Foods to avoid during pregnancy

Key points

• Certain foods can make pregnancy unpleasant and increase the risk of food poisoning
• Being aware of the foods to avoid while pregnant is as important as the right diet
• Food poisoning can make your baby very unwell, increasing the risks of premature delivery, stillbirth, miscarriages and infections

Knowing what foods to avoid when pregnant is just as important as eating the right balance of foods. Certain foods carry an increased risk of food poisoning, while others contain toxins that are best avoided during pregnancy. Learn which foods to cut out or limit to reduce the risks to your developing baby.

Why certain foods are off the menu in pregnancy

During pregnancy you’re advised to avoid certain foods which could be associated with an increased risk of food poisoning. As well as being unpleasant for you, food poisoning can also make your baby very unwell and may increase the risk of premature delivery, stillbirth, miscarriages and infections.For this reason, it is important to pay close attention to your diet when you’re pregnant, taking extra care over food preparation and avoiding foods associated with the risk of listeriosis – a type of food poisoning.Listeriosis is caused by a bacterium which occurs naturally in the environment. It can be found on products like meats, eggs and dairy products, as well as in processed foods like soft cheese and leftovers.Good food safety helps to prevent listeria, however some foods need to be avoided all together.

High risk foods, best avoided

Below are examples of some high risk foods, best avoided while you are pregnant:

• Unpasteurised yoghurt, milk and cheese
• Soft and semi soft pasteurised cheese e.g. camembert and brie
• Raw eggs
• Undercooked meats
• Processed meats, unless piping hot above 70 degrees celsius
• Pre-made cakes or pastries with cream
• Cold cooked poultry
• Raw fish and shellfish
• Smoked fish
• Store bought sushi
• Unwashed fruit and vegetables
• Ready-made salads from supermarkets or delis
• Hummus and tahini
• Leftovers, unless eaten within 2 days and heated through to 70 degrees celsius

How much fish can you eat?

In excessive amounts, mercury can build up in the blood of the mother and be harmful to an unborn baby. Mercury is present in some types of fish. It is recommended for pregnant women to follow the below guidelines during pregnancy to minimise mercury consumption while still trying to include Omega-3-containing fish in the diet. You should select one of the following options for including fish in your pregnancy diet.