What Food to Avoid in Early Pregnancy to Prevent Miscarriage?

Introduction: The First Trimester and Its Fragility

Honestly, I remember when I found out I was pregnant early on – it was such an emotional rollercoaster. With all the excitement also came anxiety, especially when it came to taking care of myself and ensuring that the pregnancy was as healthy as possible. One thing that was constantly on my mind was what foods I should avoid during early pregnancy, particularly because I wanted to reduce the risks of miscarriage.

If you're feeling the same way, don’t worry – you're not alone. The first trimester can be incredibly delicate, and certain foods can increase the risk of complications. So, let’s dive into which foods you should steer clear of during this important time.

Foods That Can Increase Miscarriage Risk

1. Raw or Undercooked Seafood, Meat, and Eggs

You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s worth repeating: raw seafood, meat, and eggs are among the foods to avoid. The risk here isn’t just about the texture or taste – it’s the bacteria and parasites they can carry. Specifically, toxoplasmosis, listeria, and salmonella are known to be dangerous during pregnancy and can lead to miscarriage or serious complications.

Honestly, I was super cautious when it came to sushi during my early pregnancy – even though I love it. I made sure everything I ate was fully cooked to avoid any of these risks.

2. High-Mercury Fish

Another food category to avoid is fish that contain high levels of mercury, such as swordfish, shark, and king mackerel. Mercury is known to have harmful effects on the developing fetus and can cause developmental delays or even miscarriage. While fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, you should focus on safer options, like salmon or tilapia.

I know it can be frustrating, especially when you're craving seafood, but trust me, it’s better to avoid it for the sake of your baby’s health.

3. Unpasteurized Dairy Products

This one was tough for me because I love cheese, especially soft cheeses. But unpasteurized dairy – like brie, camembert, and even some unpasteurized milk – can contain listeria. This bacteria can cause serious infections that increase the risk of miscarriage. It’s super important to read labels carefully and choose only pasteurized dairy during pregnancy.

Honestly, I didn’t realize how much dairy I was consuming until I had to cut out so many options. But there are plenty of delicious pasteurized cheeses to enjoy, so it’s not the end of the world!

Caffeine and Alcohol: The No-Go’s

1. Caffeine – A Delicate Balance

While a cup of coffee in the morning is a ritual for many, during early pregnancy, excessive caffeine intake can increase the risk of miscarriage. Studies show that consuming more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day can negatively impact the pregnancy. This includes coffee, energy drinks, and even certain teas. So, if you’re a coffee lover like me, I recommend cutting back or opting for decaf versions.

Honestly, cutting back on coffee was hard for me, but I found other ways to energize my day, like ginger tea (which is also great for nausea) or even a nice green smoothie.

2. Alcohol – No Safe Amount

I don’t think I need to say this, but alcohol is a definite no-no during early pregnancy. Even small amounts can interfere with fetal development, leading to serious complications, including miscarriage. The safest approach is to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when the fetus is developing most rapidly.

Honestly, I don’t miss alcohol as much as I thought I would. The thought of drinking while pregnant just didn’t feel right once I really understood the risks. There are so many great mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks that are just as refreshing!

Foods to Be Cautious About

1. Deli Meats and Processed Foods

While they’re quick and convenient, deli meats and processed foods can sometimes contain listeria or other harmful bacteria. Cold cuts like salami, ham, and turkey should either be avoided or heated until steaming hot to reduce the risk. Additionally, processed foods often contain added preservatives and high sodium, which aren’t the best choices for a healthy pregnancy.

I was shocked at how many processed foods I was eating without realizing the potential risks. After making the switch to fresh, whole foods, I felt a lot better – and so did my baby.

2. Certain Vegetables and Herbs

Now, this might sound a little odd, but some herbs and vegetables can have an effect on pregnancy. For example, raw sprouts, like alfalfa, can harbor harmful bacteria. Certain herbs, such as basil, parsley, or oregano, when consumed in large quantities, can also pose a risk.

Honestly, this one threw me off, but after talking to my doctor, I learned that it’s the excess of certain herbs that can be problematic. A little parsley here and there is fine, but maybe not a whole bunch in every meal!

Conclusion: Take Care of Yourself and Your Baby

In early pregnancy, it’s all about making smart choices for you and your baby. While some foods might be tempting, it's essential to avoid raw or undercooked foods, high-mercury fish, and unpasteurized dairy to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Plus, keeping caffeine and alcohol in check is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

Honestly, I know it can be overwhelming to think about all the things you can’t eat, but it’s just a short phase, and the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices. By taking care of your body and being mindful of what you consume, you’re helping to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy journey.

So, hang in there, and remember – you're doing an amazing job! If you're ever in doubt about what to eat, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.