During the first trimester of pregnancy, it is important to avoid certain foods that could harm the developing baby or cause illness to the pregnant individual. Key foods to avoid include:
- Unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses like brie, camembert, feta, blue cheese, which may contain harmful bacteria such as listeria.
- Raw or undercooked eggs and foods made with them, such as homemade mayonnaise and raw cake batters, due to risk of salmonella.
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and fish to prevent infection from bacteria or parasites.
- Processed and deli meats like salami, parma ham, chorizo, and pepperoni which can harbor listeria or other bacteria.
- High-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, marlin, king mackerel, bigeye tuna, and tilefish, since mercury can harm brain development.
- Raw fish, including sushi, which may contain parasites or bacteria.
- Raw or undercooked sprouts.
- Foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed junk foods, which may affect maternal and fetal health.
- Soft-serve ice cream and other foods stored at unsafe temperatures that can promote bacterial growth.
- Alcohol and limit caffeine intake.
Additionally, pregnant individuals should practice careful food hygiene: washing hands, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking foods thoroughly, and avoiding foods past their use-by dates.
This list targets foods to avoid especially in the first trimester to reduce risks of miscarriage, birth defects, food poisoning, and developmental issues in the baby.
