Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Food safety during pregnancy is directly related to the healthy development of the fetus. Knowing which foods to avoid or limit can help pregnant women make safer food choices.
Foods to Completely Avoid
High-Risk Bacterial Contamination Foods
Listeria High-Risk Foods
Risk Explanation: Listeria may cause miscarriage, premature birth, and fetal infection.
Foods to Avoid:
Soft Cheeses:
- Brie
- Blue cheese
- Feta
- Queso fresco
Unpasteurized Products:
- Raw milk and goat milk
- Soft serve ice cream
- Juice (unpackaged or homemade)
- Yogurt (confirm pasteurization)
Deli Meats:
- Bacon, ham, hot dogs
- Deli salads, meat spreads
- Cold cuts (unless heated until steaming hot)
Salmonella High-Risk Foods
Risk Explanation: May cause food poisoning, seriously affecting the fetus in severe cases.
Foods to Avoid:
Raw Eggs and Undercooked Egg Products:
- Raw eggs or runny eggs
- Mayonnaise, Tiramisu
- Homemade egg-containing products (unless using pasteurized eggs)
Raw Meat and Undercooked Meat:
- Raw beef, sashimi
- Undercooked steak, barbecue
- Homemade cured meats
High Mercury Fish
Risk Explanation: Mercury may affect fetal nervous system development.
Fish to Completely Avoid:
- Shark: Extremely high mercury content
- Swordfish: High mercury content
- Marlin: Heavy metal accumulation
- Tilefish: Excessive mercury content
- Bigeye Tuna: Higher mercury content
Fish to Be Careful With:
- Albacore Tuna: No more than once a week
- Marlin: Avoid eating
- Orange Roughy: Avoid eating
Alcoholic Beverages
Risk Explanation: May cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, causing permanent damage.
Completely Avoid:
- All alcoholic beverages:
- Beer, wine, liquor
- Cocktails, fruit wine
- Desserts and dishes containing alcohol
- Health supplements containing alcohol
Important Reminder:
- There is no safe dose of alcohol for the fetus
- Even small amounts can cause harm
- Should be avoided throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding
Unsafe Herbs
Risk Explanation: Certain herbs may cause uterine contractions or other adverse reactions.
Herbs to Avoid:
May Cause Uterine Contractions:
- Motherwort
- Saffron
- Safflower
- Verbena
Hormonal Effect Herbs:
- Ginseng (needs doctor's guidance)
- Licorice (large amounts)
- Black Cohosh
- Evening Primrose
Foods to Strictly Limit
Caffeine Foods
Caffeine Limit
Recommended Intake: No more than 200 mg of caffeine per day.
Caffeine Content in Foods
Coffee:
- Americano: 95-200 mg/cup
- Espresso: 64 mg/serving
- Instant Coffee: 63 mg/cup
- Decaf Coffee: 2-5 mg/cup
Tea:
- Black Tea: 47 mg/cup
- Green Tea: 28 mg/cup
- White Tea: 15 mg/cup
- Herbal Tea: Usually caffeine-free
Other Foods Containing Caffeine:
- Chocolate: 10-20 mg/30 g
- Cola: 34 mg/355 ml
- Energy Drinks: 80-200 mg/can
- Certain Painkillers: Check ingredients
High Salt Foods
Risk Explanation: May increase the risk of gestational hypertension and cause edema.
Foods to Limit:
Processed Meat Products:
- Sausages, ham, bacon
- Cured meats
- Smoked foods
High Salt Condiments:
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce
- MSG, chicken essence
- Various sauces
Pickled Foods:
- Pickles, sauerkraut
- Salted fish, meat
- Fermented bean curd
Suggestions:
- Daily salt intake should not exceed 6 grams
- Choose fresh ingredients
- Use natural spices for seasoning
High Sugar Foods
Risk Explanation: May lead to gestational diabetes and macrosomia.
Foods to Limit:
Desserts and Sweets:
- Cakes, cookies
- Chocolate, candy
- Ice cream, popsicles
Sugary Drinks:
- Carbonated drinks
- Fruit juice (when consumed in large amounts)
- Milk tea
Suggestions:
- Choose fresh fruits instead of desserts
- Drink plain water or light tea
- Control added sugar intake
High Fat Fried Foods
Risk Explanation: Hard to digest, may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Foods to Limit:
Fried Foods:
- Fried dough sticks, fried cakes
- Fried chicken, french fries
- Fried snacks
High Fat Meats:
- Fatty meat, animal organs
- Cream, butter (excessive)
Suggestions:
- Choose steaming, boiling, stewing cooking methods
- Eat lean meat, fish
- Use vegetable oil in moderation
Natural Foods to Watch
Cold Nature Foods (Moderate Amount)
Risk Explanation: Excessive consumption may affect spleen and stomach function.
