Foods to Limit or Cook Thoroughly During Pregnancy

Introduction

When pregnant, it's essential to choose safe and healthy foods to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby. In this article, we'll provide information on foods that pregnant women should limit or cook thoroughly to avoid health risks.

Foods to Limit

According to health organizations like the CDC, NHS, and FDA, there are certain foods that pregnant women should limit or avoid eating during pregnancy. Here are some examples:

* Deli meats and processed meat products: These foods can contain Listeria bacteria, which can cause health problems for mother and baby.

* Unpasteurized dairy products and raw milk: These products can contain E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria bacteria, which can cause health problems for mother and baby.

* High-mercury fish: Fish high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, can contain high levels of mercury, which can harm fetal development.

* Undercooked and raw foods: Undercooked and raw foods like sushi, sashimi, and raw eggs can contain Salmonella and E. coli bacteria, which can cause health problems for mother and baby.

Foods to Cook Thoroughly

To ensure food safety, pregnant women should cook the following foods thoroughly:

* Meat and poultry: Cook meat and poultry to an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure that bacteria are killed.

* Eggs: Cook eggs to an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure that bacteria are killed.

* Seafood: Cook seafood to an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F) to ensure that bacteria are killed.

Practical Tips

Here are some practical tips to help pregnant women choose safe and healthy foods:

* Always check food labels to ensure that the food has been pasteurized and is safe to eat.

* Choose fresh and whole foods whenever possible.

* Cook food to the recommended internal temperature to ensure that bacteria are killed.

* Avoid eating processed and high-sodium foods.

When to Seek Help

If pregnant women have any questions or concerns about food safety and healthy eating, they should consult their healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. They can provide personalized advice and guidance on choosing safe and healthy foods.

Explore on Pregnancy Meal Planner

Use these Pregnancy Meal Planner pages next — each link goes to a different part of the site:

• free 7-day pregnancy meal planner
• prenatal nutrition articles
• topic hubs for pregnancy nutrition
• Pregnancy Meal Planner Premium

Sources

For more information on food safety and healthy eating during pregnancy, pregnant women can visit the following websites:

* CDC: People at Risk: Pregnant Women — Food Safety

* NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy

* FDA: Food Safety for Pregnant Women

To get a personalized meal plan and nutrition advice during pregnancy, pregnant women can visit our pregnancy meal planner page.

Educational overview inspired by Pregnancy Meal Planner Editorial. Not a verbatim copy.