Pregnancy is considered as one of the most exciting phases of a woman’s life, as it signifies the birth of a new human being. Pregnancy is a time when you need to take extra care of yourself and your baby.

When it comes to food, you need to be more cautious than ever to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. In this article, we have compiled a list of 30 foods that you should avoid during pregnancy.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the first things that you should avoid during pregnancy. Studies suggest that even moderate amounts of alcohol intake can harm your baby’s development.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

2. Certain Fish

Some fish are high in mercury levels which can be harmful to the baby’s developing brain and nervous system. Therefore, avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish during pregnancy.

Instead, you can opt for low-mercury fish like salmon, catfish, and canned light tuna.

3. Raw or Undercooked Meat

Raw or undercooked meat can contain harmful bacteria which can cause food poisoning and harm your baby. Therefore, make sure that your meat is cooked thoroughly to minimize the risk of bacterial infections.

4. Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized dairy products like raw milk, cheese, and yogurt should be avoided during pregnancy. These products can carry harmful bacteria like listeria which can be dangerous for your baby.

5. Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs can also carry harmful bacteria like salmonella which can affect your baby’s health. Therefore, make sure that your eggs are cooked thoroughly before consuming them.

6. Raw Sprouts

Raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover, and radish may carry harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella which can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses during pregnancy.

7. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like saccharin should be avoided during pregnancy. Studies have linked the consumption of artificial sweeteners during pregnancy with the risk of birth defects and other pregnancy complications.

8. Caffeine

Excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and other pregnancy complications. Therefore, it is recommended to limit your caffeine intake during pregnancy.

9. Processed Foods

Processed foods like fast food, frozen meals, and packaged snacks should be avoided during pregnancy. These foods are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives which can have a negative impact on your baby’s health.

10. High-Mercury Seafood

High-mercury seafood like tuna, swordfish, and shark should be avoided during pregnancy. High levels of mercury can cause brain damage and developmental delays in your baby. Instead, you can opt for low-mercury seafood like salmon, shrimp, and catfish.

11. Raw Shellfish

Raw shellfish like oysters, clams, and mussels can contain harmful bacteria which can cause food poisoning and harm your baby. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid raw shellfish during pregnancy.

12. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Unwashed fruits and vegetables can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella which can cause food poisoning and harm your baby. Therefore, make sure to wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.

13. Liver

Liver is high in Vitamin A which can be harmful to your baby if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid liver and liver products like pâté during pregnancy.

14. Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses like feta, brie, and camembert should be avoided during pregnancy. These cheeses can carry harmful bacteria like listeria which can be dangerous for your baby.

Related Article Top 11 pregnancy no-no foods

15. Raw Meat Deli Products

Raw meat deli products like salami, ham, and sausages can contain harmful bacteria like listeria which can cause food poisoning and harm your baby. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid these products during pregnancy.

16. Offal

Offal like kidneys, heart, and liver can contain high levels of Vitamin A which can be harmful to your baby if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid offal during pregnancy.

17. Herbal Tea

Herbal teas like licorice root tea and chamomile tea should be avoided during pregnancy. Some herbal teas can cause contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage.

18. High-Sugar Foods

High-sugar foods like candy, soft drinks, and pastries should be avoided during pregnancy. These foods can cause weight gain and increase the risk of gestational diabetes.

Raw cookie dough contains raw eggs which can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid raw cookie dough during pregnancy.

20. Excessive Salt

Excessive salt intake during pregnancy can cause fluid retention and increase the risk of high blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to limit your salt intake.

21. Junk Food

Junk food like chips, burgers, and pizza should be avoided during pregnancy. These foods are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar which can have a negative impact on your baby’s health.

22. Undercooked Seafood

Undercooked seafood like sushi and raw oysters should be avoided during pregnancy. These foods can contain harmful bacteria which can increase the risk of food poisoning and harm your baby.

23. Certain Spices

Certain spices like turmeric, cumin, and fenugreek can cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid these spices during pregnancy.

24. Excessive Vitamin A

Excessive Vitamin A intake during pregnancy can be harmful to your baby’s development. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid high-Vitamin A foods like liver and cod liver oil during pregnancy.

25. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster should be avoided during pregnancy. These drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar which can have a negative impact on your baby’s health.

26. Trans Fat

Trans fat can be harmful to your baby’s development and increase the risk of obesity and other health problems. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid trans fat during pregnancy.

27. Raw Honey

Raw honey can contain harmful bacteria which can cause food poisoning and harm your baby. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid raw honey during pregnancy.

28. Canned Foods

Canned foods like canned soups and vegetables should be avoided during pregnancy. These foods can contain harmful additives and preservatives which can have a negative impact on your baby’s health.

29. Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds can cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sesame seeds during pregnancy.

30. High-Sodium Foods

High-sodium foods like soy sauce, pickles, and processed meats should be avoided during pregnancy. These foods can cause fluid retention and increase the risk of high blood pressure.