Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman. During this time, a woman may experience several changes in her body, diet, and lifestyle. It is important to take good care of your body during pregnancy to promote optimal fetal growth and development.

One of the ways to achieve this is by avoiding certain foods that may be harmful to the mother and the fetus. In this article, we highlight 30 foods that you should avoid or limit during pregnancy.

1. Raw or Undercooked Meat and Poultry

Raw or undercooked meat and poultry may contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, E. Coli, and Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and poultry such as beef, pork, poultry, or fish.

2. Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs in their raw form or in foods such as homemade mayo, aioli, and salad dressings.

3. Raw or Unpasteurized Milk

Raw or unpasteurized milk may contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria and E. Coli, which can cause foodborne illnesses. To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid consuming raw or unpasteurized milk, cheese, or yogurt.

4. Raw or Undercooked Shellfish

Raw or undercooked shellfish such as oysters, clams, and mussels may contain harmful bacteria and viruses such as Hepatitis A, Norovirus, and Vibrio, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid consuming raw or undercooked shellfish.

5. Raw Sprouts

Raw sprouts such as alfalfa, clover, and radish may contain harmful bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses. To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid consuming raw sprouts such as in salads and sandwiches.

6. Processed Meats

Processed meats such as hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats may contain harmful preservatives such as nitrates and nitrites, which can be harmful to the fetus.

Additionally, these meats may also be high in sodium, which can result in water retention and high blood pressure during pregnancy.

7. Fish with High Mercury Content

Fish with high mercury content such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish may be harmful to the fetus, especially during the first trimester.

These fish contain high levels of mercury, which can damage the developing brain and nervous system of the fetus.

8. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can make it harder to fall asleep, reduce the quality of sleep, and increase anxiety and restlessness in the mother. Additionally, high levels of caffeine may lead to miscarriage or low birth weight in some cases.

It is recommended to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy to less than 200 milligrams per day.

9. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Unwashed fruits and vegetables may contain harmful bacteria and viruses such as E. Coli and Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

It is important to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming to remove bacteria and other contaminants.

10. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose may be harmful to the fetus, especially in large amounts. They may also cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some women.

11. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause physical and mental disabilities in the fetus.

It is recommended to avoid alcohol during pregnancy to promote fetal growth and development and reduce the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Raw cookie dough may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses. To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid consuming raw cookie dough and other raw batters.

13. Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, feta, and blue cheese may contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid consuming soft cheeses and opt for hard or pasteurized cheeses instead.

14. Excess Vitamin A

Excess amounts of vitamin A during pregnancy may lead to birth defects and liver toxicity. It is recommended to avoid supplements containing vitamin A and limit intake of foods such as liver, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

15. Licorice Root

Licorice root may interfere with the growth and development of the fetus, especially in large amounts. It may also raise blood pressure and increase the risk of preterm labor in some women.

16. Certain Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger, and raspberry leaf may be beneficial during pregnancy. However, other herbal teas such as chamomile, ginseng, and valerian root may be harmful to the fetus, especially in large amounts.

It is recommended to consult a doctor or a registered dietitian before consuming herbal teas during pregnancy.

17. Raw or Undercooked Sushi

Raw or undercooked sushi may contain harmful bacteria and viruses such as Vibrio, Salmonella, and Norovirus, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid consuming raw or undercooked sushi and opt for cooked sushi instead.

18. Unpasteurized Juice

Unpasteurized juice may contain harmful bacteria and viruses such as E. Coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid consuming unpasteurized juice and opt for pasteurized juice instead.

19. High Sugar Foods and Beverages

High sugar foods and beverages such as soda, candy, and desserts may be high in calories and low in nutrients. They may also lead to gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

20. Trans Fats

Trans fats may be harmful to the fetus and may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and excess weight gain during pregnancy. It is recommended to avoid foods high in trans fats such as fried foods, baked goods, and packaged snacks.

21. Processed Snacks

Processed snacks such as chips, crackers, and pretzels may be high in salt and unhealthy fats. They may also lead to weight gain and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

It is recommended to opt for healthier snack options such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

22. Unwashed Hands

Unwashed hands may contain harmful bacteria and viruses such as E. Coli and Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses. It is important to wash hands thoroughly before preparing and consuming food during pregnancy to prevent infections.

23. Smoked Seafood

Smoked seafood such as salmon, trout, and mackerel may be high in sodium and may contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause foodborne illnesses. To prevent infections during pregnancy, avoid consuming smoked seafood.

24. Hydrogenated Oils

Hydrogenated oils may be harmful to the fetus and may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and excess weight gain during pregnancy. It is recommended to avoid foods high in hydrogenated oils such as margarine, shortening, and fried foods.

25. High-Fat Dairy Products

High-fat dairy products such as whole milk and full-fat cheese may be high in unhealthy fats and may lead to weight gain and gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It is recommended to opt for low-fat or skim dairy products instead.

26. Certain Seafood

Certain seafood such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish may contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to the fetus. It is recommended to limit consumption of these fish during pregnancy.

27. Foods High in Sodium

Foods high in sodium such as processed meats, snacks, and fast food may lead to water retention and high blood pressure during pregnancy.

It is recommended to limit intake of these foods and opt for healthier options such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

28. Certain Spices

Certain spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin may be beneficial during pregnancy. However, other spices such as nutmeg, oregano, and basil may be harmful to the fetus, especially in large amounts.

It is recommended to consult a doctor or a registered dietitian before consuming spices during pregnancy.

29. High-Mercury Seafood

High-mercury seafood such as tuna, halibut, and snapper may be harmful to the fetus, especially during the first trimester.

It is recommended to limit consumption of high-mercury seafood and opt for low-mercury options such as salmon, sardines, and trout.

30. Unhealthy Fried Foods

Unhealthy fried foods such as chicken wings, French fries, and fried chicken may be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. They may also lead to excess weight gain and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

It is recommended to limit intake of fried foods and opt for healthier options such as grilled or baked protein.