When eating for two, it is vital to select wholesome foods that help you stay healthy, feel your best, and support your growing baby. It is very important to know what not to consume when expecting a baby.While your baby can benefit from the healthy nutrients you ingest, illness-causing bacteria that may hide in certain foods can affect them. Therefore, when pregnant, it’s helpful to be cautious and avoid foods that could make either of you sick or affect your baby’s growth and development.
Fortunately, it is straightforward to know what is safe, and what is not. We have answered the 50 most commonly asked questions about which foods you can or can’t eat while pregnant.
Can You Eat These 50 Foods While Pregnant?
Here are 50 common foods to either eat or avoid, during pregnancy:
1. Can you eat corned beef while pregnant?
Eating corned beef during your pregnancy is safe. However, it does contain a high amount of salt, which is why it is advisable to consume it moderately.
2. Can you eat crab rangoon while pregnant?
A pregnant woman will be safe eating crab Rangoon without having to worry about the child’s health. The only condition is that it has to be cleaned and prepared properly and never consumed undercooked or raw.
3. Can you eat sour cream while pregnant?
You will be safe when consuming sour cream during your pregnancy since it has been pasteurized. This means that it has been heated to a temperature that kills harmful bacteria, which ensures it is safe for consumption.
4. Can you eat clam chowder while pregnant?
Pregnant women can consume clam chowder as much as possible, provided it has been cooked sufficiently. Avoid consuming it when undercooked and raw. You should also make sure the ingredients used like cream and pasteurized milk are pregnancy-safe.
5. Can you eat Slim Jims while pregnant?
All the meat products sold under the label of Slim Jim have not been cooked fully. The immune system of an expectant woman is weaker. Therefore, consuming Slim Jims exposes your body to diseases it might not be able to fight. It is recommended that you stay away from slim jims if you are pregnant.
6. Can you eat hot Cheetos while pregnant?
It is safe to consume hot Cheetos during pregnancy, but you should be aware that they are not contain any valuable nutrients. Due to their high-fat content, they should be consumed in small portions and as an occasional snack.
7. Can you eat brats while pregnant?
Eating brats is safe for an expectant woman. The only condition is that you have it thoroughly cooked to eliminate bacteria like Listeria, capable of causing complications, and also don’t cook it using beer.
8. Can you eat medium-rare steak while pregnant?
Eating a medium-rare steak during pregnancy is safe, but it is advisable to stay away from foods that are not hot. The FDA considers foods safe for consumption by pregnant women to have a temperature of no less than 60°C internally.
9. Can you eat chicken salad while pregnant?
A pregnant woman is free to consume chicken salad, with the only condition being that it is well-cooked. This is to destroy Listeria, which is the bacteria common in many types of meat. Listeria is dangerous as it can cause pregnancy complications.
10. Can you eat subway while pregnant?
A pregnant woman will be safe eating subway sandwiches if they have been heated until they are hot and not just warmed up. They should be microwaved or toasted for a little more time than is normal to ensure they are safe to eat for pregnant women.
11. Can you eat scallops while pregnant?
Adding scallops to your diet can be a good way of maintaining the health of a pregnant woman. They need to be fresh, thoroughly cleaned and well cooked. In addition, they have lower mercury levels compared to larger fish. Mercury can be harmful to the brain development of babies so it is a good idea to avoid consuming large amounts.
12. Can you eat prosciutto while pregnant?
Pregnant women should avoid eating prosciutto since it is uncooked ham and may have salmonella or listeria bacteria on it. However, the bacteria and parasites are killed when thoroughly cooked, so you can cook the prosciutto and then eat it.
13. Can you eat octopus while pregnant?
As a pregnant woman it is safe to eat octopus if it has been cooked fully. Octopus can be cooked by baking, grilling, or boiling. It should never be eaten raw, when undercooked, or just marinated.
14. Can you eat kimchi while pregnant?
Kimchi is a great food for pregnant women as it contains tons of vitamins, nutrients, and numerous health benefits. It is also a great way of satisfying the craving for crunchy and spicy foods.
15. Can you eat cookie dough ice cream while pregnant?
Most of the cookie dough ice cream that is commercially made is safe for consumption by pregnant women. This is because manufacturers make them with pasteurized eggs, cream and milk, and heat-treated flour.
16. Can you eat tofu while pregnant?
Pregnant women are free to eat tofu. It has essential nutrients and high amounts of protein, iron, and unsaturated fats. It also has a low calorific value, aids in weight loss, and has antioxidants vital in cancer prevention.
17. Can you eat seaweed while pregnant?
Due to the high levels of iodine, it is advised that pregnant women consume no more than a serving spoonful of seaweed every week. The red and green varieties have lower iodine levels than brown seaweed, so their consumption does not have to be restricted to once a week, provided they are consumed moderately.
18. Can you eat ceviche while pregnant?
Ceviche is prepared using uncooked seafood. This means that women should not consume ceviche during their pregnancy since seafood or raw fish might lead to food poisoning, especially when not prepared well.
