Finding out you can now eat for two may seem like a free ticket to dive right into all those foods you have been avoiding to benefit your waistline.  However, like everything else with pregnancy what you eat requires some extra thought.  A healthy pregnancy is important to all of us and the food choices you make play a big role in a healthy pregnancy.  Both you and your growing baby will benefit from a healthy diet during pregnancy.

There are a few things that you should avoid during pregnancy as they are harmful to both you and your baby.  Be sure to talk to your doctor early in your pregnancy about your eating habits and what you should be avoiding based on your specific pregnancy.

Eating for Two: The Don’ts:

• Don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy.  No amount of alcohol has been deemed safe during pregnancy.
• Don’t eat raw fish or meat.
• Don’t overdo it on the caffeine, try to keep it under 2 cups a day.  Most doctors will advise that it is OK to drink caffeine in moderations during pregnancy, however, you should make sure it is OK for you.
• Don’t drink herbal tea.  There have not been any studies done on the effects of herbs on the growing fetus.  Also, some herbs consumed in large doses have been found to cause contractions and may lead to miscarriage.
• Don’t take any nutritional supplements without first consulting your doctor.
• Don’t eat fish high in mercury, including: swordfish, shark, king mackerel and some tuna.
• Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or eat cheese made with unpasteurized milk, including: brie, feta, blue cheese or camembert.
• Avoid cold cut meats as they can carry food born illnesses.

Early in your pregnancy your doctor will likely have a conversation with you about all the things you need to avoid during your pregnancy.  If he or she does not bring it up be sure to ask.  The more you know the easier it will be to make wise food choices.  See my recent article on The Do’s of pregnancy eating for all the good things you can eat during pregnancy