Cold Foods to Control:
Fruits:
- Watermelon, cantaloupe
- Pear, kiwi
- Persimmon, coconut
Vegetables:
- Bitter melon, cucumber
- Winter melon, loofah
- Mung beans (excessive)
Suggestions:
- Eat in moderation, do not overeat
- Can be combined with warm nature foods
- Adjust according to body constitution
Warm Nature Foods (Moderate Amount)
Risk Explanation: Excessive consumption may cause internal heat.
Warm Foods to Control:
Fruits:
- Lychee, longan
- Durian
- Mango (for those with hot constitution)
Other Foods:
- Lamb, dog meat
- Chili, Sichuan pepper
- Ginger (large amounts)
Suggestions:
- Reduce consumption for those with hot constitution
- Pause if symptoms of internal heat appear
- Balance with cooling foods
Foods Containing Special Ingredients
Legumes and Soy Products
Ingredients to Watch:
- Saponins: Found in raw beans, need to be fully cooked
- Phytoestrogens: Eat in moderation, avoid excess
- Flatulence Factors: May cause bloating
Suggestions:
- Cook thoroughly before eating
- Eat in moderation, do not overeat
- Reduce intake if discomfort occurs
Fermented Foods
Fermented Foods to Be Cautious With:
Homemade Fermented Products:
- Homemade pickles, sauerkraut
- Homemade fermented soy products
- Homemade wine
Commercial Fermented Products:
- Choose reputable brands
- Pay attention to shelf life
- Avoid expired products
Food Safety Precautions
Food Storage and Heating
Storage Safety
Refrigeration Temperature: 4°C or below Freezing Temperature: -18°C or below Storage Time:
- Cooked food: 3-4 days
- Raw meat: 1-2 days
- Leftovers: 2-3 days
Heating Safety
Heating Temperature: Above 75°C Heating Requirements:
- Thoroughly heat leftovers
- Heat cooked meat products until steaming hot
- Avoid repeated heating
Food Handling Hygiene
Cross-Contamination Prevention
- Handle raw and cooked foods separately
- Use different cutting boards and knives
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling
- Clean countertops
Cleaning Requirements
- Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly
- Remove surface dirt
- Peeling is recommended for special fruits and vegetables
- Avoid detergent residue
Dining Out Precautions
Choosing Safe Restaurants
Observation Points:
- Restaurant hygiene environment
- Food handling transparency
- Staff personal hygiene
- Complete business license
Ordering Suggestions
Safe Choices:
- Choose fully cooked foods
- Avoid raw and cold foods
- Pay attention to food freshness
- Be alert to allergens
Avoid Choosing:
- Sashimi, raw oysters
- Medium-rare meats
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- Foods from unknown sources
Alternative Food Suggestions
Safe Alternative Choices
Alternatives to High Mercury Fish
- Safe Fish Choices:
- Salmon, Sea Bass
- Sardines, Cod
- Shrimp, Scallops
Alternatives to Soft Cheeses
- Safe Cheese Choices:
- Cheddar Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Swiss Cheese
Alternatives to Caffeine Drinks
- Healthy Drink Choices:
- Plain water
- Decaffeinated tea
- Fresh fruit juice (moderate amount)
- Milk, soy milk
Special Situation Precautions
Food Allergies
Common Allergens:
- Peanuts, nuts
- Eggs, milk
- Fish, shellfish
- Wheat, soy
Precautions:
- Identify allergens
- Read food labels carefully
- Inform waiters when dining out
- Prepare allergy medication
Pregnancy Complications
Hypertension Patients:
- Strictly limit salt
- Avoid high sodium foods
- Increase potassium intake
Diabetes Patients:
- Control sugar intake
- Choose low GI foods
- Eat regularly and quantitatively
Gastroesophageal Reflux:
- Avoid irritating foods
- Small frequent meals
- Avoid eating before bed
Friendly Reminder: The list of food taboos may vary depending on individual constitution and health status. If you have special diseases or history of allergies, please consult a doctor or nutritionist for professional advice.