Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnant women often have specific food cravings and food aversions that may change throughout pregnancy. Food aversions may be nature's way of preventing a woman from eating something potentially harmful to the her or the unborn baby. Foods that should be avoided during pregnancy include raw meats, dairy and eggs; certain types of fish; and unwashed produce.

Raw Meat

Women who are pregnant should avoid eating meat and seafood that are not fully cooked due to the risk of bacterial or parasitic contamination.

Deli Meat

Deli meats such as sliced ham or bologna may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can increase the risk of miscarriage and cause infections in the unborn baby.

Contaminated Fish

Local fish caught in small rivers, and large fish such as tuna and shark, may be contaminated with environmental pollutants; state environmental agencies often have an online listing of which fish to avoid (see Resources).

Unpasteurized Dairy

Raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products such as brie, feta and queso fresco may contain Listeria and cause infections in the mother or unborn baby.

Raw Eggs

Raw eggs and foods that contain them can be contaminated with bacteria called Salmonella, which can cause severe food poisoning in pregnant women.

Unwashed Produce

Unwashed produce, including greens, berries, root vegetables and fruits, can be contaminated with Toxoplasmosis, a parasite which may cause miscarriage in pregnant women.

Alcohol

Pregnant women should avoid all types of beverages that contain alcohol due to the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening effects on the unborn baby.

Resources

• American Pregnancy Association: Foods to Avoid