Foods to Watch Out for During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, some foods may carry infection or toxin risk, so avoiding them is important for you and your baby. Raw or undercooked meat (sushi, tartare, rare steak) is on this list due to toxoplasmosis and bacterial risk. Recommended internal temperatures depend on the type: 74°C (165°F) for chicken and turkey, 71°C (160°F) for ground meat, and 63°C (145°F) for whole cuts of red meat followed by a few minutes of resting. Without a thermometer, cooking meat thoroughly until no pink remains in the middle is a safe approach.

Some cheeses (brie, camembert, blue cheeses, or soft cheeses) made from unpasteurized milk can carry listeria bacteria. Since listeria infection can cause serious complications, cheeses made from pasteurized milk are a much safer option.

For caffeine, WHO and ACOG recommend no more than 200 mg a day; staying within your doctor's recommended limit is a good approach. High caffeine consumption is associated with low birth weight risk. Tea, cola, and chocolate also contain caffeine — keeping this in mind is helpful.

Other foods to be mindful of: High-mercury fish (swordfish, shark), sauces containing raw eggs (homemade mayonnaise), unwashed raw vegetables and fruits, and alcohol (no amount is considered safe). Consulting your doctor about herbal teas is best — some herbs can cause unexpected effects.