FIRST TRIMESTER DIET– FOODS TO AVOID FOR A GOOD BABY’S DEVELOPMENT

Being pregnant gives a special feeling of pride and happiness in every woman. Thus, a mother-to-be should pay attention to the diet and avoid harmful foods and beverages.
 

There are some foods and beverages to be avoided during the first trimester:
 

- Large marine fish such as tuna, swordfish, mackerel, etc. because they accumulate high amounts of mercury which can be harmful for the baby’s nervous system.
 

- Eating raw or undercooked meat/fish/seafood can increase the risk of infection from bacteria such as E.coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella and Listeria, which possibly results in miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery.
 

- Unpasteurized juice, moldy cheese or fermented foods contain many kinds of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
 

- Processed foods such as ready-to-used salad, pâté, ham may contain Listeria, which is harmful for fetal development. These foods need to be cooked at least 75°C before using.
 

- Raw eggs or homemade foods containing raw eggs such as mayonnaise, custard, mousse, cake batter, tiramisu, etc. can be contaminated with Salmonella, which cause vomiting, diarrhea, even miscarriage.
 

- Drinking alcohol can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or fetal alcohol syndrome.
 

- Consuming sweet foods such as cookies, candies, soft drinks, etc., which contain high amount of sugar, can increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.