As your immune system is weak during pregnancy, you and your unborn baby are more susceptible to the bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause food-borne illness. Avoid eating the following 9 foods to ensure that you and your unborn baby stay healthy and safe.
- Unpasteurized milk, as it may contain bacteria such as Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, or Salmonella.
- Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, including Brie, feta, Camembert, Roquefort, queso blanco, and queso fresco. These foods may contain E. coli or Listeria.
- Unpasteurized juice or cider (including fresh squeezed), as this may contain E. coli.
- Fish containing high levels of mercury, aush as king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, tilefish (Gulf of Mexico), and tuna (big eye).
- Raw shellfish, such as oysters and clams, as these may contain Vibrio bacteria.
- Raw or undercooked fish (sushi), as it may contain parasites or bacteria.
- Raw cookie dough, or cake batter, as this may contain Salmonella.
- Raw or undercooked sprouts, such as alfalfa, clover, mung bean, and radish, because these may contain E. coli or Salmonella.
- Salads made in a store, such as ham salad, chicken salad, and seafood salad, as these may contain Listeria
