- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Food Safety During Pregnancy
What Foods and Drinks Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?
Foods that are more likely to be contaminated with bacteria or to contain heavy metals are ones to skip or limit during pregnancy.
What Foods Might Contain Harmful Bacteria?
Foodborne illnesses, such as listeriosis, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella, are caused by bacteria that can be found in some kinds of foods. These infections can be life-threatening to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects or miscarriage.
To avoid getting infected with bacteria from food while pregnant, stay away from:
- soft, unpasteurized cheeses (often advertised as "fresh") such as some feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses, and Mexican queso fresco. Soft cheeses labeled as “pasteurized” usually are OK, especially if they're individually packaged and not cut at the deli counter from a larger piece.
- unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
- raw eggs or foods that contain raw eggs, including mousse, tiramisu, raw cookie dough, eggnog, homemade ice cream, and Caesar salad dressing
- raw or undercooked fish (sushi), shellfish, or meats
- paté and meat spreads
- processed meats like hot dogs and deli meats (these should be well-cooked before eating)
What About Seafood?
Fish and shellfish can be a healthy part of a pregnancy diet because they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein and low in saturated fat. But avoid the kinds that can have high levels of mercury, which can damage the brain of a developing fetus. Fish to avoid:
- shark
- swordfish
- king mackerel
- tilefish
- tuna steak (limited amounts of canned, preferably light, tuna is OK)
When you choose seafood, eat a variety of fish and shellfish and limit the amount to about 12 ounces per week — that's about two meals. Common fish and shellfish that are low in mercury include canned light tuna, catfish, pollock, salmon, and shrimp. Albacore (or white) tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna, so it's best to eat no more than 6 ounces (or one meal) of albacore tuna a week.
What Else Should I Know?
- Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables, which can carry germs or be coated with pesticide residue.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food and eating. Also wash them well after handling raw meat or fish.
You may have to skip a few foods during pregnancy that you normally enjoy. But just think how delicious they'll taste when you can enjoy them safely again.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.