• Caffeine(Use Caution)- Because caffeine intake during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, decreased birth weight, smaller head size, breathing problems, sleeplessness, irritability, jitters, poor calcium metabolism, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), mental retardation, microcephaly, and various major malformations you may want to avoid caffeine as much as possible. Most researchers, however,  agree that moderate caffeine intake during pregnancy is probably harmless. Moderate intake is 300 milligrams or two 8-ounce cups of coffee per day. Don't forget tea, many soda drinks, and chocolate contain caffeine. It is best to discuss your caffeine intake with your doctor.
  • Caffeine and Breastfeeding(Safe in Moderation)-Moderate caffeine intake while breastfeeding is probably harmless, although caffeine may interfere with your babies sleep and make him or her fussy. Moderate intake is 300 milligrams or two 8-ounce cups of coffee per day. Don't forget tea, many soda drinks, and chocolate contain caffeine.
  •  Hot Dogs and Luncheon Meats(Unsafe unless reheated to steaming hot or 160 degrees F)-Hot dogs and luncheon meats can contain listeria a bacteria that can contaminate ready-to-eat food between cooking and packaging. Listeriosis is an illness caused by ingesting listeria. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, premature delivery, infection and even death in newborns. Symptoms of Listeriosis may show up 2-30 days after exposure. Symptoms in pregnant women include mild flu like symptoms, headaches, muscle aches, fever, nausea and vomiting. If the infection spreads to the nervous system it can cause stiff neck, disorientation or convulsions. Infection can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most common during the third trimester when your immune system is somewhat suppressed. Be sure to contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms. Early treatment of listeriosis may prevent fetal infection and fetal death.
  •  Soft Cheeses(Unsafe unless pasteurized)- Pregnant women should avoid soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses and Mexican style cheeses such as queso fresco, queso blanco and Panela unless they have been made with pasteurized milk. Like hot dogs and luncheon meats, soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk may contain listeria (see hot dogs and luncheon meats above).  Most diary products in the U.S. are made with pasteurized milk, but it is always best the check the label before comsuming.
  • Other Types of Cheeses(Safe)-Cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, processed cheeses (such as American) and hard cheeses (such as cheddar and parmesan), as well as cultured dairy products like yogurt and buttermilk, are generally considered to be safe.
  • Refrigerated Pates and Meat Spreads(Unsafe)-Like hot dogs, luncheon meats, and unpasteurized soft cheeses, pates and meat spreads may contain listeria (see hot dogs and luncheon meats above). Canned and shelf-stable versions are considered safe, however.
  • Refrigerated Smoked Seafood(Unsafe unless cooked)-Refrigerated smoked seafood may contain listeria (see hot dogs and luncheon meats above), so it is best to avoid it unless it has been cooked as in a casserole.
  • Unpasteurized Juices(Unsafe)-It is best to avoid any foods that have not been pasteurized because they may contain listeria (see hot dogs and luncheon meats above).
  • Large Fish(Unsafe)-Shark, swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and tuna, may contain high levels of mercury. Mercury can cause brain or nerve damage when consumed in large quantities. The fetus, which has an immature nervous system, is theoretically at greater risk. Ideally, these high mercury fish should be avoided starting three months before conception, since the mercury remains in your body for a while. Farm-raised trout and catfish, wild salmon, and fish sticks are safe. One can of tuna a week should be OK (light tuna is lower in mercury than white tuna).
  • Local Fish(Use Caution)-One concern about seafood, raw or cooked, is PCB and chemical contamination. If you want to eat fish during your pregnancy, contact your local health department or office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a list of fish in your area that haven't been contaminated with toxins.
  •  Raw Sushi or Sashimi(Use Caution)-Uncooked or seared seafood should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella. Fresh, raw seafood is also potentially risky because it can contain parasites such as tapeworm, which, if they grow large enough, could rob your body of nutrients needed for your growing baby. However, if the fish used to make the sashimi has been frozen beforehand, it may be OK. Sushi (California rolls, for example) which does not contain raw fish should also be OK if no cross-contamination has occurred. It is probably best to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
  • Raw Shell Fish(Unsafe)-The majority of seafood-borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which include oysters, clams, and mussels. Raw shellfish pose a concern for everybody, and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.
  • Raw Eggs(Unsafe unless pasteurized)-Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some homemade Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs. Commercially manufactured ice cream, dressings, and eggnog are made with pasteurized eggs and do not increase the risk of salmonella. Restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any recipe that is made with raw eggs, such as Hollandaise sauce or dressings. Be sure and ask your server whether this is the case or not.
  • Undercooked Eggs(Unsafe)-During pregnancy, it’s best to avoid eating anything with a runny yolk such as poached, sunnyside up or over-easy eggs, as these don’t reach high enough temperatures to kill off harmful salmonella bacteria. It is best to eat scrambled eggs which have been fully cooked.
  • Undercooked Beef and Poultry(Unsafe)-Rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.
  • Herbal Teas(Use Caution)-There's little data on the effects of specific herbs on developing babies even the types of herbal tea marketed specifically to pregnant women. Large amounts of some herbal teas, such as red raspberry leaf, may cause contractions.
  • Nuts(Use Caution)- It is still up for debate whether or not eating nuts during pregnancy can cause allergies in  infants.  Most physicians feel it is OK to eat nuts if neither you nor the baby's father have allergies to peanuts, nuts, and seeds. The same is true for eating them during breastfeeding. If you or the baby's father have an allergy to nuts or seeds discuss whether to avoid them during pregnancy with your doctor.
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