10 Foods to Avoid in Your First Trimester

Pregnancy and motherhood are the most overwhelming experiences in a woman’s life. With the little one growing in your body, taking care of your health is of utmost importance. During your first trimester, which is approximately 12 weeks, the baby develops rapidly. Your diet affects the baby’s development. Hence, eating healthy and nutritious food is necessary instead of filling up your body with empty calories.

During the first trimester, the expected healthy maternal weight gain is only 1 to 4 pounds. You do not need extra calories. We will help you make healthy food choices and discuss ten foods you should avoid during the first trimester to reduce the chances of miscarriage.

Here are the 10 foods you should avoid during the first trimester:

1.     Caffeine-containing beverages: Tea and coffee are difficult to avoid after getting tired in those early pregnancy days. The caffeine in these beverages can travel through the placenta and affect the baby’s heart rate. Researchers recommend avoiding excess caffeine as it may result in a miscarriage. Do not binge on more than two cups of coffee or tea.
2.     Alcohol: It is best to avoid alcohol during the first trimester and the entire pregnancy. Alcohol may result in a miscarriage or stillbirth.
3.     Uncooked or undercooked meat: Meat and poultry may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella. The CDC and USFDA recommend cooking meat to a safe minimum temperature before consuming it to reduce the chances of foodborne infections.
4.     Raw fish and smoked seafood: Raw fish is often full of bacteria and parasites. Don’t give in to your craving for sushi, raw clams, oysters, or refrigerated smoked seafood. They may cause an infection in you and the baby. The mercury content in fish is another cause for worry.
5.     Unpasteurized juice: Freshly squeezed juices, cider, and unpasteurized juices are potentially hazardous as they may result in an E. coli infection.
6.     Raw milk products and fats: Unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses may contain bacteria that may result in infections like listeriosis. Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and any soft or blue cheese. A high intake of fats is also associated with abortion. So, you should avoid high-fat food.
7.     Eggs: Raw or partially cooked eggs or duck, quail, or goose eggs are likely to be contaminated. Avoid consuming them in raw form.
8.     Meat spreads: Meat spreads from a deli counter may be contaminated with bacteria. Avoid consuming such products. Do not eat pre-cooked luncheon meats or hot dogs without heating them.
9.     Raw sprouts: Eating raw sprouts exposes you to E.coli and Salmonella infections. Cook your sprouts before eating.
10. Raw dough: Raw batter or dough may contain bacteria. Avoid the temptation to eat it.