Eating for Two: Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition Tips

What's Safe, What's Not

Food borne illnesses are particularly dangerous during pregnancy, so you should avoid foods that may be contaminated with bacteria and other germs. And what about things like coffee, tuna fish, or an occasional glass of wine? You've most likely heard lots of rumors, now here's the bottom line from experts.

Steer Clear of

• Raw or undercooked meats and seafood, including sushi
• Deli meats and cured meats, such as Virginia ham
• Pates and soft cheeses, such as Brie, feta, and goat cheese
• Shark, swordfish, tuna steak, tilefish, and king mackerel
• Hot dogs, sausages, and other processed meats that contain nitrates
• Unpasteurized milk and juices
• Alfalfa sprouts
• Smoked seafood, such as salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna, and mackerel (canned salmon and tuna, as well as seafood cooked in a casserole, are safe)
• Alcoholic beverages

Okay in Moderation

• Caffeine (don't consume more than 300 milligrams per day, or the amount in 3 small cups of coffee or 6 cans of soda)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Decaffeinated coffee and tea (they can interfere with iron absorption)
• Herbal tea (but check with your doctor before taking herbal medications)