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Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I know I shouldn't eat sushi while I'm pregnant, but what else is off-limits now?

Re: I know I shouldn't eat sushi while I'm pregnant, but what else is off-limits now?

The Bump Expert

Now that you're eating for two, what goes in your mouth is very important. In addition to sushi, avoid any other raw seafood or meat -- they carry parasites that are dangerous to your developing baby. Be careful with any fish (even the cooked kind!), because it can contain high levels of mercury. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine and soft cheeses like blue cheese, feta, and brie. Be wary of tap water, especially during your first trimester. And, try to keep junk food (empty calories, no vitamins and nutrients) to a minimum by opting for healthy alternatives.

The Bump Editors | May 06 , 2009 10:40 PM

re: Q: Foods to Avoid?

I've heard from some sources that deli meats aren't safe.  With my job, the convenience of a sandwich on the run when I need something quickly is attractive.  Should I steer clear of this?

lynettenjoel | May 20 , 2007 5:11 PM

re: Q: Foods to Avoid?

my doctor just told me no chicken or turkey, and that tilapia and salmon are ok, but other fish aren't ie: shark( never considered trying it but it was the one fish from the list he gave us that stuck on the don'ts)i am curious about the herbs though i have always heard chamomile is NOT recommended and certain teas.

mrs.viv07 | January 19 , 2008 7:33 PM

re: Q: Foods to Avoid?

lunch meat has listeria (sp?) in it and can potentially be harmful to your baby (according to my OB). but i was told if you must have a sandwich, you can heat the lunch meat up to kill the bacteria before consuming

melani17 | February 05 , 2008 8:01 PM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

how many glasses of milk are you suppose to drink a day?

hobokengirl | August 27 , 2008 8:37 AM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

I saw on a previous page that there were alot of fish that were "okay" to eat and several studies that said that the omega's in fish could be essential to the development of t3h little one? The fish subject is always so... blah

Gamer_Mama | October 28 , 2008 11:40 AM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

I also heard to avoid honey, is that true?

PWalker | October 29 , 2008 11:16 AM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

no honey is to be avoided only in children under 1 because they do not have an acidic environment in their digestive tract to kill the spores that may be found in honey. but for adults we already have an acidic environment. so honey is safe

karenandsam | January 06 , 2009 10:20 PM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

why is caffine bad for you during pregnancy

kesleyd08 | January 18 , 2009 2:54 PM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

Fish are good (Omega are needed). Avoid having too much and avoid eating large fish like tuna and sharks because of the mercury.

simple288 | February 09 , 2009 6:49 PM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

Why should I be wary of tap water?

Katy821 | March 30 , 2009 4:10 PM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

my doc said the problem with lunch meat is that it sits out, but prepackaged stuff is ok. The deli stuff can carry a bacteria (L something) that can be fatal to the baby. if you have to have it she said to nuke it for a few seconds until it bubbles to kill any bacteria

frf1537 | April 01 , 2009 9:46 PM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

Why no chicken or turkey? Both are great sources of lean protein--much better for you than beef. If cooked porperly, both should be okay.

gotchagomo | April 07 , 2009 8:19 PM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

I'm in the 28th week and I can tell you that I never had a problem with COOKED Chicken or Turkey. In fact, that's pasically what I live off of when making dinner. I'm not a huge Red Meat eatter but I haven't had a problem with that either. The reason they tell you that you should be weary of Lunch Meat is because of the Listeria, but that's only because as adults we have the immunities to fight off that bacteria but baby does not. If you are going to eat lunch meat, or even sliced cheese, it's better to do it when you know it is fresh. I rarely eat lunch meat but every time I have, I've been fine. That's not to say that no onecan get anything from it, but the chances of that are rare. I've tried to stay away from alot of sea food while pregnant even though I absolutely love it! I figured that for me it was safer to wait on indulging the things I love from the ocean. I miss tuna so much! haha... I will eat shrimp, salmon and clams every once in a while. I've really eaten the same way that I normally would, which is healthy for the most part. Don't drive yourself crazy over the "What can't I eat" thing. As far as Tap Water goes, I don't drink it just because to me, it tastes like metal right now haha. I stick with purified water just because it doesn't make me gag. I also mix white cranberry juice or any other kind of juice with water because sometimes after CONSTANTLY drinking water, I need a little flavor in my life. =)

TinyTiela | April 11 , 2009 9:21 PM

re: Q: Foods to avoid?

