Pregnancy marks the beginning of your journey to motherhood. So, it comes as no surprise that pregnant women need to be extra careful about what they eat and drink. And, while it is fairly obvious to infer that smoking or drinking while you are gestating can lead to many nasty complications, what most women fail to realize is that some types of foods can also damage the growing fetus.

A recent University of California study claims that certain chemicals in modern foods can trigger various complications during pregnancy. Chemicals like caffeine, alcohol, and methylmercury can lead to fetal development issues and childbirth defects as well.

But, which foods can potentially harm your unborn baby? Don’t fret. Below, we list 4 toxic foods and beverages that are a strict no-no during pregnancy.

1. Canned Foods:

Canned food contains a chemical called bisphenol-A or BPA, which can lead to many problems including hyperactivity, aggression, and reproductive problems during pregnancy. Canned fish, in particular, contains methylmercury, which can lead to learning difficulties and attention issues. Canned salmon contains PCB or polychlorinated biphenyl, which leads to mental impairment, delayed reflexes, and stunted development for babies. In addition to the lovely tasting fish, avoid asparagus, mushrooms, and baked beans.

2. Caffeine:

We’ve already determined that consuming too much coffee can have a detrimental effect on your fetus, and can lead to many complications during childbirth and even after your child grows up. While you may love your morning cuppa, opt for a safer option, at least until you begin to wean your baby. Excess caffeine intake can lead to birth defects, fetal death, and low birth weight during pregnancy.

3. Undercooked Meat:

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