Women are diligent about their habits during pregnancy to help improve their health and ensure their baby's safety. They must not only avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and stress, but they also have to be mindful of what they eat. While they can consume some foods in moderation, there are dishes they must avoid because of the potentially harmful effects on their babies. Below is a list of foods healthcare professionals advise their pregnant patients to avoid.

3 Foods to Avoid When You Are Pregnant

1. Soft Cheese

Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk and mold—such as brie, camembert, chevre, Danish blue, or gorgonzola—are potential sources of listeria infection, which can harm mothers and their unborn babies. Mild infections may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. 

2. Raw Meat

Healthcare professionals advise expecting mothers to eliminate raw meat from their diet. Raw foods increase your risk of infection from numerous bacteria, including toxoplasma, salmonella, and listeria, all of which are found in uncooked meat and untreated water. 

To prevent bacterial infections, avoid sushi, and undercooked shellfish. Thoroughly cook your meats by setting your equipment to 165°F for chicken breasts and 145°F and 160°F for whole and ground meats, respectively.

3. High-Mercury Fish

Although fish is a good source of protein, some seafood has mercury levels that are unsafe for unborn babies. These include shark, tilefish, swordfish, king mackerel, and albacore tuna. Healthcare professionals advise pregnant women to limit their fish intake to 12 ounces a week and restrict their options to low-mercury fish, such as catfish, salmon, and cod.

Let a trustworthy healthcare professional help you take care of yourself throughout your pregnancy. For the best prenatal care, consult the medical doctors at Burton Creek Rural Clinic. This primary care provider has been a health partner of West Plains, MO, residents for decades, and has been building strong relationships with patients and their families since the beginning. They offer obstetric care, ultrasounds, mental health services, and various treatments and personalized care for adults and children. Schedule an appointment by sending them a message on Facebook, calling them at (417) 256-2111, or visiting their website.