Pregnancy is a time when many everyday habits, foods, medications, and environmental exposures deserve extra attention. Knowing what to avoid during pregnancy can help reduce preventable risks and support the health of both the mother and developing baby.
Some recommendations are straightforward, such as avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs. Others involve choosing foods carefully, cooking them properly, taking medications only when appropriate, and avoiding certain environmental hazards.
Because every pregnancy is different, pregnant women should also discuss their individual health history, medications, supplements, and lifestyle with their healthcare provider.
What Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
Some of the most important things to avoid or limit during pregnancy include:
- Alcohol
- Smoking and nicotine products
- Cannabis and recreational drugs
- Certain medications and supplements without medical guidance
- Raw or undercooked animal products
- Unpasteurized milk and certain unpasteurized foods
- Certain high-mercury fish
- Certain environmental toxins and chemicals
- Overheating and activities that may cause injury
- Unsafe food-handling practices
The goal is not to avoid everything. Pregnancy nutrition and lifestyle recommendations should focus on reducing known risks while maintaining a balanced, healthy routine.
Avoid Alcohol During Pregnancy
There is no known safe amount or safe time for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Alcohol can cross the placenta and affect fetal development. Alcohol exposure during pregnancy is associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This applies to beer, wine, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages.
If you are pregnant, the safest approach is to avoid alcohol completely.
If you drank alcohol before realizing you were pregnant, do not panic. Stop drinking and discuss the exposure with your healthcare provider so they can provide individualized guidance.
Avoid Smoking and Nicotine Products
Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of pregnancy complications and can affect fetal growth and development.
Nicotine exposure can occur through:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars
- E-cigarettes
- Vapes
- Other nicotine-containing products
Electronic cigarettes should not be considered a risk-free alternative during pregnancy.
Secondhand smoke exposure should also be minimized.
If you smoke and are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about evidence-based options for quitting.
Avoid Cannabis During Pregnancy
Cannabis should be avoided during pregnancy, regardless of whether it is smoked, vaped, eaten, or consumed in another form.
Cannabis contains compounds such as THC that can reach the developing baby. The CDC recommends that pregnant women do not use cannabis because of potential risks to fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.
This includes products marketed as:
- Marijuana
- Cannabis
- THC
- Edibles
- Cannabis oils
- Cannabis vapes
If you use cannabis and discover that you are pregnant, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Do Not Take Medications Without Medical Guidance
Not every medication is safe during pregnancy.
This includes some:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Cold and allergy medications
- Acne medications
- Herbal products
- Dietary supplements
However, this does not mean you should stop all medications when you become pregnant.
Some medications are important for controlling medical conditions, and suddenly stopping them can also create risks.
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, review all medications and supplements with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing them.
Be Careful With Herbal Supplements
“Natural” does not automatically mean safe during pregnancy.
Some herbal supplements have not been adequately studied in pregnancy, and certain products may affect hormones, blood pressure, bleeding, or other aspects of pregnancy.
Tell your healthcare provider about vitamins, supplements, teas, herbs, and other products you regularly use.
Avoid Raw or Undercooked Meat
Pregnancy increases the importance of food safety because certain foodborne infections can cause serious complications.
Avoid raw or undercooked:
- Beef
- Pork
- Poultry
- Ground meat
- Other animal products
Meat should be cooked thoroughly to an appropriate internal temperature.
Good food-handling practices also include separating raw meat from ready-to-eat foods and washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw animal products.
Avoid Raw or Undercooked Seafood
Raw or undercooked seafood can contain parasites or bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
During pregnancy, avoid raw or undercooked:
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Oysters
- Clams
- Mussels
- Scallops
This includes raw seafood commonly served as sushi or sashimi.
Seafood does not need to be completely eliminated from the pregnancy diet. Fish can provide protein and important nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids.
The FDA recommends that pregnant women choose a variety of lower-mercury fish rather than avoiding seafood altogether.
Avoid Certain High-Mercury Fish
Mercury exposure is another reason pregnant women should pay attention to which types of fish they eat.
The FDA recommends avoiding fish with particularly high levels of methylmercury, including:
- King mackerel
- Marlin
- Orange roughy
- Shark
- Swordfish
- Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico
- Bigeye tuna
Instead, choose fish that are lower in mercury. The FDA recommends approximately 8 to 12 ounces per week of a variety of lower-mercury fish during pregnancy.
