Foods Moms-to-Be Should Avoid

Regardless of cravings, not all foods are good choices for moms-to-be. During pregnancy, women are more susceptible to food poisoning and the symptoms can be much more severe.
To keep both mom and baby healthy, avoid these foods:

• Rare, raw or undercooked meats and poultry
• Raw fish and shellfish (sushi, sashimi, ceviche, oysters, mussels, scallops)
• Fish containing high levels of mercury (swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel and shark)
• Raw or undercooked eggs and foods that contain them (French toast, homemade Caesar salad dressing, Hollandaise sauce, raw cookie dough)
• Raw sprouts (alfalfa, clover, radish)
• Refrigerated smoked seafood, pate and meat spreads
• Unpasteurized dairy products ("raw" milk and fresh, soft cheeses)
• Unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juices

Also note that some ready-to-eat foods require reheating before use. These foods include hot dogs, luncheon and deli meats and fermented and dry sausages.


September is National Food Safety Education Month. To learn more about how to lessen your risk of food poisoning, visit www.homefoodsafety.org.


Information from American Dietetic Association's Tip of the Day.