Preparing for pregnancy - Food & drinks to avoid
- Multi-vitamins – as too much vitamin A can be harmful. Instead take a supplement specially designed for pregnant women.
- Raw or undercooked meat.
- Seafood such as raw shellfish.
- Fish containing mercury such as swordfish or shark or marlin. Tuna should be limited to one steak or two cans per week.
- Bagged salad
- Soft ice cream
- Soft cheeses
- Pate
- Liver
- Fish liver oil
- Raw eggs – eggs should be well cooked and the yolks should be firm and not runny.
- Peanuts – if there are food allergies in your immediate family. You should also avoid them if there is a history of asthma or eczema.
- Caffeine should be limited, as research has shown an increased risk of miscarriage, in women who consumed excessive amounts of tea/coffee/cola. The advised limit is 300mg of caffeine per day, which is approximately 6 cups of tea or 3 cups of coffee.
- Alcohol – no more than 2 units per week. Although some experts are now recommending that alcohol is avoided completely. If you are unsure then your midwife will be happy to advise you.