Avoid Unpasteurized Milk and Dairy Products
Unpasteurized milk and foods made from unpasteurized milk can carry harmful bacteria, including Listeria.
During pregnancy, choose pasteurized milk and dairy products.
Certain soft cheeses should also be avoided unless the label confirms that they were made with pasteurized milk. This includes products such as:
- Queso fresco
- Queso blanco
- Panela
- Brie
- Camembert
- Feta
- Blue-veined cheeses
Always check the product label when you are unsure.
Be Careful With Deli Meats and Hot Dogs
Ready-to-eat meats such as deli meats, luncheon meats, and hot dogs can potentially carry Listeria.
The FDA recommends reheating these foods until they are steaming hot before eating them during pregnancy.
Proper refrigeration and food handling are also important.
Avoid Refrigerated Smoked Seafood Unless Cooked
Refrigerated smoked seafood, such as refrigerated smoked salmon, trout, or other smoked fish, can carry Listeria.
During pregnancy, the FDA recommends avoiding refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is included in a cooked dish.
Shelf-stable or canned smoked seafood is treated differently because of its processing.
Avoid Raw Eggs and Foods Made With Raw Eggs
Raw or undercooked eggs can contain Salmonella.
During pregnancy, eggs should be cooked until both the yolk and white are firm.
Be cautious with foods that may contain raw eggs, such as certain homemade:
- Mayonnaise
- Cookie dough
- Caesar dressings
- Sauces
- Desserts
Commercial products may use pasteurized eggs, but check labels when necessary.
Wash Fruits and Vegetables Thoroughly
Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy pregnancy diet, but raw produce can become contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or preparing them.
Do not use soap, detergent, or bleach solutions to wash produce.
Be Careful With Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts, including:
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Clover sprouts
- Radish sprouts
- Mung bean sprouts
can harbor bacteria that are difficult to remove through washing.
The FDA recommends avoiding raw sprouts during pregnancy. Cooking them thoroughly can reduce the risk.
Avoid Unpasteurized Juice
Unpasteurized juice can contain harmful bacteria.
During pregnancy, choose pasteurized juices or juices that have been treated to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Be particularly cautious with fresh juices sold at farmers’ markets, juice bars, roadside stands, or other locations where pasteurization is unclear.
Limit Caffeine
Pregnancy does not necessarily mean you must eliminate caffeine completely.
However, healthcare organizations generally recommend limiting caffeine during pregnancy. A commonly used recommendation is no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day.
Caffeine can be found in:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Energy drinks
- Soda
- Chocolate
- Some medications and supplements
Because caffeine content varies considerably between products, check labels and discuss your individual intake with your healthcare provider.
Avoid Excessive Heat and Overheating
Pregnant women should be cautious about situations that can cause significant overheating.
Examples may include prolonged exposure to very high temperatures, particularly when combined with dehydration.
Hot tubs, saunas, and similar activities should be discussed with your healthcare provider because excessive heat exposure can be particularly concerning during certain stages of pregnancy.
Avoid Activities With a High Risk of Abdominal Injury
Physical activity is generally beneficial during pregnancy, but some activities carry a higher risk of falling or receiving a blow to the abdomen.
Depending on your pregnancy and health history, you may need to avoid or modify activities such as:
- Contact sports
- Activities with a high risk of falling
- Certain recreational activities involving significant impact
- Activities involving substantial abdominal trauma
Your healthcare provider can help determine which activities are appropriate for your pregnancy.
Do Not Ignore Food Safety
Food safety becomes particularly important during pregnancy.
Helpful habits include:
- Washing your hands before preparing food
- Keeping raw meat separate from other foods
- Cooking meat and seafood thoroughly
- Refrigerating perishable foods promptly
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding foods known to carry higher risks of Listeria or other foodborne infections
The FDA recommends a “clean, separate, cook, and chill” approach to reduce foodborne illness.
Be Careful Around Cat Litter and Soil
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Exposure can occur through contaminated cat feces, soil, and undercooked meat.
If possible, have someone else clean the cat litter box during pregnancy.
If you must handle cat litter, use appropriate precautions and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
When gardening or working with soil, wearing gloves and washing your hands can help reduce exposure.
Having a cat does not automatically mean you need to give up your pet. The concern is exposure to infected feces and contaminated soil.
Avoid Exposure to Certain Chemicals and Toxins
Pregnancy is a time to reduce unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful environmental substances.
