Doctors recommend a list of foods to avoid while pregnant. These foods can contain bacteria like E. coli or harmful chemicals like mercury. Whatever the reason, please make sure you cross these foods off your shopping list while pregnant. Also make sure to ask if these foods are included in anything you order while eating out. Check out the handy list below. Congratulations on your pregnancy!
|
FOOD TO AVOID |
REASON |
YOU CAN HAVE |
|
Soft Cheese (Brie, Feta, queso fresco, Camembert) |
These may contain the bacteria E. coli or Listeria. These have the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening for the baby, leading to miscarriage. |
Cheese made with pasteurized milk. (Cheddar, Swiss, Colby Jack, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese) |
|
Uncooked eggs or anything with uncooked eggs (Cookie dough, cake batter, homemade ice cream, eggnog) |
Raw eggs may contain salmonella |
Cooked eggs that are firm and not runny |
|
Fish with mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish (golden or white snapper) |
Contains high levels of mercury. |
Small amounts of fish that are lower in mercury such as shrimp, salmon, and tilapia. Keep in mind all fish may contain mercury, so eat in moderation. |
|
Unpasteurized juice or cider |
May contain E. coli |
Pasteurized juice |
|
Salads made in a store, such as egg salad, chicken salad, and seafood salad. Also deli meats. |
May contain Listeria |
Salads made at home. If purchasing deli meats make sure to reheat the meat to 165F before eating. |
|
Raw shellfish such as oysters and clams |
May contain Vibrio bacteria. |
Cooked shellfish (in moderation) |
|
Alcohol |
Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing, and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders |
There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be completely avoided during pregnancy. |
