There are several types of raw foods that pregnant women need to avoid, ranging from eggs, meat, to vegetables. Even though it tastes good and is nutritious, the food that is consumed raw or undercooked has the potential to harm the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
During pregnancy, all the nutrients and substances that the mother eats will be distributed directly to the growing baby in the womb. Although not harmful to pregnant women, some types of food may be harmful to the fetus.
Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to pay attention to every food they eat, including avoiding raw food. The reason is, raw food or food that has not been cooked perfectly is at risk of containing bacteria or substances that are harmful to pregnancy.
Various Raw Foods Pregnant Women Should Avoid
Here are some types of raw foods that pregnant women need to avoid:
1. Eggs
If you want to eat eggs or foods made from eggs, it's a good idea for pregnant women to make sure they are completely cooked until the whites and yolks are solid. This is because raw or undercooked eggs are known to contain bacteria that can trigger nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
Foods that typically contain raw or undercooked eggs include scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and salad dressing.
2. Meat
The next raw food that pregnant women need to avoid is meat. Eating undercooked meat can increase the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections, including: Toxoplasma, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which can cause miscarriage, intellectual disability, blindness, and epilepsy.
To help distinguish thoroughly cooked meat from uncooked meat, pregnant women can look at it in terms of color. Usually, fully cooked meat has no pinkish flesh and the blood is completely gone.
3. Fish
Raw or undercooked fish-based foods, including sushi, are at risk for bacterial contamination Listeria. If consumed during pregnancy, these bacterial infections can cause miscarriage, health problems after the baby is born, and even the fetus dies in the womb.
So, pregnant women should be more careful in choosing, processing, and consuming fish or foods made from fish, right?
4. Scallops, lobster and shrimp
Foods made from shellfish, lobster, and shrimp also need to be cooked perfectly. The reason is, these foods have the potential to be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and even toxins.
If consumed raw or not completely cooked, it is feared to cause food poisoning and can interfere with pregnancy.
5. Sprouts
Sprouts, such as green beans, are included in raw foods that pregnant women need to avoid. This is because raw sprouted vegetables have the potential to be exposed to bacteria that can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth, especially if the vegetables are damaged.
Bacteria can land on vegetables at any time, both during the production process, harvesting, storage, shipping, or when sold. If pregnant women still want to eat sprouted vegetables, make sure to wash them thoroughly and cook them until they are completely cooked.
In addition to some of the raw foods above, pregnant women are also not recommended to consume unpasteurized milk (raw milk) or foods that are known to contain such milk, such as cheese, ice cream, and goat's milk. Instead, pregnant women can drink UHT milk which is more durable.
In order for pregnant women and their fetuses to stay healthy and avoid food poisoning, pregnant women need to ensure that all food and drinks consumed are clean, safe, and cooked. If necessary, pregnant women can consult a doctor about what foods should be consumed to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women and their fetuses.
