5 foods to avoid during pregnancy

What is the problem?

The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is often harmless in healthy adults. However, listeriosis is dangerous for pregnant women, whose immune system is weakened during pregnancy.

Listeriosis generally presents with flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue, headaches and muscle or joint pain. In rarer cases, digestive symptoms may occur (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation).

A relatively rare infection

In a study on pregnant women, they showed that there was 1 case of Listeria infection per 83,000 following consumption of deli meats, and 1 case per 5 million for soft cheeses [1]. 

Therefore, if foods are handled and stored correctly, the risk of Listeria infection appears to be low. As a result, pregnant women do not need to avoid smoked salmon, as long as it is consumed in moderation and the source is reliable [2]. 
 

What are the consequences of contamination during pregnancy?

Even though the risk of Listeria food poisoning remains relatively low, the consequences of such an infection are serious for pregnant women. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage (in the first trimester), premature birth, stillbirth, respiratory distress, or a serious infection in the baby, such as meningitis or septicaemia [3]. 

What to do in practice?

It is important to check the origin of smoked salmon during pregnancy, ensure it is properly stored, and consume it quickly after purchase.

Smoked salmon is only considered safe if it is tinned or sold vacuum-packed at room temperature (pasteurised).

To find out more, read our full article smoked salmon during pregnancy.

Certain fish can contain high levels of methylmercury, which vary notably depending on the species or the fishing location. Methylmercury has a toxic effect on foetal development (demonstrated by experimental or accidental data from very high exposure levels). 

Small oily fish are particularly recommended during pregnancy. They are very rich in omega-3 DHA, which is essential for the healthy development of the foetal brain and vision. 

Our supplement omega 3 pregnancy Omega Mama will help to meet your intake needs for this nutrient. 

And for a complete intake, you can take a multivitamin that already contains omega-3. Do bear in mind, however, the best pregnancy food supplements separate the omega-3 from the other compounds, to ensure their stability, as in the Baby Bump supplement. 

What is the problem?

Animal or fish liver is very rich in retinol, a teratogenic substance that increases the risk of foetal malformations if the mother consumes too much, particularly when eaten during the first trimester of pregnancy. ANSES has set an upper safety limit of 3,000 µg/day. If you are pregnant, you should therefore be mindful of your liver consumption. 

What do we do?

However, liver does have its advantages: it is rich in B vitamins and choline ! To stock up on this nutrient safely, our supplement choline pregnancy is ideal. 
 

Furthermore, one study observed very low vitamin A stores in pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency (low income, closely spaced pregnancies, multiple pregnancy, or breastfeeding during pregnancy). A vitamin A deficiency could increase the risk of anaemia in the mother and the risk of negative impacts on the foetus [6].

Papaya is often cited among the fruits not recommended for pregnant women, as it is said to cause miscarriage. But what is the reality?

What is the issue?

Studies have shown that raw papaya latex and its proteases, such as papain and chymopapain, are potent uterine contractants. Raw papaya latex induces spasmodic contraction of uterine muscles similar to that of oxytocin and prostaglandin F2 on the uterus of female rats at various stages of gestation[8]. However, the results relate specifically to unripe or semi-ripe papaya, which contains a high concentration of latex.

What do we do?

We avoid eating unripe papaya during pregnancy.

And what about pineapple?

According to popular belief, eating pineapple could shorten the cervix and encourage labour induction. It can in fact be dangerous to consume during pregnancy, as it may trigger contractions. 

What is the problem?

Raw sprouted beans and seeds (alfalfa, bean sprouts, soy sprouts, onion, clover, broccoli, radish, and mung bean sprouts) are not recommended during pregnancy, as they carry a risk of food poisoning, most commonly caused by Salmonella or E. coli.

Bacteria can enter sprouted seeds through cracks in the shell before the sprouts are grown. Once inside, they are very difficult to remove, even when rinsed under water or washed with soap. What's more, compared to other plant-based foods, sprouted foods require warm, humid conditions to grow, which further encourages bacterial growth.

What should you do?

Avoid eating sprouted seeds during pregnancy.

Please note! Simply heating them is not enough to destroy bacteria. It is important to cook them thoroughly (you should see steam rising during cooking). Check sandwiches and salads bought outside the home, as they often contain sprouted seeds — ask for them to be prepared without.

Jolly tips

When fruits and vegetables are peeled, pressed, or cut, harmful bacteria can get inside.

Wash your fruit and vegetables thoroughly, even if you're not eating the skin or peel!

What is the issue?

Glycyrrhizin is the active compound in liquorice, known for its sweet flavour, which is why it is used as a sweetener. It may be harmful during pregnancy when consumed in high doses.

What do we do?

Avoid liquorice herbal teas or natural remedies containing liquorice, as these can contain high doses of glycyrrhizin. The occasional sweet is fine.

Please note that consuming too much liquorice can be problematic for everyone, not just pregnant women (raised blood pressure, arrhythmia [10]).

Mama, if you are pregnant and have been eating these during your pregnancy, no panic. Simply avoid them going forward.

There are other precautions to take with foods that are not necessarily to be avoided altogether, but where it is best to limit consumption as much as possible. These include: soya and pregnancy, coffee and pregnancy, etc. 

We also pay attention to how we cook our food — making sure it is cooked all the way through. For example, barbecue during pregnancy is possible, as long as certain rules are respected (cooking, etc.).