Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Alcohol
Arguably the most important item to avoid during pregnancy, alcohol can cause irreversible damage to a developing baby. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it affects her baby’s blood alcohol levels. Although these levels return to normal relatively quickly in adults, alcohol breaks down much more slowly in babies. High blood alcohol levels can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (a group of birth defects), preterm birth and even miscarriage.
Review Date:
November 4, 2015Citation:
ACOG, "Nutrition During Pregnancy" The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, "Nutrition During Pregnancy" American Pregnancy Association, "Mercury Levels in Fish" American Pregnancy Association, "Foods to avoid during pregnancy" Mayo Clinic, "Salmonella Infection" FDA, "Food safety for moms-to-be: safe eats - fruits, veggies, & juices" MedlinePlus, "Alcohol & pregnancy" American Pregnancy Association, "Listeria and Pregnancy" Image courtesy of Igor Mojzes | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Carolyn Franks | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Photosimysia | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Nemanja Tomic | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Methodmouthradio | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Sarah Marchant | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Luanateutzi | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Kovac Mario | Dreamstime.com Last Updated:
November 9, 2015
