Foods and substances to avoid during pregnancy:

Proteins:

  1. Raw or undercooked meats: Avoid raw or undercooked poultry, beef, pork, or fish as they may contain harmful bacteria or parasites.

  2. Some exotic or rare meats: While most common meats are safe when properly cooked, exotic or rare meats may carry a higher risk of foodborne pathogens.

  3. Deli meats and cold cuts: These may carry listeria, a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, which can be harmful to the baby.

  4. Raw or undercooked eggs: Uncooked eggs can contain salmonella. Avoid dishes like raw cookie dough, homemade mayonnaise, or soft-boiled eggs.

  5. Soft and unpasteurized cheeses: Brie, camembert, feta, blue cheese, and similar soft cheeses may contain listeria. Stick to pasteurized cheese options.

  6. Unpasteurized milk can also contain harmful bacteria, so opt for pasteurized varieties.

  7. Raw seafood and shellfish: Sushi, oysters, clams, and other raw seafood should be avoided due to the risk of foodborne illnesses.

  8. Certain types of fish: Avoid high-mercury fish such as shark, tuna, grouper, swordfish, marlin, king mackerel, and tilefish, as it can be harmful to the baby's developing nervous system.

Produce:

  1. Raw sprouts: Sprouts like alfalfa, bean, or broccoli can harbor bacteria, so it's best to avoid them during pregnancy.

  2. Excessive caffeine: High caffeine intake has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Limit your daily caffeine intake to a moderate amount (usually below 200 mg).

  3. Unwashed fruits and vegetables: Wash all produce thoroughly to remove any potential contaminants.

  4. Prepackaged cutup fruit.

  5. Frozen fruits and vegetables.

  6. Unripe papaya: Unripe or semi-ripe papaya contains latex, which can trigger contractions and may lead to miscarriage. It's best to avoid unripe papaya during pregnancy.

  7. Pineapples have a high bromelain content which is an enzyme that softens the cervix and can also trigger uterine contractions. It can induce early labor which is not good for both the mother and the baby

  8. Bitter Melon contain quinine, saponin, glycosides, and morodicine. These are all uterus irritants that can trigger premature birth. They can also cause nausea, rashes, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

  9. Gogi berries

  10. Unpasteurized or raw juice: Stick to pasteurized juice to avoid potential risks.

  11. Unpasteurized sauerkraut and fermented foods: Unpasteurized fermented foods may contain harmful bacteria and should be avoided during pregnancy.

  12. Aloe vera: Aloe vera juice or supplements should be avoided during pregnancy due to the potential for uterine contractions.

  13. Raw or lightly cooked sprouts: Sprouts can be a source of bacteria, so it's better to avoid them or cook them thoroughly.

  14. Uncooked or undercooked ready-to-eat foods: Prepackaged salads, fruits, sandwiches, or other ready-to-eat foods may carry listeria, so be cautious and ensure proper cooking.

  15. Uncooked kale and other cruciferous vegetables: Raw cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage, and broccoli may interfere with thyroid function when consumed in large amounts.

Teas:

  1. Certain herbal teas: Some herbal teas, like those containing ingredients such as licorice root, chamomile, red raspberry leaf, or peppermint, should be avoided during pregnancy.

  2. Unwashed utensils and cutting boards: Make sure to wash all cooking utensils, cutting boards, and countertops thoroughly to prevent contamination.

  3. High-sugar and low-nutrition foods: While an occasional treat is okay, try to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet during pregnancy.

Supplements:

  1. High doses of vitamin A: Excessive amounts of vitamin A, such as those found in certain supplements, face creams or large quantities of liver, can be harmful to the developing baby.

  2. Certain herbal supplements: Some herbal supplements may not be safe during pregnancy, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using them.

  3. CBD

  4. Excessive saffron: While a small amount of saffron in cooking is generally safe, consuming large quantities or saffron supplements should be avoided due to its potential to stimulate the uterus.

  5. High-alkaline water: Drinking water with very high alkaline levels during pregnancy may disrupt the body's natural pH balance.

  6. Certain essential oils: Some essential oils should be used with caution or avoided during pregnancy, as they may have adverse effects on the developing fetus.

Other:

  1. Alcohol: There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Consuming alcohol can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other developmental issues.

  2. Majuana products

  3. High-sugar and low-nutrition foods: While an occasional treat is okay, try to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet during pregnancy.

  4. Anything in excess

  5. Artificial sweeteners: While some artificial sweeteners are considered safe in moderate amounts, it's best to limit their intake and opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

  6. Raw or unpasteurized honey: Raw honey can contain bacteria that may harm the baby, so opt for pasteurized honey.

Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice on dietary restrictions and recommendations during pregnancy, as individual circumstances may vary. A healthy and well-balanced diet is essential to support both the mother's and the baby's well-being throughout the pregnancy journey.