The top 13 foods to avoid during pregnancy

There are more foods to to be avoided by pregnant women than we realize.

Raw eggs and raw seafood most of us know about, but what about lunch meats ? Surprised ?

Let’s qualify the information. We all know some agencies or experts have different opinions, as do mother-in-laws and friends who have had a gazillion kids. The following list of foods to avoid during pregnancy is a summary of an article in an Australian government website and it appears to be well researched - http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/consumers/life-events-and-food/pregnancy/pregnancy-table/

Her are the top 13 foods to avoid during pregnancy:

1. Processed meats (luncheon meat, ham, salami etc.).
2. Cold chicken or turkey (like that used at deli-counters in the making of sandwiches).
3. Paté (cold meat spreads).
4. Ready to eat chilled prawns.
5. Raw seafood or sushi.
6. Raw meat (if you are in Hungary avoid that steak tartar and raw egg combo).
7. Soft cheese (ricotta, feta, blue, brie, camambert etc.).
8. Soft serve Ice Cream (typically served in ice cream parlors or from machines – it is softer than frozen ice-cream – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_servehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_serveand fried ice-cream. Soft serve ice cream. Also, avoid fried Ice Cream during pregnancy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fried_ice_cream
9. Unpasteurised Dairy products.
10. Raw eggs, be they in homemade mayonaisse, chocolate mousse etc.
11. Salads (yes that’s right –  salads !!). Any pre-prepared or pre-packaged salads or fruit salads are to be avoided, as are salad bars in delis, restaurants or hotels.
12. Bean sprouts. Don’t eat them raw or lightly cooked. They need to be well cooked. Bean sprouts includes brocolli sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, clover sprouts and so on.
13. Stuffing. Any stuffing from Chicken or poultry is to be avoided.  Avoid unless it is cooked thoroughly, separate from the chicken or turkey (or any other bird) and is served hot.

There is a useful table at the end of the article on the following webpage which lists the reasons why certain foods are to be avoided during pregnancy - http://www.avivahealth.ie/member-info/Eating%20well%20while%20pregnant.