What foods should be avoided during pregnancy?

From the Guidelines

Pregnant women should avoid consuming high-mercury fish, undercooked meats, raw dairy products, and soft cheeses to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and mercury exposure.

Key Foods to Avoid

• High-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish 1
• Undercooked meats due to the risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection 1
• Raw dairy products, soft French-style cheeses, and unheated deli meats due to the risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection 1
• Raw shellfish for individuals with impaired immune defenses, such as alcoholics and those with chronic liver disease, due to the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection 1

Safe Food Options

• Low-mercury fish such as canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish, which can be consumed up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) per week 1
• Cooked meats and fish to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses
• Pasteurized dairy products and hard cheeses to minimize the risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection

Additional Recommendations

• Pregnant women should follow FDA guidance to eat 2-3 servings/week of a variety of fish lower in mercury 1
• Women who are or may become pregnant or nursing should check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in local lakes, rivers, and coastal areas 1

From the Research

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

There are several foods that pregnant women should avoid or limit due to potential health risks. These include:

• Game meat and gamebirds, as 81% of pre-pregnancy consumers did not completely avoid them 2
• Cured meats, as 37% of pre-pregnancy consumers did not completely avoid them 2
• Soft cheeses, as 17% of pre-pregnancy consumers did not completely avoid them 2
• Foods that are high in saturated fats, as they can have negative health effects 3
• Foods that are highly processed, as they can be low in nutrients and high in unhealthy ingredients 3

Reasons for Avoiding Certain Foods

Pregnant women may avoid certain foods due to misconceptions or lack of knowledge about their safety. For example:

• Some women may believe that certain foods can cause abortion, abdominal cramps, or prolonged labor 4
• Others may avoid foods that are actually nutritious and important for fetal development, such as legumes and whole grains 4, 3

Importance of Nutrition Education

Providing pregnant women with accurate and reliable information about nutrition is crucial for promoting healthy eating habits and preventing potential health risks. Studies have shown that:

• Many women do not receive adequate information about diet and nutrition during pregnancy 5, 6
• Women who receive information about diet and nutrition are more likely to make healthy food choices and avoid potentially harmful foods 5, 6
• Healthcare providers play an important role in providing nutrition education and guidance to pregnant women 5, 6

Demographic Characteristics Associated with Adherence to Food Guidelines

Certain demographic characteristics are associated with adherence to food guidelines during pregnancy, including:

• Higher educational attainment, which is associated with greater adherence to food guidelines 2
• Greater maternal age, which is associated with greater adherence to food guidelines 2
• Lower parity, which is associated with greater adherence to food guidelines 2