There are several types of raw foods that pregnant women need to avoid, from eggs, meat, to vegetables. Although they taste good and are nutritious, foods that are consumed raw or half-cooked have the potential to harm the health of pregnant women and their fetuses.
During pregnancy, all nutrients and substances in the food consumed by the pregnant mother will be absorbed and distributed to the growing fetus. Although not harmful to the pregnant mother, some types of food may be harmful to the fetus.
Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to pay attention to every food consumed, including avoiding raw food. This is because raw food or food that has not been cooked perfectly is at risk of containing bacteria or substances that are harmful to the pregnancy and fetus.
Various Raw Foods That Pregnant Women Should Avoid
Here are several types of raw foods that pregnant women need to avoid:
1. Eggs
If you want to eat eggs or foods made from eggs, it’s a good idea for pregnant women to make sure they are cooked thoroughly until the whites and yolks are solid. This is because raw or half-cooked eggs are known to contain bacteria that can trigger nausea, vomiting, diarrhea , fever , and stomach cramps.
Foods that commonly contain raw or undercooked eggs include scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and salad dressings.
2. Meat
The next raw food that pregnant women need to avoid is meat. Consuming undercooked meat can increase the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections, including Toxoplasma , E. coli , Listeria , and Salmonella , which can cause miscarriage and birth defects in babies.
To help distinguish meat that is completely cooked from meat that is not, pregnant women can look at the color. Usually, meat that is completely cooked no longer has any pink parts and the blood is gone.
3. Fish
Foods made from raw or undercooked fish, including sushi and sashimi , are at risk of bacterial contamination. If consumed during pregnancy, bacterial infection can cause miscarriage, health problems after the baby is born, and even fetal death in the womb .
So, pregnant women should be more careful in choosing, processing, and consuming fish or food made from fish.
4. Clams, lobsters and shrimp
Foods made from shellfish, lobster, or shrimp also need to be cooked perfectly. Because these foods have the potential to be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and even toxins.
If consumed raw or not fully cooked, it is feared that this food can cause food poisoning and can interfere with pregnancy.
5. Bean sprouts
Sprouted vegetables, such as bean sprouts and clover, are among the raw foods that pregnant women need to avoid. This is because raw sprouted vegetables have the potential to be exposed to bacteria that can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth , especially if the vegetables are damaged.
Bacteria can settle on vegetables at any time, whether during the production process, harvest, storage, shipping, or when sold. If pregnant women still want to consume sprouts, make sure to wash them thoroughly and cook them until they are completely cooked.
In addition to the raw foods above, pregnant women are also not recommended to consume unpasteurized milk (raw milk). Instead, pregnant women can drink UHT milk.
To keep pregnant women and their fetuses healthy and free from food poisoning, pregnant women need to ensure that all food and drinks consumed are clean, safe, and cooked. If necessary, pregnant women can chat with a doctor to ask about what foods should be consumed to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women and their fetuses.