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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?

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?

My pregnant friends and I have been eating subway but getting our subs toasted after they have put on all the vegies so everything is heated to kill bacteria.

babyhowland | August 12 , 2009 12:29 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Subway has a couple chicken sandwiches, and so does Quiznos. That's what I've had to resort to for the past 8 months. I've also been microwaving my sliced deli smoked turkey breast to a steaming condition, and after it cools down, it tastes just like smoked turkey breast normally tastes. I love sandwiches, and they're the most convenient foods, especially when you're seriously pregnant and your feet swell, so you can't cook elaborate meals anymore.

lenuka2007 | August 14 , 2009 11:57 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I agree with some of the others, just heat your sandwich and you will be fine!

adge12 | September 12 , 2009 10:02 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I am also needing clarification on the tap water part - why is tap water bad? I read that you shouldn't drink bottled water because of chemicals so now what water is safe???

ladyram09 | November 01 , 2009 4:01 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I read somewhere to avoid papaya, pineapple, and grapes. Does anybody know why these fruits are on the don't list? I love pineapple and grapes.

katmpet | January 16 , 2010 11:14 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Subway will nuke the meat for you if you ask them to. They did it for me. I have eaten pineapple [[canned]] and grapes during my pregnancy! Canned tuna is okay, as long as it is chunk light in water and not oil. Tilapia is also fine, as long as you don't consume more than 12 ounces in a week, i believe. I drink bottled water, and my baby is fine! I think it's city tap water that you're supposed to avoid, because it's treated. Deli meats from an actual deli are fine, just ask them not to give you the first 2 slices off whatever meat you choose, because it has had the most contact with the air. The rest you can just nuke to get rid of the bacteria. The things you want to avoid the most are fish with high levels of mercury, and empty calories [[chips, unhealthy snack foods, etc.]] They contribute a great deal to your weight. I know. I've gained 20 pounds in 5 months.

MrsHenderson2008 | May 26 , 2010 1:43 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

The tap water I know isn't healthy...the way I see it, anything that smells and tastes like metal probably isn't good for you. I buy the cheap jugs of drinking water and mix in like the Crystal Light packets...I too need some flavor. :) Empty calories aren't good. I had a huge craving for Cheetos last week but at least -somewhat- healthier option for my craving, I got the Baked Cheetos instead. Someone mentioned in a prior post about grapes and pineapple being bad during pregnancy....is that true and why would that be?

krazyshay1987 | June 13 , 2010 3:44 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

My Doc told me that everything was o.k. in moderation, but to avoid shellfish. I work on Labor & Delivery and have also asked a few of our other doctors and some of them say red wine is okay in moderation, some say sushi is ok. I think that whatever you feel safe eating and feeding to your baby is fine. I have eaten sushi, soft cheeses, lunch meat, etc and my baby is perfectly healthy :)

KES1108 | July 28 , 2010 8:42 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

What about flaxsead??? I use it for tummy troubles, but now have read conflicting reviews for pregnant women!!!

estroworld | August 18 , 2010 9:10 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I know that foods to Avoid During Pregnancy are 1. Raw Meat 2. Deli meats including Hot Dogs. 3. Raw Eggs 4. Fish 5. Smoked Foods 6. Soft Cheese 7. Unpasteurized Milk. 8. Raw Shellfish 9.Pate 10. Caffeeine 11. Alchol 12. Unwashed Vegetables 13. Undercooked Meat 14. Raw Cookie Dough or Batter 15. Salads made in the store 16. Raw Sprouts 17. Eggnog 18. Meat Spread 19. Artificial Sweetener 20. Chocolates. 21. Refridgerated Ready to eat foods 22. Junk Food 23. Fats 24. Food Additives 25. Mexican Style Cheese 26. Liver 27. Sushi 28. Tuna 29. Herbal Supplements 30. Left-out foods 31. Spicies. Sorry ladies about the chocolate. I love chocolate and can't stand the fact that I cant eat it but if it makes my baby healthier than I am all for it. You also have to be careful with Ice Cream. You can have a little bit but not to much.

Judie1993 | August 29 , 2010 4:22 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

okay... i'm sure that Japanese women have eaten sashimi while pregnant, just like i'm sure that Italian ladies have had a glass of wine or two. can we say that for the most part, everything in moderation is okay? I'm not going to get wasted and eat raw salmon and ketchup chips all day every day, but the love of god, people! you're pregnant! LIVE A LITTLE! i've been craving salads and veggies so far, (14 weeks) and if i get the urge to have sushi one day, you bet i won't deny my body what it wants! i understand being cautious in the first trimester, but once things are in the clear... i'd say go hard. within moderation, of course.

linneaforever | November 03 , 2010 1:16 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

What if eggnog is pastuerized it should be fine though! I will have to double check, tis the season and I have been craving my eggnog!

chrisdav79 | December 03 , 2010 2:03 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

