Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy
- Any unpasteurised cow’s milk, goat’s milk or sheep’s milk.
- Unpasteurised dairy products may contain listeria. Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, still birth or make new born baby very unwell.
- Meats such as chicken, pork and beef, as long as they’re well-cooked are safe.
- Cold, pre-packed meats are safe. But be careful with cold cured meats, such as salami, pepperoni (unless cooked thoroughly). Cured meats are not cooked, so they may have parasites in them that cause toxoplasmosis and risk of miscarriage.
- Liver and liver products have lots of vitamin A in them, if taken in large quantities on daily basis can be harmful to an unborn baby.
- Raw or partially cooked eggs can cause salmonella infection and stomach upset. Eat cooked eggs.
- Cooked fish and seafood.
- Smoked fish such as smoked salmon and trout.
- Raw or lightly cooked fish in sushi, if the fish has been frozen first.
- Cold pre-cooked prawns
- Limit tuna because it has more mercury in it than other fish. Too much mercury, can be harmful to your unborn baby.
- There’s no need to “eat for 2”.
Also Avoid:
- Foods that are high in fat, sugar, or both,
- All spreading fats (such as butter), oils.
- Salad dressings, cream, chocolate, crisps, biscuits, pastries, ice cream, cake, puddings, fizzy drinks.
- If you’re having foods and drinks that are high in fat and sugar, have these less often and in small amounts.
