Hey there, mom-to-be! Congratulations on your pregnancy. As you may already know, what you eat during pregnancy is incredibly important for the health and development of your growing baby. While most foods are safe to eat, there are a few things you should avoid to reduce the risk of food poisoning and other health complications.

First and foremost, it's important to avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood. These animal products can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and listeria, that can cause food poisoning. Be sure to cook these items to the proper temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.

Another thing to avoid is soft cheeses like feta, brie, and camembert, as they are often made with unpasteurized milk and can contain listeria. Harder cheeses like cheddar and parmesan are generally safe to eat.

Raw eggs can also be a risk, as they can contain salmonella. Be sure to fully cook eggs, and avoid raw or undercooked dishes that contain them, such as Caesar dressing, raw cookie dough, and homemade mayonnaise.

Deli meats, like ham and turkey, can contain listeria if they are not properly stored or handled. Make sure to heat deli meats until they are steaming hot before eating them.

It's also important to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, as they can harbor harmful bacteria.

Caffeine is another thing to be mindful of during pregnancy. It's recommended that you limit your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, which is about the same as one cup of coffee. Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect the baby's heart rate, and can also increase the risk of miscarriage.

It's best to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of birth defects and fetal alcohol syndrome, a serious condition that can cause physical and cognitive problems in the baby.

Finally, some types of fish, like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, can contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to the developing baby. It's best to avoid these types of fish and limit your consumption of others, like tuna, to no more than 12 ounces per week.

By following these guidelines and eating a well-balanced diet, you can help ensure the health and well-being of your growing baby. Don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you have about your diet during pregnancy.

This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical care, you should always seek advice from a qualified medical doctor or other healthcare professional. Please read our full disclaimer for more information.

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