9. Nitrate-Rich Foods

Nitrates are liberally used in the curing of sandwich meats like deli meats, sausages, salami, hotdogs, and bacon in order to increase their shelf life and to make sure they retain their color and appearance. Unfortunately, nitrates convert into nitrosamines when they enter our bodies, and these can increase the risk of cancer in the mother and abnormalities in the baby.

Nitrate-rich foods are also high in sodium and saturated fats, which is also not ideal during pregnancy. It’s always best to stick to lean cuts of meats that you buy fresh from the butcher and cook thoroughly.