19. Can you eat imitation crab while pregnant?
Imitation crab is a safe delicacy for pregnant women. Most of its makers prefer to use Pollock, a fish with low mercury levels, making it pregnancy-safe.
20. Can you eat calamari while pregnant?
It is fine to take calamari during pregnancy if it has been cooked well. Since it is usually served when fried, the chances that it gets to your table when uncooked are very low. As for grilled calamari, it is safe only when it has been cooked to an internal temperature of 1450°F.
21. Can you eat lobster while pregnant?
Lobster is a safe food for pregnant women to eat. It makes a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins, which are good for the heart. It is also a low mercury seafood, which alleviates any fears.
22. Can you eat cheesecake while pregnant?
It is safe to consume cheesecake when you are pregnant. The only requirement is checking the labels to make sure it is made of pasteurized ingredients. Also, those who make it at home should use pasteurized ingredients and ensure it is properly baked.
23. Can you eat ranch while pregnant?
Pregnant women should not be afraid of consuming ranch. The only thing they should ensure is that the ranch dressings are of pasteurized ingredients. The best options are also those with a low calorific value.
24. Can you eat beef jerky while pregnant?
A pregnant woman is safe eating beef jerky, but the intake should be in moderation. You should also go for products of high quality to lower the risks involved with all types of meat.
25. Can you eat crawfish while pregnant?
Crawfish are among the small seafood, which means they have very low mercury levels. Thus, they make some of the seafood safest for a pregnant woman to eat. The FDA recommends that it be cooked for not less than 1450°F.
26. Can you eat grapefruit while pregnant?
Grapefruit is well-known for its health benefits, including controlling cholesterol levels and offering vital vitamins. It is a good choice to include in your diet even when pregnant. Grapefruit is a nutrient dense, low-calorie fruit. In fact, it has more nutrients than fresh bananas, apples, and peaches. It also contains folate, B complex vitamins, potassium, calcium, and fiber, all essential for a baby’s healthy growth.
27. Can you eat bacon while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat bacon during pregnancy. You only need to ensure it is well-cooked. Raw meat usually contains harmful pathogens like bacteria. Like with any meat, handling bacon improperly can cause contamination issues. This may lead to food poisoning and other problems like miscarriage, infection of the infant, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
28. Can you eat pork while pregnant?
It is safe to consume pork during pregnancy as long as it is well-cooked. When eating pork during pregnancy, ensure that it does not have any trace of blood or pink. Eating undercooked or raw meat presents a risk of getting a toxoplasmosis infection. A parasite in soil, raw meat, and cat poop causes this infection.
29. Can you eat smoked salmon while pregnant?
It is a good idea to consume salmon while pregnant because of its health benefits. Salmon has several healthy fats that enhance fetal brain development and benefit maternal health. Salmon is safe, but you should take some precautions to avoid eating fish containing mercury and bacteria that may harm the fetus. Eating smoked salmon is safe if it is part of a cooked meal and is well stored.
30. Can you eat blue cheese dressing while pregnant?
No, there is a risk associated with eating blue cheese while pregnant. This is because unpasteurized milk is often used to make it. It carries a significant risk of being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The bacterium causes listeriosis, an illness that has symptoms similar to the stomach bug or flu. The common signs of listeriosis in expectant women are aches, pains, fever, headaches, and digestive upset.
31. Can you eat ham while pregnant?
Ham is safe to eat during pregnancy if it is pre-packed. However, you must be careful with home prepared parma ham and other deli meats. If preparing the ham yourself, cook it until the juices clear. Cooking kills the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.
32. Can you eat hummus while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat hummus during pregnancy. You can make it with tahini, chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. Its savory flavor and creamy texture can satisfy some cravings. It is also rich in nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, including fiber, protein, iron, and folate.
33. Can you eat bologna while pregnant?
It is unsafe to consume bologna when pregnant, especially if it contains high fat and sodium content. Moreover, bologna has various types of preservatives, including nitrites that are unhealthy. Processed meats are cooked or preserved in a fashion involving salting, curing, smoking, or using chemical preservatives. All of these processes increase the risk of colon cancer. Bologna may also contain Listeria, which can lead to life-threatening infections in babies, stillbirth, premature birth, and miscarriage.
34. Can you eat steak while pregnant?
You can eat steak while pregnant if it is cooked to a safe temperature. Avoid raw or undercooked meat because it carries the risk of harmful bacteria. According to the FDA, pregnant women should only consume steak with an internal temperature of 145°Fahrenheit (62.78°C) or higher. These temperatures reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
35. Can you eat queso while pregnant?
Queso can mean several things, including fresh cheeses, sauces, or dips. Many women wonder whether it is safe to eat it during pregnancy. Most popular brands of queso are pasteurized and safe to eat. Yet, it is essential to consider the source of the queso when eating it at a restaurant. Some choices of this food are more suitable than others. Always check the label to ensure your queso is pasteurized and made in a hygienic environment.