So does this mean that Subway is out since the turkey sits out? I love Subway and that's basically all I've been craving. :(

happilymarried121308 | July 16 , 2009 10:45 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

i was wondering the same thing. I love my turkey sandwhiches, and all i have been craving is to go to submarina (its like subway but better, they cut the meat right there and pull it out of a fridge) and most moms i have talked to said its fine but then on here alot say its not ok. So what is everyones opinion on this? Also would it be ok if I just get it toasted that way its heated up for a bit. Thanks!!

cutieinsocal | August 26 , 2009 1:11 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Deli Meats, soft cheeses

patrycja829 | September 28 , 2009 11:16 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Does anyone know if peanut butter is okay to have while pregnant?

bedda07 | October 07 , 2009 12:25 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Peanut butter is ok to eat. It's actually on the recommended food list to eat instead of unhealthy snacks. I've been craving bologna, but because of the possible listeria contamination, I just heat it up in the microwave for 30sec's before putting on my sandwich. Which I actually think it probably makes it taste better! Pregnant women are 20x more likely to get infection from listeria found in deli meats, but the listeria can be killed by heating up the deli meat and if you want your deli meat cold, you can put it back in the fridge to cool it down before eating it.

time4d | October 13 , 2009 11:16 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I stay clear of the food items listed above and anything that has high fructose corn syrup (which actually in name brand peanut butter and many, many other foods), aspartame, and basically artificial ingredients. Our bodies have a hard time breaking them down as adults, so a fetus would have a harder time. Organic and natural foods have so much more to offer than foods made in massive factories.

mamakitson | November 16 , 2009 6:43 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

My MW told me they had a woman in her 1st trimester lose her baby due to Listeria in a soft cheese called queso fresca (sp?) Until then I hadn't heard of anyone actually getting it and it causing a problem, but now I make sure to heat deli meats up and avoid the soft cheeses. Very tough since I could live on bread and cheese alone!

JonandKateplusTWO | January 28 , 2010 1:02 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

tap water? what is wrong with tap water? i've never seen that anywhere else.

bstrangely | January 28 , 2010 2:28 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

If soft cheeses are pasteurized they are fine. (Almost all cheeses are pasteurized in the US - even brie) Also Listeria is harmful only if you've never had it before (and the odds of that are extremely low). But if you want to be extra cautious heat up meats before consuming. Also sushi is dangerous because of parasites (worms), that are only found in fresh water fish (think Salmon). Saltwater fish that are low-mercury at high scale sushi places should be fine.

LilTiger | January 28 , 2010 5:35 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Sushi is cooked, sashimi is raw -- I was told sushi is fine, sashimi is a no-no... but that goes for anyone, not just the preggies.

cheerkri | February 01 , 2010 11:45 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

My OB gave me a list of things to avoid and the fish on the list was salmon, swordfish and tuna. She also told me that lunchmeat from a restaurant was fine because they have such high turnover.

futuremrsmadden | February 02 , 2010 1:31 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

The thing with sushi or sashimi is that it is a raw or undercooked food, so like with steak, or eggs there is a chance of bacteria contamination. BUT...and this is a big BUT....pregnant women worldwide have been eating raw fish for hundreds of years and continue to do so with no adverse affects to their babies. I think that as a society most people have become so overly paranoid about what to do or what not to do when it comes to pregnancy that we're scaring ourselves into agoraphobia. Eventually we won't go outside anymore because of the potential of breathing in car fumes and second hand smoke which can hurt our babies - never realizing that the stress of worrying about things like this are causing our unborns more harm than the toxins we may expose them too. With everything in life the key is moderation. And just being smart - if you're body is used to consuming deli meats and sushi on a regular basis, and you trust your preparers, than just eat those in moderation, 1-2 times a week, don't overdo it.

LeeFletch | February 03 , 2010 4:03 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

thanks LeeFletch! That's by far the best answer i've read! I have been eating sashimi on a regular basis since I was a kid and now I just limit my selection to high-end reputable restaurants that I know serves only the best quality fish. As far as the cheese goes I'm pretty sure all cheese in the US is pasteurized so it is definitely "safe" although I would never ever feed my baby anything pasteurized! Processed dairy and grains are the worst things you could possibly eat. Dr. Mercola has a fantastic website with lots of research based info that is essential to health.

valpreis | February 03 , 2010 4:29 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

You can eat deli meats. If you're making a sandwich, you need to microwave the deli meats separately and then you can put them together and make your sandwich and stick it back in the fridge..A steaming hot deli meat sandwich grosses me out. You just gotta kill the germs first.