If you've got a craving for eggnog, but aren't sure whether to avoid it or not.. Try "Silk" Nog! It's perfectly safe and it tastes wonderful! It definitely satisfied my craving!

ashleahmast | December 04 , 2010 7:38 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

i have been having morning sickness for about a week now and the only thing that settles my stomach is pepsi. I have tried ginger ale and it doesnt work. Is there something else i can try so that i am not drinking any "empty calories"

Army_Babe | December 26 , 2010 10:50 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Person who said no chicken or turkey...What? Why?

erika1677 | February 07 , 2011 11:57 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Re: the chicken and turkey comment - I think her doctor was talking about the lunchmeat & deli versions of chicken and turkey. Listeriosis was the L word the one girl was thinking of; that's the bug that can be found on lunchmeat that sits out, or the salads and stuff at the deli. Cooked chicken and turkey is perfectly fine and very healthy. Protein is good!

Stellah124 | March 23 , 2011 12:39 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Is it true that salt is unhealthy during pregnancy?

crosebergman | April 20 , 2011 4:12 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

you can drink pepsi, just buy the caffeine free kind! it tastes the same since caffeine is flavorless! ;)

darbyjkennedy | June 06 , 2011 8:58 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Basically the only way to be healthy and not eat at all cause it's all bad (caffeine, sugar, salt, fish, junk food, WATER!!!!!??? Really??) just don't drink and cut back or quit smoking... and have a feeding tube full of nutrients it's the only way LOL!!!

rupprechts | July 19 , 2011 4:45 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Hi I'm 12 weeks and I just prepared myself a tuna salad with chicken light tuna in water the bumble bee brand when I remembered about mercury. I was freaking out I was super hungry but I didn't want to eat untill I was sure so I search the internet was disappointed to find differet versions on eating CANNED TUNA; luckilly I hold on to all the paperwork I get @ my clinic and found one sheet that talked about mercury in fish-- It read (Do not eat shark- swordfish- tilefish-or king mackerel). (It is safe to eat other types of fish as long as you don't eat on average of more than 1 pound per week "uncooked weight" or two cans of tuna "6 ounce size" per week. Also very important make sure your food is well prepared and cooked... and be carefully what u read on the internet not everything is acurrate talk to ur Doc. instead... Hope it helps!!!!!!!

loduca1686 | November 08 , 2011 3:18 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

My wife and I decided to buy our little one the Standard Glass Bottle 2 Pack because we don't need something fancy for him. Funny thing that the bottles came with a list of baby formulas to use in the months to come. It is really hard raising a child but we really wanted him.

JamiePeri | December 21 , 2011 3:45 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I have been putting some Lemon lime Gatorade in my water, to add some flavor and to get electrolytes. Its easy on a rocky stomach too.

MrsSmithplus1 | January 12 , 2012 12:45 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

the deal with tap water is lead poisoning mostly... in that if hot water comes through copper pipes its likely to contain some amount of lead. which can lead to a low IQ in the baby. what "they" say to do is to run the tap you'll be drinking out of on cold for 6 minuets and your water should have run all the metals out of it that it accumulates overnight. cultural note... maybe your mom or grandma always said always start your water cold from the tap when cooking? there was something to that after all.

lkscreamer | January 19 , 2012 12:32 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I would stay away from Subway sandwiches, the chicken is not actual chicken and is apprent when taking a close look at it This will cure your craving of Subway. Sorry!

nyceac | January 19 , 2012 7:19 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I'm getting so tired of everyone telling me that i can't eat this or that i should eat more of that! ugh! let me be! if me eating a hamburger and french fries once in a blue moon or having a piece of candy sometimes is going to harm the baby then good lord! theres no way either of us are going to survive! i personally can't live off of vegetables, fruits, and salads all day every day for almost a year straight! it's starting to really get on my nerves! i think that some stuff the dr's tell you not to eat have legitimate reasons behind them, but most of the stuff people say about it just makes me laugh. stop over thinking ladies! just eat and that baby will come out beautiful!

bnenglish1988 | January 25 , 2012 11:43 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

There is good advise here but wow, some really need to relax...

Crisa01 | February 06 , 2012 11:42 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

As far as the lunch meat question - my doctor told me to avoid uncooked, unprocessed meats like salami, pepperoni and bologna. Cooked ham, cooked turkey and cooked roast beef should be fine; however, if the turkey, ham, etc. is sliced in the same place as the "bad meats" then they still run the risk of carrying lysteria. She said to stick with the pre-packaged stuff like Oscar Meyer or Hillshire Farms.

