Foods to Avoid While Pregnant | Ask the Expert: OB/GYN with Utica Park Clinic

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Question:

Are there any foods that I should avoid while pregnant?

Answer:

While maintaining a well-balanced diet is always a good idea, it is essential in pregnancy. Most foods are safe but there are a few that should be avoided:

Raw meat. All meat should be cooked well done.
Deli meat. These meats can carry Listeria that can harm both you and your baby. If you have to eat deli meat, heat it until it is steaming first.
Fish that are high in mercury. These include deep-sea fish such as tuna steak, mackerel or tilefish. Canned tuna is okay but should only be eaten no more than once a week. Regarding other fish with lower mercury content or freshwater fish, you should determine where it came from. Fish from contaminated bodies of water should be avoided. You can contact your local Fish & Game Department to determine the water quality in your area. A good starting point is the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, 918.683.1031. Smoked seafood should be also avoided.
Raw milk or cheeses. These are dairy products that have not been pasteurized. Soft cheeses such as brie should also be avoided.
Unwashed vegetables. These run the risk of carrying toxoplasmosis so make sure they are cleaned well.
Caffeine should be avoided. However, if you must have some then limit your intake to 200mg per day
Alcohol. There is no amount of alcohol that is considered safe in pregnancy.
Pate and other meat spreads should be avoided as they may contain Listeria.
Raw shellfish should be avoided in pregnancy.
Raw eggs or any recipe that uses raw eggs, even cooked, are a risk for salmonella. They should be avoided.