Kpaq3 | February 05 , 2010 5:00 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

It's not sushi as veggie sushi and CA rolls like items are ok but RAW fish, meat, diary, eggs, etc. Basically anything that potentially contains highly levels of toxins. Basically be careful with any animal product (maybe go vegan... just a thought). I eat very healthy- vegan, mostly organic food, whole grains, etc (and to the naysayers, my midwife says I'm doing fine- my iron counts and all that are perfect!). Anything that is harmful (even slightly) to regular people, the threat is increased with pregnancy. Tap water can have lots of chemicals in it (do a google search to find out about your local water), so I buy reverse-osmosis water, though tap is better than nothing (and much better than soda or other unhealthy drinks). Organic is important but don't freak out too much because it's better to spend your money on organic meat/diary/eggs than produce because animals accumulate more pollutants than plants. Lunch meat in general is horrible- stay away from nitrates. All natural cold cuts would probably be ok. In summary, don't agonize over everything, but always try to eat the healthier alternative. A little caffeine is ok- but why order a latte when you could have a herbal mint tea. (I've heard the chamomile thing too and so I avoid it, but I've also heard a lot of conflicting info on herbs. So I just try to get more neutral choices- mint, ginger, etc.) Best of luck everyone! A great great GREAT pregnancy eating book is Skinny Bitch: Bun in the Oven! I love it!

'mingo | February 13 , 2010 4:04 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Sushi may be cooked but only lightly, it could still contain dangerous bacteria. No reason to risk it, however there is some sushi dishes that are made exclusively with rice, seaweed, and vegetables, I really love eating Avocado Maki Roles (especially since I am craving avocado) I am also curious about tap water, I mean I don't drink it as a beverage but when I am in the shower I will sometimes take a gulp just to wet the whistle. I guess I will keep a bottle of water by the tub now lol.

Spazkat1220 | March 20 , 2010 8:12 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Hey all, I am a chef and thought I could lend a word on food safety and clear up the confusion on sushi and sashimi. It's only sushi if it has the rice, it doesn't matter what is in it, fish, veggies, meat etc....it only pertains to the fact that it has rice. Sashimi is raw protein only...this would not be considered safe (although, my mom at loads of raw fish with me and I turned out just fine..maybe there was less mercury 27 years ago). As far as red meat goes, as long as it is NOT ground you can still eat it rare if you like, the outside is the only part with the nasty bacteria (like ecoli). Here is a list for other foods.. * poultry (whole, pieces, and ground): 165° F (73.8° C) * pork: 160° F (71° C) * beef, veal, lamb, and roasts: 145° F (62.7° C) * ground beef, veal, and lamb: 160° F (71° C) * fish: 145° F (62.7° C) * egg dishes: 160° F (71° C) * leftovers: at least 165° F (74° C) I didn't see if someone mentioned the tap water, it can have bacteria in it that don't affect you b.c you have a tolerant to it but could effect your fetus...we have a filter that is supposed to filter out all that stuff. When cooking always wash your hands and be careful not to cross contaminate stuff...hope some of this helped.

LovingBaz | May 26 , 2010 1:01 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Hey all, I am a chef and thought I could lend a word on food safety and clear up the confusion on sushi and sashimi. It's only sushi if it has the rice, it doesn't matter what is in it, fish, veggies, meat etc....it only pertains to the fact that it has rice. Sashimi is raw protein only...this would not be considered safe (although, my mom at loads of raw fish with me and I turned out just fine..maybe there was less mercury 27 years ago). As far as red meat goes, as long as it is NOT ground you can still eat it rare if you like, the outside is the only part with the nasty bacteria (like ecoli). Here is a list for other foods.. * poultry (whole, pieces, and ground): 165° F (73.8° C) * pork: 160° F (71° C) * beef, veal, lamb, and roasts: 145° F (62.7° C) * ground beef, veal, and lamb: 160° F (71° C) * fish: 145° F (62.7° C) * egg dishes: 160° F (71° C) * leftovers: at least 165° F (74° C) I didn't see if someone mentioned the tap water, it can have bacteria in it that don't affect you b.c you have a tolerant to it but could effect your fetus...we have a filter that is supposed to filter out all that stuff. When cooking always wash your hands and be careful not to cross contaminate stuff...hope some of this helped.

