10 Foods That Can Endanger Your Pregnancy

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4. Alcohol

There is no safe limit when it comes to the consumption of alcohol. Drinking alcohol greatly increases the risk that your baby will develop fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes developmental disorders or can cause you to miscarry. Drinking alcohol greatly increases your risk of miscarriage during your first trimester, and during your second and third trimester, alcohol is very damaging to your baby. Don’t think that because it’s “just beer” or “just wine” that it is any less harmful. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages when you are pregnant.

5. Unripe or Semi-Ripe Papaya

If you are trying to become pregnant, or if you are already pregnant, you should avoid eating green, unripe papaya fruit. Consumption of raw or only partially ripe papaya acts like an abortifacient, which means it can cause you to spontaneously abort your baby. Unripe papayas are loaded with latex, which causes uterine contractions. Green papaya soup or salads are very popular dishes, especially in the hot summer months but you should avoid them until after your baby is born. It is probably best to simply avoid papaya while you are pregnant to be 100 percent certain. Also, avoid supplements that might contain papaya enzyme.

6. High Mercury Fish

Fish is a great source of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids but not all fish are created equal, so to speak. Some fish contain more mercury contamination than others. Mercury is a neurotoxin which can result in the abnormal development of your baby’s brain and central nervous system. The worst offending fish that you should avoid when you are pregnant are shark, king mackerel, swordfish, Spanish mackerel, walleye, marlin, and Chilean bass. You can eat 2 servings per week of shrimp, catfish, tilapia, or wild salmon. Tuna is also good but limit yourself to no more than 4 small cans per week. Never eat smoked, pickled, or raw fish while you are pregnant.

7. Soft Cheeses

While you are pregnant, you should avoid soft cheeses such as Mexican style cheese, feta, Gorgonzola, brie, Camembert and Roquefort. Most of these types of cheese are made from unpasteurized milk and this means that they can contain the very dangerous bacteria listeria. Listeria can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, preterm delivery, or severe illness in your newborn baby. You can consume any cheese that is made from pasteurized milk products. Always read the label to be sure you are buying pasteurized milk products such as Swiss cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.

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