Medically reviewed for accuracy.
But knowing what not toeat and drink when you’re pregnantis also important.
Why should you avoid certain foods during pregnancy?
Some foods have a higher risk of harboring illness-causing bacteria likelisteria,salmonellaor E. coli.
At the same time, your immune system has a harder time fighting off germs during pregnancy.
Just as concerning is the fact that foodborne illness-causing bacteria can cross the placenta.
Not all no-no foods are off limits because of bacteria, though.
And others simply haven’t been studied enough to know whether they’re safe for your growing baby.
Alcohol
For the next 40-odd weeks, plan to toast happy events with a mocktail or fruit-juice spritzer.
Try not to worry.
It happens to many moms, and (what a relief!)
it’s not a cause for concern.
But soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk are another story they can harbor listeria and other pathogens.
Have a hankering for feta, Brie, Camembert, goat cheese, blue-veined cheeses and queso fresco?
To be safe during this outbreak, skip sliced cheeses from the deli counter or heat them up first.
You should also steer clear of unpasteurized juices like apple cider or fresh-squeezed OJ.
As long as it’s been treated through UV radiation, it’s probably okay.
Raw or underdone seafood
Got a taste for some tuna sashimi?
Obsessing over those oysters on the half shell?
(But it’s okay to eat smoked seafood thats part of a cooked dish, like a casserole.
Most places, for example, offer rolls made with cooked seafood or vegetables right at the sushi bar!
Just confirm that any seafood you order is well cooked: Fish should flake and shellfish should be firm.
And if you find that the restaurant burger you ordered came out a little too pink?
Don’t be afraid to send it back.
Now is not the time to be bashful.
Along with that double-decker sandwich, you might want to forgo hot dogs and pate.
These foods also execute the small risk of carryinglisteria.
High-mercury fish
You know fish is loaded with all those brain-boosting and mood-boosting omega-3s.
What’s the safest seafood for expectant eaters?
That said, you’re not condemned to forgo that crunchy texture until you give birth.
No need to break out a special produce-cleaning spray, however.
But it’s fine to make your own versions at home if you get a hankering.
What if you accidentally eat one of these foods while pregnant?
Accidentally ate something you shouldnt have?
Call your doctor right away if you start to notice possible signs of food poisoning.
Contaminated food usually makes you sick within one to three days after eating it.
And if youre feeling fine?
You don’t have to call the doctor, but theres also no harm in reaching out anyway.
Some extra reassurance is never a bad thing!