LovingBaz | May 26 , 2010 1:02 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Is yogurt ok to have while Pregnant??

stephanie22384 | July 07 , 2010 1:17 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

i am on my 8th weelk.and i would like to know if kimchi is ok during this time??

nenggrc | September 30 , 2010 5:34 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

i dislike microwaved meats also, i've started to actually put my lunch meats in a pan and used butter to cook it. It takes great and it take the edge off my craving. hope this helps! As far as subway goes, my ob said to just have them cook the meat before they make it park of your sandwhich which is no big deal since most people toast their sandwhichs anyways...

justirene89 | October 02 , 2010 1:49 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I'm a little confused on the response at the top of this article, it says no chicken or turkey or soft cheeses. But- there are other food related articles on this site that say lean meat, (cooked properly) which in my mind chicken and turkey are the most common; then there's feta- I love making small personal pizzas with lots of veggies (tomatoes, peppers, spinach) and some feta sprinkled. I read soft cheeses are ok as long as they are pasteurized (sp?) which almost all cheese in the US is. Can anyone clarify?

Jannej405 | October 08 , 2010 9:38 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I'm a Dane and eating cheese is a huge staple in my diet. Does anyone know if eating Havarti is safe?

erikasells4you | December 05 , 2010 3:47 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Honestly, it all depends on what your OBGYN tells you. Its also not that lunch meats are "off limits" just in moderation. Don't eat lunchmeats everyday - if you want them once or twice a week - its not going to harm anything. Everything in moderation.

kim03201 | January 05 , 2011 9:40 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

so whats wrong with tap water no body anwserd that!

ReadyToBeCalledMommy918 | February 26 , 2011 5:22 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I am wondering if having the NAKED juices is OK?? i love the green machine and also the mango protein one.... I did read on the ingredients that it contains SOY PROTEIN and other SOY INGREDENTS. Thank you!!

galeanodream | February 28 , 2011 4:23 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I am starting to get really frustrated with all of the scare tactics regarding what to eat and drink and what to do and not do as a pregnant woman. Common sense is really the best practice I follow every day with every decision. I eat sushi and I'm almost 6 months pregnant. I was craving it at the 3 month mark and wanted to know more about why it is "off-limits." I did a lot of research and couldn't find a specific danger regarding raw fish...other than the same danger that is present with chicken or beef or produce that is not handled or prepared properly. ALL food can be subject to food borne pathogens if it's not stored or prepared appropriately. So if I follow that logic (don't eat raw fish because it might contain bacteria), I wouldn't eat much at all because all food is prone to food borne pathogens. All fish in the US has to be frozen first (FDA requirement), so that usually kills the bacteria. There is still a concern for the mercury level in certain fish (raw or cooked), but just because it's raw does not mean in and of itself that pregnant women can't eat it. What do the women in Japan eat? I'm NOT a doctor and will not claim that it's 100% safe, but a lot of the "approved" foods can cause problems but that doesn't mean I won't eat them...so it's about moderation and knowing how your food is stored and prepared.

KatherineMarieWeiss | March 29 , 2011 2:17 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

As a lover of all food, I have done countless hours of research about why I can't eat certain things and this is what I've found. For honey, cheese, and milk products, make sure they are pasteurized. Most of these items are pasteurized in the US, but if they are imported or from small farms (especially with honey) they may not be. It is on the label. When in doubt, skip it. For the lunch meat, the bacteria contained in it is usually present in 90% of all lunch meats, no matter where they are stored. Listeria thrives in the refrigerated environment, which is why lunch meat has to be heated and eaten while warm. It is rare to be effected by listeria, but it can cause m/c at any stage of pregnancy (even 3rd trimester), so again, when in doubt skip it. All raw meat contains bacteria, heat kills that bacteria, that is why you have to eat cooked meat. That little fetus just can't handle what we can. No one misses sashimi more than me, but I think waiting a few more months versus possible m/c is a no brainer. I already told my husband that on the way home from the hospital we are picking up a to go order of nothing but sashimi! The chances of the worst case scenario with these foods are slim, but present. Do you want to be the exception or the rule? That's totally up to you. Hope this helps

annaesmith | March 29 , 2011 2:17 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

The TAP WATER!!!!!!! Why has noone responded to that question? I cant give a for sure direct answer exceot that there is too uch flouride in the water so try to drink bottled water flouride free or try getting a filter. That is the only thing i can think of , so i wish SOMEONE would truthfully answer this question bc its a concern of many!!! I am lucky enough to have a fridge that despenses filtered water and thats what i drink if i dont have a bottle of water. Hope that helped some!

erinharpole | March 29 , 2011 2:45 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I'm not an expert but the tap water thing isn't true - many "bottled" waters are actually tap water. This website isn't a doctor and a doctor probably isn't giving the advice. My doctor gave me a print out of the do's and don't of what to eat so go by your doctor's list/recommendations.

