Upon first finding out I’m pregnant, I started Googling “what not to eat when pregnant” almost immediately. However, I rarely found definitive lists. What’s more, they were so filled with explanations that getting to all the entries was slow and difficult. That’s why I decided to create this ultimate guide for you all. It contains only a very detailed list of what not to eat or drink during pregnancy. For those who want to know more, I’ll attach relevant resources at the end.
For advice on a good second-trimester diet, read this.
What Not to Eat When Pregnant
Here are things to avoid when pregnant to avoid miscarriage and other harmful consequences:
Certain Fish
Raw (sushi)
Undercooked
Certain kinds:
- Bigeye tuna
- King mackerel
- Marlin
- Orange roughy
- Swordfish
- Shark
- Tilefish
Animal Products
Undercooked meat & eggs
Processed meat
Organ meat
What Cheese to Avoid While PregnantSoft blue cheeses
Soft blue cheeses
- gorgonzola
- roquefort
- danish blue
Mould-ripened soft cheeses
- camembert
- brie
- chèvre
Soft goats’ cheese
+ Raw sprouts
Drinks to Avoid
Alcohol
Coffee (especially during the first trimester)
Unpasteurized milk & juice
Energy drinks
Which Teas to Avoid During Pregnancy
Caffeinated teas (while they also fall under things to avoid in early pregnancy, they are allowed in moderation later on):
- black tea
- white tea
- green tea
- chai
- matcha
- oolong tea
Potentially dangerous teas:
- sage
- vervain
- borage
- fennel
- fenugreek
- thyme
- motherwort
- lovage
- pennyroyal
- licorice
- frankincense
- chamomile
- blue & black cohosh
What Not to Eat When Pregnant: Bottom Line
This list features foods and drinks you should avoid completely when pregnant. However, there are other foods that, when consumed in large quantities, could also be dangerous for your baby. So while you should completely avoid these (except caffeine starting from month 4 – but do keep to less than 200mg a day, though), be sure to also eat everything else in moderation.
Sources:
3 responses to “What Not to Eat & Drink When Pregnant [Ultimate List]”
[…] Liver and seafood are also good sources, though they may not always be safe during pregnancy. […]
[…] that many foods that can cause heartburn during pregnancy. Some of those (like caffeine) should be avoided during pregnancy in general. Other troublesome foods and drinks include anything fatty, greasy, spicy, citruses, and […]
[…] Apart from these, you’ll see mentions of some other foods and even drinks that anecdotally cause labor, but that may be dangerous for your baby. Raspberry leaf tea is one such drink that should be avoided all throughout pregnancy, and the full list is here. […]