You just can’t do everything the way you used to before you got pregnant. That includes foods to eat during pregnancy. There are foods that could harm your baby that normally don’t affect you. Some can be consumed in moderation, but it is generally smart to know pregnancy foods to avoid and avoid them completely to make sure that you are safe from the problems they bring with them.

1 – Raw Meat or Fish

Eating raw meat or fish anytime can be dangerous as bacteria can be present in uncooked or undercooked meat. Being pregnant and eating it makes it even more dangerous to you and your baby. You want to eat food that is cooked thoroughly. This does not mean you can’t have a rare steak. But keep the amount you eat small and the occurrence rare (pun intended).

This includes sushi. Raw fish is not the best to eat on a regular basis. Yet…… some research has shown that if the sushi is prepared properly with fish that had been frozen prior to use it can be safe for pregnant women to eat. Once again, just don’t make it a weekly meal. Once in a while should be safe.

One note about smoked fish or meat needs to be mentioned. These might not be “cooked”, but the process that is used in smoking generally kills any bacteria or harmful stuff. You should be safe eating these. Just check with your doctor.

2 – Raw Eggs

Avoiding raw eggs is recommended for anyone. You can get very sick from them as they carry bacteria and you can easily get food poisoning. No matter how good you hear they are for you, avoid eating raw eggs especially when pregnant.

3 – Liver

Yes, you need lots of iron when you’re pregnant. It is very important not to get anemic. But liver is not the way to go at this time. Like all other foods you consume, liver has more than just iron going for it. It is high in Vitamin A. Not good for a pregnant woman. Too much Vitamin A can harm your baby. Avoid liver during this time.

4 – Select Cheeses

Cheese is not bad for a pregnant woman. You just don’t want to eat too much and get constipated. But there are some cheeses that pose a little bit higher risk for a woman carrying a baby.

What is that colorful stuff in blue cheese? It’s mould. It’s mould that is tasty and can be good for you unless you’re pregnant. If a woman gets an infection from the mould in cheese, she stands a higher chance of losing her baby or having other complications.

5 – Fish

Not all fish is bad for pregnant women, but some tend to carry levels of mercury that are unsafe. Some fish should be completely avoided while others should be limited in quantity consumed.

Completely avoid swordfish, shark, or marlin. Limit the amount of tuna, salmon, trout, and sardines to just two meals a week. Non-oily fish such as bass, pike, or perch can be eaten as much as you like. Fish is healthy for you but too much can be dangerous.

6 – Raw Milk

There are many people who prefer raw milk to pasteurized milk. This is because the process of pasteurization kills off harmful and healthy bacteria. It is recommended that during pregnancy, raw milk should be voided. If you only will drink the raw milk, boil it before drinking it. Some doctors say that cow’s milk is the only type that should be drunk at this time. Avoid goat and sheep’s milk. Some argue it is alright. Talk to your doctor about your milk preferences and what is the safest for you and your baby.

7 – Caffeine

I hate to tell those that have to have a couple of pots of coffee a day that the levels of caffeine you normally consume can result in birth defects. Doctors recommend that you say good-bye to caffeine while pregnant. This does not mean you can’t have it at all. You just need to limit yourself to a cup a day, a can of soda per day, or one energy drink.

The key to caffeine is not to overdo it. Take it easy and try to limit if not eliminate your normal consumption.

Related pregnancy articles you might want to read:

The Healthy Diet for Pregnancy

Pregnancy Trimesters: The Three Stages of Pregnancy

Pregnancy’s Emotional Challenges

Things you might need during pregnancy:

Pregnancy Nutrition Guide	Prenatal Fitness	Pre-Natal Sound Delivery System