supabrenda | March 29 , 2011 4:45 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Ladies, The problem with Listeria is that you may have no systems or adverse affects, but it can pass to the baby through the placenta. The baby can get very sick without you getting sick. It is one of the few bacteriae that can pass through the placenta.

mbprendergast | March 29 , 2011 10:10 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

My doctor said that she could never have made it through her pregnancy withough deli meat and that I should be smart about it - only buy from a reuptable company and if you have to do the "smell test", then toss it. Personally, this is the only thing that is working for my queezy stomach right now Also, there should be no pink in your meats.

nbunt598 | March 30 , 2011 7:19 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Some of these answers are so silly, there is nothing wrong with tap water while your pregnant!! I don't believe anybody answering these questions is a doc. Please just ask your doc, they know best.

liz222 | March 30 , 2011 4:39 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

My doctor said you can have Sushi as long as the fish is cooked. (Not all sushi is served raw) But just to avoid any misunderstandings with the not so good of an english speaker your waitress might be, Just don't eat shushi at all.

jschantz | March 31 , 2011 12:55 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I was toldy by my OB and several nurse practitioners that one cup of coffee is fine. All things in moderation ladies. It drives me kind of nutty that doctors are not all on the same page. Why are they always contradicting each other? By the way what is the deal with chamomile tea?

carlony18 | March 31 , 2011 3:54 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Seriously, tap water? That's ridiculous! Did the bottled water companies write that first answer?

brmccommis | April 03 , 2011 9:02 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

As for lunch meat it has to do with the nitrates. Don't eat the kind with nitrates. Lots of them have it without now. It just doesn't last as long. Also Whole Foods has tons of these meats with NO nitrates. Even turkey bologna. My son loves this

grubolino | April 04 , 2011 3:25 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I have heard the yogurt comment before.... is it really not safe? I just found out were pregnant and am looking for a quick healthy snack option. Thanks!

questred | May 30 , 2011 5:47 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Yogurt is fine. Infact it is a very healthy option especially the grrek yogurrts which are very high i protein. Just make sure that the yogurt you eat isnt expired and doesnt have a lot of articifial sweetners in it. I love to take plain non fat greek yougurt & mix in my own fruit. Sprinkle on a little low fat granola & its a yummy dessert!

babyhern | July 11 , 2011 8:06 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I don't agree with the Bump Expert answer on this subject. Fish that don't eat other fish are safe because they have lower mercury content. You should consume 2 servings of fish a week is what my doctor told me. It is VERY good for the baby. Also, all cheeses are fine in the US because all are required to be pasteurized when sold in stores. Just be careful when going out to eat because they may import some cheeses that are not safe. I stay away from Deli meats because I just don't trust them. I have well water which is safe to drink. I think city or town water is fine too because it goes through a lot of purifications before coming out on our end. The answer to this was just not correct and needs to be fixed.

eluino78 | August 12 , 2011 7:38 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I just went to dr last week and he told me deli meats are fine as long as their kept refrigerated and have not been sitting out. I'm 13 weeks.

eliajsoto | October 09 , 2011 10:44 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

i am in the water business and i have no idea why they would say tap water is not ok. and yes - bottled waters like desani and aquafina are no more than your city water passed through an RO filter. Spring water has different regulations in order to use the words "natural spring water" on the label. They can only remove harmful components from the water - all other ions must remain unaltered. To put it in perspective, the president of my company specifies tap water whenever we go out to dinners.

hugz415 | October 31 , 2011 9:35 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

My doctor said i can have meat of any kind, but it has to be at a certain temperature. Especially deli meat needs to be cooked in the microwave. It can't be eaten cold. And any meat needs to be cooked all the way through. My doctor even said to ask for well done when going out for a bite.

cindymae333 | November 22 , 2011 1:53 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

You could talk to a few restaurant supply professionals because I'm sure that they are familiar with this issue. They could probably have some advice for you, but you should also see a doctor. Good luck and take care!!

JuniorDragonLady | February 05 , 2012 7:53 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Tap-water: This is my 2nd pregnancy and I've never heard that you can't drink tap water. I always drank tap water in my first pregnancy and I have a healthy child. I would ask your OB next time you have an apointment about the water. When I asked my doc. what foods to avoid, tap water was not on her list. Hope that helps.

Steiner213 | April 15 , 2012 8:22 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Sushi is rarely cooked, some elements of it are.. .like eel. Sashimi is lighting cooked (very under cooked.)

eringrapejuice | April 17 , 2012 11:29 PM