Foods Women should Avoid During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women may be at an increased risk of contracting various health borne diseases, from a variety of the foods consumed. Pregnant women may also undergo a change of patterns in the hormones. This could possibly result in diverse and destructible effects on their immune system and the fetus.
The unborn child could have a higher probability of serious neurological disorders, as the central nervous system of the child could get affected by the consumption of un-pasteurized, unhygienic and raw food.
To protect your baby (and yourself) from potentially harmful bacteria and parasites, many doctors advise women to abstain from undercooked or raw meat, eggs and fish (including sushi and steak tartar), and unpasteurized goat or cow's milk. Rare or raw meat can harbor the microorganisms that cause toxoplasmosis--an illness that can cause birth defects, illness or death of the baby.
It is stressed by the doctors and health professionals that pregnant women should eat healthy nutritional diets in their daily lives. In addition to this, they also need to avoid consuming inappropriate foods.

Fish With Mercury:
Fish is an important part of a healthy diet. However, women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are nursing should not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish. These fish contain high amounts of a form of mercury that may harm an unborn child's or baby's brain or nervous system. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant can safely eat 12 ounces of other types of cooked fish each week. It is important to eat a variety of other fish, such as shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish, or farm-raised fish. Pregnant women also should limit the amount of freshwater fish caught by family and friends to one serving each week. A serving size of fish is about 3–6 ounces.
Raw Meat:
Uncooked seafood (say goodbye to sushi) or undercooked beef and chicken should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with bacteria, toxoplasmosis and salmonella.
Deli Meat:
Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with harmful bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. If you are craving a turkey sandwich, turkey off the bird is perfectly safe or you can thoroughly reheat deli meats to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Some cheeses and dairy products:
Cheeses made with unpasteurized milk such as brie and camembert, and blue cheeses. All unpasteurized cheeses could contain Listeria bacteria. Listeria can cause an infection called listeriosis that may harm your baby. Pasteurized cheeses are fine to eat while you are pregnant. If in doubt, check the label. Many kinds of cheese, including most Canadian feta, are pasteurized and okay to eat during pregnancy.
Unpasteurized milk and dairy products made with unpasteurized milk aren't safe during pregnancy. They are more likely to contain bacteria that could give you food poisoning. You're more vulnerable to food poisoning while you're pregnant.
Raw Eggs:
Raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs, so take caution.
Alcohol: You should stop consuming alcohol as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Prenatal exposure to alcohol has been linked to premature delivery, mental retardation, birth defects and low birth weight babies.
Caffeine:
Caffeine intake in moderation is ok, but you should avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the chance of a miscarriage. Caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Make sure to drink plenty of water, juice and milk instead.
Some Fruit and vegetables :
Fruit and vegetables are an important part of a pregnancy diet with one exception; you should avoid eating raw sprouts, especially alfalfa sprouts when you are pregnant. Raw clover, radish and mung beans should also be avoided. Cooked sprouts are an okay alternative during pregnancy.