Pregnancy is one sensitive phases in a woman's life. Eating the wrong foods during this period can pose a threat on the health of the woman and her unborn child. Therefore, it’s significant for pregnant women to eat a healthy diet.
Every pregnant woman is expected to be care of the kinds of foods and drinks she consumes during this period. Certain foods should only be consumed rarely, while others should be completely avoided.
Here are 10 foods and beverages to avoid or reduce during pregnancy.

1. Raw Eggs
The problem with consuming raw eggs is because there’s a high risk of it being contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella infections may not affect the baby, but the symptoms are usually experienced by the mother. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and/or vomiting. Salmonella infection may cause cramps in the uterus, which may lead to premature birth or stillbirth. Foods that commonly contain raw eggs include: salad dressings, poached eggs, lightly scrambled eggs, cake icings, hollandaise sauce, homemade ice-cream and mayonnaise.
Most commercial products that contain raw eggs are made with pasteurized eggs and are safe to consume. However, you should always read the label to make sure.
Pregnant women should always cook eggs thoroughly or use pasteurized eggs.

2. High-Mercury Fish
Mercury is commonly found in polluted water. It is a highly toxic element that has no known safe level of exposure. High amounts of mercury exposure can affect the nervous system, kidneys, and immune system. It may also cause serious developmental problems in children.
Large marine fish can gather high amounts of mercury. Pegnant women are advised to reduce or avoid their consumption of high-mercury fish. Fishes that contain high level of mercury include: swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and tuna.

3. Organ Meat
Organ meat is rich in several nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin A, copper, and iron. However, consuming excess amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity and abnormally high levels of copper. High copper levels can cause birth defects. If you are pregnant and must eat organ meat, limit your intake to once a week.

4. Undercooked and Processed Meat
A pregnant woman can be exposed to several bacteria or parasite infection by consuming undercooked, raw or processed meat. The bacterial infection from these meats may affect the unborn baby, possibly leading to stillbirth or severe neurological deformity.
Some bacteria are found on the surface of whole pieces of meat, while others may linger inside the muscle fibers.
Meat patties, minced meat, burgers, pork and poultry, should never be eaten raw or undercooked. Also, you should avoid hot dogs, lunch meat and deli meat. These meats may get infected with various bacteria during processing or storage. Pregnant women should ensure their meat is thoroughly cooked before eating.

5. Raw Fish
Raw fish can cause several bacterial or parasitic infections. Some of these infections may cause the mother to be weak and dehydrated. Other infections may be passed on to the unborn baby.
Pregnant women are vulnerable to Listeria infections, and this bacteria can be found in soil and contaminated water or plants. Raw fish can become infected during processing.
Listeria can be passed to an unborn baby through the placenta. This can lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth and other serious health issues.

6. Unpasteurized Milk, Cheese and Fruit Juice
Unpasteurized cheese, raw milk, and juice can contain harmful bacteria, including Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter.
These infections can all have fatal consequences for an unborn child. Pasteurization helps to destrpy any harmful bacteria, without necessarily altering the nutritional value of the products.
To reduce the risk of infections, pregnant women are advised to consume only pasteurized milk, cheese and fruit juice.

7. Alcohol
It is highly advisable for pregnant women to completely avoid alcohol consumption because it increases the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage. Even a small amount can negatively impact the brain development of the baby.
It can also affect the baby by leading to heart defects, facial deformities, and intellectual disability.

8. Junk Foods
Pregnant women need increased amounts of many vital nutrients, including iron, folate and protein; all of these are lacking in junk foods.
An ideal pregnancy diet should consist of whole foods, with lots of nutrients for both mother and her growing fetus.

9. Caffeine
Caffeine is mainly found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and soft drinks. Generally, pregnant women are advised to reduce their caffeine consumption to about 1-2 cups of coffee daily.
Caffeine can get quickly absorbed and easily gains access into the placenta and fetus. Since unborn babies and their placentas don’t have the main enzyme required to digest caffeine, high levels can accumulate. According to reports, high caffeine intake during pregnancy control fetal growth and increases the risk of low birth weight at delivery.

10. Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts such as radish, alfalfa, clover, and mung bean sprouts, may be contaminated with Salmonella.
These seeds sprouts in humid environment, is a perfect breeding setting for these bacteria. They are they’re almost difficult to wash off. So, pregnant women are advised to avoid raw sprouts, though they can be consumed when cooked.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/10-foods-and-beverages-that-can-cause-miscarriage-in-early-pregnancy/

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