What should pregnant women not eat?
During pregnancy, dietary safety is crucial to the health of the mother and fetus. In the recent hot topic on the Internet about dietary taboos for pregnant women, many expectant mothers have questions about "what they cannot eat." This article combines popular discussions and authoritative medical advice in the past 10 days to compile a list of foods that pregnant women should avoid and provide scientific basis.
1. Foods that pregnant women should strictly avoid

| food category | specific food | Risk reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Raw/uncooked food | Sashimi, soft-boiled eggs, medium rare steak | May carry Listeria and Salmonella |
| Fish high in mercury | Tuna, shark, swordfish | Mercury affects fetal nervous system development |
| Alcohol | All alcoholic beverages | causes fetal alcohol syndrome |
| Unpasteurized dairy products | Raw milk, soft cheese | May contain harmful bacteria |
2. Foods that need to be consumed in a limited amount
| food category | Recommended intake | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| caffeine | ≤200mg daily | About 1 cup of coffee (350ml) |
| High sugar foods | ≤3 times per week | Prevent gestational diabetes |
| animal liver | ≤1 time per month | Risk of Vitamin A Overdose |
3. Controversial foods that have been hotly discussed on the Internet recently
According to the analysis of social platform data in the past 10 days, the following foods have triggered widespread discussion:
| controversial food | support point of view | Opposing views |
|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn | Relieve morning sickness | May stimulate uterine contractions |
| crab | High quality protein source | Traditionally, it is believed that "cold" causes miscarriage |
| barley | Diuresis and swelling | Ancient books record that it may cause uterine contractions |
4. Scientific dietary advice
1.Food safety first principle: All ingredients must be thoroughly washed and cooked, and raw and cold foods must be avoided.
2.Nutritionally balanced: Daily intake of high-quality protein (fish, poultry, eggs), complex carbohydrates (whole grains), and fresh fruits and vegetables.
3.Individualized adjustment: If you have complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, etc., you need to adjust your diet as directed by your doctor.
4.Latest research references: The 2023 "Perinatal Nutrition Guidelines" points out that moderate intake of nuts (30g per day) can promote fetal brain development.
5. Clarification of common misunderstandings
•Misunderstanding 1: "Pregnant women should not eat spicy food" - Moderate amounts of chili pepper will not affect the fetus, but may aggravate morning sickness.
•Misunderstanding 2: "Fetuses who eat soy sauce will have dark skin" - Skin color is determined by genetics and has nothing to do with soy sauce.
•Misunderstanding 3: "You must drink milk powder for pregnant women" - Those who eat a balanced diet do not need additional supplements.
Diet during pregnancy must be scientifically arranged according to your personal physique under the guidance of a doctor. It is recommended to download the "Pregnancy Dietary Guidelines" APP released by authoritative organizations to obtain daily personalized dietary recommendations. If food allergy or discomfort occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
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