you for survival, so eating the correct food and being careful to avoid harmful foods during pregnancy is a must for a healthy baby.

Harmful Food

Gourmet Cheeses

Gourmet Cheeses should be avoided during pregnancy.

• Blue Vein Cheeses
• Camembert
• Danish Blue
• Stilton
• All Unpasteurised Cheeses

These Gourmet Cheeses are said to be a harmful food during pregnancy due to the increased risk of contracting Listeria, which is a bacteria linked with miscarriages, some common birth defects and stillbirths.

Pates

All pates should be avoided during pregnancy.

• Any type or style of Pate
• Liver and Liver based Pate

The Pates are said to be a harmful food during pregnancy due to the increased risk of Listeria.

Liver and Liver based Pates are said to cause birth defects in the first trimester due to the Vitamin A content.

Sheep Products

All unpasteurised sheep products should be avoided during pregnancy.

• Offal
• Giblets

The sheep Products (Unpasteurised) are said to be a harmful food during pregnancy due to the increased risk of contracting toxoplasmosis which is caused by parasites.

Undercooked Meats

All meats should be cooked properly or completely avoided during pregnancy.

• Beef
• Pork
• Lamb
• Minced Meat
• Poultry
• Sausages

The Undercooked meats are said to be a harmful food during pregnancy due to the increased risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, salmonella and escheichia coli (E coli). This is due to the bacteria not destroyed in the cooking process.

Raw Eggs

Egg products should be cooked porperly or completely avoided during pregnancy.

• Home made Mayonnaise
• Home made Ice Cream
• Meringue
• Caesar Salad
• Cookie Dough

The Raw or Uncooked Eggs are said to be a harmful food during pregnancy due to the increased the risk of contracting salmonella.

Shellfish

All types of shellfish should be avoided during pregnancy.

• Clams
• Crabs
• Lobsters
• Mussels
• Oysters
• Scallops
• Shrimps

The Shellfish are said to be a harmful food during pregnancy due to the increased the risk of Listerosis.