Punkin62599 | February 20 , 2012 9:31 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I think if you ate a balanced diet before and eat everything in moderation, you'll be fine. I have adjusted my diet at all and I've been fine (at week 22). All of this seems like overkill..if you ate to take care of YOURSELF before, the baby will be fine. Of course, no raw fish/foods etc but that's common sense. I went easy on that and fresh fish anyway.

miamigirl1969 | February 27 , 2012 9:26 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I've had deli sandwiches at least 3x/week (bring my own lunch to work) forever . Also throughout my pregnancy. Relax, people!

miamigirl1969 | February 27 , 2012 9:27 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

No amount of alcohol has been proven to be okay during pregnancy. Fish twice per week at most, and yes the larger ones like shark, swordfish, etc should not be consumed at all. Tuna should not be albacore, it should be the light tuna. If you are a coffee drinker, one cup a day is fine; it is problematic b/c some people drink more than five cups/day. Remember during the first trimester the mother's caloric intake does not need to be increased unless she is underweight. ONLY 300 calories more per day is needed during the second and third trimesters, 300 calories is not a large amount. We are not actually "eating for two." Fried foods should be avoided b/c they can irritate the stomach and as pregnancy progress can cause more heart burn, who wants to aggravate heart burn!

Chevy4 | March 01 , 2012 10:31 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

It is interesting to read this information about other countries, like the UK, where it's perfectly fine to have feta cheese. I don't get it. I love feta, and don't see why I can't have it. If people in the UK can have it, why can't we? We are both first-world countries with plenty of controls and hygiene.

Radlermaedl | March 02 , 2012 5:50 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I'm loving some of these responses :) No chocolate!! Get reallllll! TRY and take that away from a craving pregnant woman!! I agree with being careful of eating hotdogs/lunchmeat/deli meat due to Listeria. It can also be found on other contaminated foods such as produce, so remember to wash your fruits and veggies well! Listeria with pregnant women typically experience only a mild, flu-like illness. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.(taken verbatim from the CDC website) So yes, I would be careful with that. Tuna, in moderation is great. couple cans a week they say, though I did about three with my first because I craved it so much. Tuna and may on crackers? YUM!

ashleymae23 | March 11 , 2012 4:28 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Is Whey Protein a problem when you're pregnant? I've been taking it to supplement my workouts for years for lean defined muscle... Not sure if I should continue taking it or any protein supplements...

sbneibaur | March 20 , 2012 2:35 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Pretty sure the whey is ok. My chiro today told me that as I progress we will continue to up my protein intake gradually bc it is needed for the babies development. :) Also, I know its highly debated, but I was told by several docs that one glass of wine is safe, and actually has benificial qualities & that no alchohol at all is just a rule that has stuck through the ages. moderation my friends!

kimberlyesk | March 20 , 2012 5:29 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I am 10 weeks pregnant with my 5th child. My oldest is 20 then 18, 15 and 6, the only thing i avoided was fish, raw meat & soft cheeses. All my pregnancies were wonderful all my children 100% healthy. Just think our parents didn't have all these strict rules on what they could and couldn't eat and we all turned out fine! Right? Just keep it in moderation. Good Luck Ladies !

HEATHERNJASON1 | March 22 , 2012 12:41 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I am a vegetarian (with the occasional fish & eggs) and this is my first pregnancy, I am very confused on what not to eat. Plus I have a our filter on my sink is that ok to drink??

ashmcdeavitt | March 23 , 2012 11:58 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

A guy I work with was very stern that I must not eat Thai food when pregnant. Do all of the women who live in Thailand go for 9 months without eating anything when they are pregnant?

alicante2004 | March 27 , 2012 2:58 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

This is a question you should probably ask your OB. They would have the most knowledge on what is healthy for you to eat. You never want to rely on secondary sources, even if they have shared your experience before. Remember, every woman and pregnancy is different.

jbutterfly82 | April 01 , 2012 7:32 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I didn't know about the undercooked meat being a problem. I am 8 weeks and had a hamburger that was probably med well with some pink, will that one time cause a problem? Either way I won't do that again, but now I'm nervous.

adiffen | April 07 , 2012 8:21 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Well I've had 2 babies and am pregnant again, and all three times, my midwife told me its excellent to take omega 3 vitamins (fish oils) but to try to avoid eating fish. Also, heating up lunch meat is more healthy for pregnant women because of the lysteria issue. Just throw your sandwich in the microwave for a bit and it's fine.

sciencefreak1357 | April 18 , 2012 4:14 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

are foods high in citric acid something to be avoided? like tomatoes or oranges? i know they have nutritional benefits but what about the acid? will that make me feel worse or give me heartburn?

suupbuttercuup | May 09 , 2012 11:15 AM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

I think it's whatever you feel comfortable with. My doctor agrees with the everything in moderation. You can have a hot dog just not one every day. Most cheeses in the US are pasturized (even soft ones) and are safe for consumption. The same goes for eggs. (My doctor said I can have eggs benedict and those eggs are not all the way cooked.) In the end if you are going to worry something might happen b/c you ate those foods then avoid them. Otherwise just use good judgement and don't stress!

chapetx | May 14 , 2012 7:35 PM

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

What about artificial sweeteners?

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Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

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

re: Q: Foods to Avoid?

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Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

Q&A: Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

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