Pregnancy is undoubtedly a life-changing experience that changes everything in a woman’s life. During pregnancy, it is important to take care of your diet as the food you eat directly affects the growth and development of your baby.

While it is essential to consume a balanced diet, it is equally crucial to keep certain foods at bay during pregnancy. Here is a list of 30 foods that women should avoid during pregnancy and why.

1. Soft Cheese

Soft cheese like brie, camembert, roquefort, etc., are made from unpasteurized milk, which may contain harmful bacteria like listeria. Hence, they should be avoided, as it can lead to food poisoning, which can have fatal consequences for the baby.

Opt for pasteurized cheese instead.

2. Raw or Undercooked Meat

Raw or undercooked meat is a big no-no during pregnancy, as it can cause toxoplasmosis or salmonella infections that can harm the development of the baby. Cook meat thoroughly and consume only after ensuring its safety.

3. Deli Meat

Deli meat like turkey, salami, bologna, etc., is at risk of contamination from listeria, a harmful bacterium that can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in the mother or the baby. Hence, it is best to avoid deli meat during pregnancy.

4. Seafood High in Mercury

Fish and seafood that are high in mercury, like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, etc., can cause brain damage, hearing problems, and developmental issues in babies.

Pregnant women should consume low-mercury fish such as shrimp, salmon, canned light tuna, etc., in limited quantities.

5. Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs, including foods made with raw eggs like homemade mayonnaise, cookie dough, etc., may contain salmonella, a bacterium that can cause food poisoning. Cook eggs thoroughly before consuming.

6. Unpasteurized Milk and Juice

Unpasteurized milk or juice may contain harmful bacteria like E.coli or Listeria that can cause serious harm to the baby. Hence, drink pasteurized milk or juices that have been treated to get rid of bacteria.

7. Caffeine

Excessive consumption of caffeine during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, miscarriage, and other health problems. Limit caffeine intake to 200mg per day, which is equal to one 12-ounce cup of coffee.

8. Alcohol

There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Even a small amount can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can have severe consequences for the baby’s growth and development. Avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy.

9. Herbal Tea

Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, etc., are not regulated like traditional tea and may contain high levels of caffeine or other compounds that can lead to health risks. It is best to consult a doctor before consuming such teas during pregnancy.

10. Raw Sprouts

Raw sprouts like mung bean, alfalfa, clover, etc., may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella or E.coli, which can cause food poisoning and harm the baby. Hence, it is best to avoid consuming raw sprouts during pregnancy.

11. Liver

Liver is high in vitamin A, which can be harmful to the baby in large quantities. Hence, it is best to avoid liver or liver-derived products like liver pate or cod liver oil during pregnancy.

12. Processed Junk Food

Processed, junk, or fast foods are high in preservatives, salt, sugar, and unhealthy fat, which can be harmful to the mother and the baby’s health. Limit or avoid such foods during pregnancy.

13. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame, etc., may pass through the placenta and harm the baby’s growth and development. Hence, it is best to limit or avoid such sweeteners during pregnancy.

14. High Sugar Foods

High sugar foods like candy, desserts, etc., can lead to gestational diabetes or obesity in the mother, which can harm the baby’s growth and development. Limit or avoid such foods during pregnancy.

15. Trans Fats

Trans fats are found in processed and fried foods and can lead to high blood pressure, heart diseases, and other health problems in the mother and the baby. Limit or avoid trans fats during pregnancy.

16. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Unwashed fruits and vegetables may contain harmful bacteria or pesticides that can harm the baby’s growth and development. Hence, it is best to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.

17. Excessive Salt

Excessive salt intake during pregnancy can lead to high blood pressure, water retention, and other health issues. Limit salt intake to a moderate level and avoid excessively salty foods.

18. Foods with Raw Honey

Raw honey may contain spores of bacteria that can lead to botulism, a serious illness that can harm the baby. Hence, it is best to avoid foods with raw honey during pregnancy.

19. Excessive Vitamin A

Excessive vitamin A intake during pregnancy can lead to birth defects and other health issues in the baby. Avoid foods that are high in vitamin A, including supplements, during pregnancy.

20. High Sodium Foods

High sodium foods like canned soups, processed meats, etc., can lead to water retention, high blood pressure, and other health issues that can harm the baby. Limit or avoid such foods during pregnancy.

21. Sugary Beverages

Sugary beverages like soda, energy drinks, etc., can lead to gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues that can harm the baby. Limit or avoid such beverages during pregnancy.

22. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese may contain added preservatives, salt, and unhealthy fat that can harm the baby’s growth and development. Opt for natural cheese instead.

23. Soy Products

While soy products like tofu, soy milk, etc., are healthy, it is best to consume them in moderation during pregnancy, as excessive soy intake can lead to hormonal imbalances and other health issues.

24. High Fat Meat

High-fat meat like bacon, sausage, etc., may contain added preservatives, salt, and unhealthy fat that can harm the baby’s growth and development. Opt for lean meat instead.

25. Junk Food High in Additives

Junk food high in additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial flavors, etc., can lead to health issues that can harm the baby’s growth and development. Limit or avoid such foods during pregnancy.

26. Unwashed Eggs

Unwashed eggs may contain salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and vomiting. Hence, it is best to wash eggs thoroughly before consuming them.

27. Excessive Iron Supplements

Excessive iron supplements during pregnancy can lead to gastrointestinal issues, constipation, and other health problems that can harm the baby’s growth and development. Consult a doctor before taking any supplements during pregnancy.

28. Artificial Colors and Flavors

Artificial colors and flavors in foods may lead to adverse effects and cause health problems that can harm the baby’s growth and development. Limit or avoid foods with artificial colors and flavors during pregnancy.

29. Unwashed Hands

Unwashed hands may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can harm the baby’s growth and development. Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food.

30. Unpasteurized Cheese

Unpasteurized cheese like feta, gorgonzola, etc., may contain harmful bacteria like listeria that can lead to food poisoning, miscarriage or Stillbirth. Opt for pasteurized cheese instead.