These can include certain:
- Pesticides
- Solvents
- Heavy metals
- Industrial chemicals
- Cleaning chemicals
- Workplace contaminants
If you work around chemicals, dust, fumes, radiation, or other occupational hazards, tell your healthcare provider about your work environment.
The CDC recommends avoiding harmful chemicals, environmental contaminants, and other toxic substances during pregnancy.
Do Not Smoke or Use Drugs Around Pregnancy
In addition to alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis, nonmedical use of other drugs can pose significant risks during pregnancy.
This includes the misuse of prescription medications and illicit drugs.
If you are struggling with substance use, talk with your healthcare provider. Medical support is available, and seeking help is safer than attempting to manage the problem alone.
What About Exercise During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy does not mean that you need to stop exercising.
For many women with uncomplicated pregnancies, regular physical activity can be beneficial.
However, the appropriate type and intensity of exercise depends on individual circumstances.
Your healthcare provider can advise you about:
- Safe activities
- Exercise intensity
- Activities to modify
- Warning signs to watch for
- When exercise should be avoided
Women with certain pregnancy complications may receive different recommendations.
What About Travel During Pregnancy?
Many women can travel safely during pregnancy, but travel plans should take into account:
- Gestational age
- Pregnancy complications
- Destination
- Access to medical care
- Mode and duration of transportation
Long periods of sitting may also require strategies to stay comfortable and reduce certain risks.
Discuss travel plans with your healthcare provider, particularly for international travel or travel later in pregnancy.
What Should You Avoid During Pregnancy If You Have a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Women with high-risk pregnancies may receive additional restrictions based on their specific condition.
For example, recommendations may differ for women with:
- High blood pressure
- Gestational diabetes
- Placental problems
- Multiple pregnancy
- Previous pregnancy complications
- Preterm labor risk
- Certain heart or kidney conditions
Never assume that general pregnancy advice applies exactly to your situation.
Your obstetric or healthcare team can provide individualized recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Avoid During Pregnancy
What foods should I avoid during pregnancy?
Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish; unpasteurized milk and dairy products; certain high-mercury fish; raw sprouts; and other foods with increased foodborne-illness risks.
Can I drink alcohol while pregnant?
The safest recommendation is to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy. There is no known safe amount or safe time for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Can I drink coffee while pregnant?
Caffeine is generally limited during pregnancy. A commonly recommended limit is 200 mg per day, although individual recommendations may vary.
Can I eat sushi while pregnant?
Raw or undercooked fish and shellfish should be avoided during pregnancy because of the risk of foodborne infections. Cooked seafood can still be part of a healthy pregnancy diet when lower-mercury choices are selected.
Can I eat queso fresco while pregnant?
Queso fresco and similar soft cheeses should only be consumed if the product is made with pasteurized milk. Check the label before eating.
Can I take medication while pregnant?
Some medications are safe during pregnancy, while others are not. Do not start, stop, or change medications without discussing them with your healthcare provider.
Can I exercise while pregnant?
Many women can continue exercising during pregnancy, but the appropriate activities depend on individual health and pregnancy factors. Ask your healthcare provider which exercises are appropriate for you.
What if I accidentally ate something I should avoid?
Do not panic. A single exposure does not automatically mean that a pregnancy complication will occur. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned, particularly if you develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or other concerning symptoms.
When Should You Contact Your Pregnancy Care Provider?
Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about:
- Foods or beverages you consumed
- Medication or supplement exposure
- Alcohol or substance exposure
- Chemical exposure
- Exercise restrictions
- Travel
- Unusual symptoms during pregnancy
Seek urgent medical care for symptoms such as heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, seizures, or other serious or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Pregnancy Care in Eagle Pass, Texas
Knowing what to avoid during pregnancy can help you make safer choices, but pregnancy recommendations should always be personalized to your health and stage of pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or have questions about medications, nutrition, symptoms, or lifestyle changes during pregnancy, Southwestern Women’s Clinic in Eagle Pass, Texas can be a resource for pregnancy-related and gynecological care.
Contact Southwestern Women’s Clinic to discuss your pregnancy and receive individualized guidance about what is appropriate for you and your baby.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy recommendations can vary depending on a woman’s medical history, medications, pregnancy complications, and stage of pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to medications, supplements, diet, exercise, or other aspects of your pregnancy care.
