The 5 Worst Foods to Eat if You’re Pregnant and Want to Avoid a Miscarriage

If you’re pregnant and want to avoid having a miscarriage, it’s essential to watch what you eat. Many people know they must prevent certain types of fish during pregnancy due to high mercury levels and potential contamination with harmful bacteria like Listeria or E. coli. Still, they may not realize that they need to be cautious of many other foods, too – and only some are seafood-based! Read on to learn more about the five worst foods to eat if you’re pregnant and want to avoid having a miscarriage.

1) Alcohol

Many people believe it’s okay to drink alcohol while pregnant as long as they don’t consume more than two drinks a day. However, this is not the case. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that women refrain from drinking altogether while pregnant. They are drinking any amount of alcohol while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome or other congenital disabilities.

2) Caffeine

Caffeine is the most common culprit for pregnant women experiencing miscarriages. The more you drink, the higher your risk. A total of 200 milligrams of caffeine a day is considered safe but drinking more than that will increase your risk factor exponentially. One 12-ounce cup of regular coffee contains around 100 milligrams of caffeine, while an eight-ounce cup of brewed tea has 40 milligrams or less. Limiting caffeinated drinks to one or two cups per day with no more than 150 milligrams of caffeine is best.

3) Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw eggs contain bacteria, which can lead to food poisoning. Salmonella and E. coli are the most common bacteria in raw eggs, but many other forms of bacteria could be present. Listeriosis is also a risk caused by consuming food or water containing the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis can also be caused by exposure to animals or animal products and contact with unpasteurized milk or cheese.

4) Raw or Undercooked Meat

Avoid raw or undercooked meat while pregnant. This includes beef, pork, lamb, veal, horse, and other game meats. Eating these types of meat during pregnancy may cause toxoplasmosis or salmonellosis. Both diseases can be fatal for the fetus when contracted by the mother. You are still at risk for these diseases even if you cook the meat thoroughly because parasites can still be found in some cuts of meat.

5) Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Unwashed fruits and vegetables can harbor harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning, leading to miscarriage. These bacteria are usually killed by thorough cooking, but the risk is much higher with raw produce.

To avoid these risks, ensure your product is thoroughly washed before eating or cooking it. Be mindful of any cuts on your hands because they can transfer harmful bacteria from one surface to another.