• Caffeine
  Although recent studies have shown an association between caffeine intake and miscarriage in the first trimester, it isn't clear if coffee actually causes miscarriage. Some critics of the study have pointed out that women who are going to miscarry often don't feel nauseated and are more likely to drink something as strong smelling as coffee than are women who have severe morning sickness. However, since there aren't definitive data either way, during pregnancy it is best to limit coffee, caffeinated soft drinks and teas, and chocolate to 1 or 2 servings a day.



• Cheese: Unpasteurized Mexican or European Soft Cheeses
  Although most cheeses are safe to eat during pregnancy, unpasteurized cheeses--usually imported from Europe or Mexico--may harbor a bacterium called Listeria, which can pass from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus and cause infection, premature birth, or miscarriage. Before eating soft imported cheese, check the label to make sure it is pasteurized. If you are eating out and cannot check the packaging yourself, it is best to avoid eating soft cheeses.



• Alcohol
  Alcohol has been shown to cause birth defects when consumed moderately--having a few drinks a day--and in intermittent binges. Therefore, it is best not to drink alcoholic beverages at all, particularly in the first trimester, when crucial fetal development takes place. However, some women do allow themselves a drink once or twice during the later stages of pregnancy to celebrate special occasions. Whether this is OK depends on your point of view--do you believe that any substance shown to cause birth defects should never pass your lips in pregnancy or that a very small amount of alcohol has never been proven to cause a problem? All in all, it is best to stay away from significant amounts of alcohol until after you give birth.



• Fish
  Many fish are fine to eat in pregnancy, including farm-raised trout and catfish, pacific salmon, and fish sticks. Canned tuna is probably okay if eaten in moderation (once a week or so). In fact, a recent study showed that mothers in England who ate more fish had children with better communication and language skills at 18 months of age.
  
  Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, tuna steaks, sea bass, and many other large fish may contain high levels of methylmercury. This type of mercury, which is unaffected by cooking, can cause nerve or brain damage when ingested in large amounts. The fetus, with its developing nervous system, may be more sensitive to mercury than adults are. The Food and Drug Administration and other organizations recommend that women avoid eating these types of fish during pregnancy and, if possible, for three months prior to conception. For more information see http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/advice.html.
  
  In addition to the dangers associated with the level of mercury in some fish, there are also risks specific to raw fish and sushi. Raw fish that aren't handled properly can be contaminated by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. That said, there is nothing about pregnancy that makes sushi particularly dangerous if served by a reputable sushi chef who knows how to evaluate and handle the fish. You will have to use your own judgment on this one.



• Junk Food
  Do you sometimes crave junk food--crunchy tortilla chips with salsa, greasy French fries loaded with ketchup, buttery popcorn at the movies, or that alluring Hostess cupcake? Junk foods like these are loaded with salt and fat. So, how bad are they for you? While salt is okay (see below), you may notice that your feet or hands are a bit swollen after a salty-food binge. What about high-fat foods? Just as with high-sugar foods (see below) the main problem is when you eat these foods low in nutrition in place of the healthier items you and your baby need. Therefore, the bottom line is that as long as you eat right most of the time, and are not gaining excessive weight, an occasional foray into junk-food land isn't dangerous to you or to your baby.



• Meat
  Raw or undercooked meat can harbor toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease, or a toxic form of E. Coli bacteria. Toxoplasmosis can lead to fetal infection, which can be hard to diagnose since the mother won't necessarily exhibit symptoms herself. Cook hamburgers and pork to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit and steak to at least 170 degrees and wash cutting boards and utensils well after they touch raw meat or chicken.



• Salt
  Good news for salt lovers--the widely-held belief that salt is bad for your health is actually a myth. Unless you have high blood pressure or certain other medical problems, liberal use of salt generally isn't a health risk. But what about during pregnancy? Just like for non-pregnant healthy adults, there are no particular reasons for pregnant women to avoid salt. In fact, severe salt restriction is dangerous to you and the baby. That said, your hands and feet may swell slightly after you eat a very salty meal. And, if you are already having trouble with swelling or high blood pressure, it's best to limit how much salt you consume.



• Shellfish
  There are no particular problems associated with eating shrimp, lobster, or other crustaceans during pregnancy. However, bivalved mollusks--such as oysters, clams, and mussels--can harbor numerous infections. Although the risks associated with eating this type of shellfish are not unique to pregnancy, it is best not to take unnecessary chances with your health when expecting. In addition, some of these infections, particularly the algae-related diseases carried on red tides, are not eliminated by cooking. Be particularly careful about eating clams, oysters, and other mollusks in warm weather during red tides.



• Sweets
  You might think that sweets--like candy, cake, and ice cream--are bad for you and your baby, but unless you are diabetic, high-sugar foods aren't dangerous. The biggest problem with eating lots and lots of sweets is that you end up substituting these foods for those that contain the protein, fiber, calcium, and iron you and your baby need. The bottom line: everything in moderation.



• Aspartame
  The artificial sweetener aspartame contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that is toxic for children with a rare genetic condition called phenylketonuria or PKU. Although your body breaks down the phenylalanine so that there is not too much of it in your (or your baby's) system, it is still best to limit your consumption of Nutrasweet, and other products that contain aspartame, to one or two servings per day.



• Vegetables
  Although it may be hard to believe that eating a vegetable could be dangerous, toxoplasmosis, Listeria, E. Coli, or Salmonella ocaasionally can taint unwashed fruits and veggies. This happens when animals carrying those germs contaminate the soil where the veggies are grown. Since the bacteria would only be on the surface of the vegetable, it can be peeled or washed away. So, make sure to carefully wash your fruits and veggies. It's also best to wear gloves when gardening and to wash your hands afterwards.

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