5 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

One of the few things that doesn’t suck about pregnancy is the food. The food, glorious food.

No, you shouldn’t go hog wild and use pregnancy as an excuse to eat everything in sight. Obviously. But is there a pregnant woman alive who hasn’t enjoyed indulging just a little – or a lot – more than usual? I sincerely hope not.

There are, however, some foods you do need to avoid. They are…

1. Mercury (found in some fish) has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage, so avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish. In addition, canned tuna should only be eaten in moderation.

2. Uncooked seafood (buh-bye, sushi) or undercooked beef due to risk of contamination with bacteria, toxoplasmosis and salmonella.

3. Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with harmful bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. If you’re dying for that turkey sandwich, just make sure the meat is heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Hello, Turkey Reuben with extra dressing!

4. Soft cheeses such as blue cheese, feta, brie, camembert and Mexican-style cheese are usually unpasteurized and may harbor Listeria. Stick with hard cheese, cream cheese, cottage cheese and processed cheese.

5. Raw eggs can contain salmonella. (Think Caesar dressings, mayo, homemade ice cream, Hollandaise sauce and cookie dough.)

Fortunately, that still leaves you with plenty of foods to enjoy. Bon appetit!

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