1. Raw or undercooked meats: Raw or undercooked meats, including poultry, beef, and seafood, may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, listeria, or toxoplasma, which can pose risks to the developing fetus. Make sure to cook these foods thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria.
2. Raw or undercooked eggs: Raw or undercooked eggs may carry salmonella bacteria. Avoid consuming foods with raw or partially cooked eggs, such as homemade Caesar dressing, unpasteurized eggnog, or raw cookie dough.
3. Certain types of fish: Some types of fish can contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to the baby's developing nervous system. Avoid consuming high-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Instead, choose low-mercury options like salmon, shrimp, catfish, and light canned tuna in moderation.
4. Unpasteurized dairy products: Unpasteurized dairy products, including certain soft cheeses, may contain listeria bacteria. Avoid cheeses like feta, Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, and queso fresco unless they are labeled as pasteurized.
5. Raw sprouts: Raw sprouts, including alfalfa, mung bean, clover, and radish sprouts, have a higher risk of carrying harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. It's best to cook sprouts thoroughly before consuming them.
6. Caffeine: While moderate caffeine intake is generally considered safe during pregnancy, excessive consumption should be avoided. High levels of caffeine have been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. Limit your intake by monitoring your consumption of coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate.
7. Alcohol: Alcohol should be completely avoided during pregnancy. Consumption of alcohol can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other developmental issues. It is safest to refrain from alcohol throughout pregnancy.

Fruits and Vegetables to Avoid During Pregnancy

1. Unwashed or improperly washed produce: It's important to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before consuming them to remove any potential contaminants, such as bacteria or pesticides.
2. Unpasteurized juices: Unpasteurized fruit juices may carry harmful bacteria, so it's best to choose pasteurized options or make your own juice from fresh, properly washed fruits.
3. High-pesticide fruits and vegetables: Some fruits and vegetables tend to have higher levels of pesticide residue. It may be advisable to prioritize organic options or wash conventionally grown produce thoroughly. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an annual "Dirty Dozen" list highlighting produce with higher pesticide levels, including strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, and grapes.
4. Papaya: Raw or unripe papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which may potentially cause uterine contractions. It's best to avoid consuming unripe papaya during pregnancy. However, fully ripe papaya is generally considered safe in moderate amounts.
5. Pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which, in large amounts, may have mild uterine stimulant effects. However, normal consumption of pineapple as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe.
6. Excessive Vitamin A: High levels of preformed vitamin A (retinol) from animal sources, such as liver or liver products, should be avoided during pregnancy, as excessive vitamin A intake can be harmful to the developing fetus. However, consuming beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, from fruits and vegetables is generally safe and recommended.