FOODS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY

RAW MEAT
Uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with toxoplasmosis and salmonella.

DELI MEAT
Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with Listeria, which has the ability to cross over the placenta leading to infection. If you are considering eating deli meat reheat the meat until it is steaming.

FISH WITH MERCURY
A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Certain types of fish used in sushi should be avoided.

SMOKED SEAFOOD
Refrigerated, smoked seafood such as lox, nova style, kippered or jerky should be avoided because they could be contaminated with Listeria. They are okay to eat if they are part of a meal and have been cooked. Canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is okay to eat.

FISH EXPOSED TO INDUSTRIAL POLLUTANTS
Contact the local health Department or Environmental Agency to determine which fish are safe to eat in your area. This is regarding fish caught in local waters and not from your local grocery store.

RAW SHELLFISH
The majority of seafood borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which includes oysters, clams and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infection, but it does not prevent the algae-related infections that are caused by red tide. Raw shellfish should be avoided during pregnancy.

RAW EGGS
Raw eggs or any foods containing raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to Salmonella. These include: homemade Caesar salad dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards and Hollandaise sauces made with raw eggs.

SOFT CHEESES
Imported soft cheeses may contain Listeria. You should avoid: brie, camembert, Roquefort, feta, gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, UNLESS they clearly state they are pasteurized. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.

UNPASTEURIZED MILK
Unpasteurized milk may contain Listeria.

PATE
Refrigerated pate or meat spreads should be avoided because they may contain Listeria. Canned pate, or shelf safe meat spreads can be eaten.

CAFFEINE
Caffeine should be limited to no more than 300mg/day, which is equal to about 2 cups/day.

ALCOHOL
Not recommended during pregnancy.

UNWASHED VEGETABLES
It is essential to make sure your vegetables are washed to avoid potential exposure to Toxoplasmosis which may have contaminated the soil where the vegetables were grown.