36. Can you eat goat cheese while pregnant?
Some types of goat cheese are considered unsafe to consume during pregnancy because they might cause food poisoning. Expectant women are ten to twenty times more likely to contract listeriosis due to their weakened immune system. Soft cheeses prepared from unpasteurized, raw goat milk have an increased chance of bacterial contamination. This is the same with every surface-ripened goat cheese.
37. Can you eat popcorn while pregnant?
Popcorn is a filling and healthy snack you can enjoy eating during pregnancy. It contains many beneficial minerals and vitamins. The way you make popcorn determines its mineral and vitamin content. Popcorn is rich in zinc, carbs, and protein. It also contains minerals like potassium, manganese, and vitamins that are advantageous for expecting women.
38. Can you eat mushrooms while pregnant?
Mushrooms can offer significant amounts of vitamin B, vitamin D, protein, iron, fiber, and antioxidants to the expecting mum and baby. However, pregnant women should avoid eating mushroom varieties like psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms). They can contain psilocybin, an illegal substance whose side effects might impair the mental state of pregnant women. Also, avoid consuming uncooked or raw mushrooms because they can be dangerous to the growing baby.
39. Can you eat clams while pregnant?
Yes, clams are safe to eat during pregnancy as long as they are fully cooked. Avoid eating them when raw or undercooked because they might have pathogens and bacteria like Vibris vulnifus, which is found in saltwater. Clams affected by vibris vulnifus don’t taste, appear or smell different from those without bacteria. Cooking clams thoroughly, destroys this harmful bacteria.
40. Can you eat California rolls while pregnant?
Unlike other sushi products, California rolls are safe to consume when pregnant. The seafood restricted during pregnancy usually has high mercury levels, which might harm the unborn baby. It is okay to eat California rolls in moderation. They are typically made with nori (seaweed) and rice wrapped around cucumber, avocado, or imitation crab meat. You can safely consume all of these foods during pregnancy.
41. Can you eat mussels while pregnant?
You can safely consume mussels while pregnant as long as they are well-cooked. Avoid eating undercooked, raw, or unopened mussels. In addition, when consuming mussels you should consider the sauces that they are served in. For pregnancy safety, treat mussels like seafood or shellfish. Also, discard any closed (dead) mussels.
42. Can you eat pickles while pregnant?
Pregnant women crave pickles because of their crunchy texture and salty taste. It is safe to consume pickles moderately during pregnancy. Do not overindulge in them because they can cause health issues. They do not have a lot of nutritional value, so it is better to keep their consumption to a minimum. Some benefits of eating pickles during pregnancy include balancing the body’s electrolyte levels, boosting free radicals and strengthening the immune system.
43. Can you eat mango while pregnant?
Yes, eating mango while pregnant is safe. The FDA claims that fruits are safe to consume during pregnancy. Mangos have vital nutrients like folate, vitamin A, C, and B6. However, cleaning your kitchen countertops and tools is crucial to keep bacteria from spreading. Before you cut a mango, rinse it under water and gently rub the skin to remove residues. Afterward, use a paper towel or clean cloth to dry the mango to eliminate any leftover bacteria.
44. Can you eat blue cheese while pregnant?
You can eat blue cheese during pregnancy if it is cooked. Health experts advise expectant women to avoid consuming soft cheeses because they are less acidic than hard cheeses. Listeria bacteria cannot survive in the more acidic environment of hard cheese which makes them safer. Soft cheeses also contain more moisture, which is a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. In addition, the risk of consuming blue cheese while pregnant is that many of them are made with milk. The milk is not usually pasteurized, which means that it is at a higher risk of being contaminated with Listeria.
45. Can you eat crab while pregnant?
Yes, it is generally safe to consume crab while pregnant as long as you eat it in moderation and when fully cooked. Still, if you have never tried crab in the past, it is advisable to avoid consuming it for the first time during pregnancy. Many people experience shellfish allergies in adulthood. You want to avoid experiencing an allergic reaction while expecting. Eating crab during pregnancy is beneficial because seafood contains several minerals, including phosphorous, calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron.
46. Can you eat oysters while pregnant?
Yes, oysters are safe and healthy to eat while you are pregnant. They are a nutrient-dense, low-mercury option for pregnancy. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for fetal brain development. It is recommended to avoid smoked oysters during pregnancy, as they may not have been cooked at a safe temperature.
47. Can you eat shrimp cocktail while pregnant?
Pregnant women should reduce their seafood consumption to 1 to 2 servings a week, as the EPA and FDA recommend. While expecting, you should avoid consuming shellfish and mercury-rich fish, including yellowtails and fresh tuna. The U.S. FDA places shrimp under the best types of seafood for pregnant women to consume. Shrimp contains about 0.009 ppm of mercury, which is a low level, therefore making safe to consume during pregnancy.
48. Can you eat mayo while pregnant?
Most of the mayonnaise sold at grocery stores is safe to consume during pregnancy. This is because commercially produced foods containing eggs must be made using pasteurized eggs to be fit to sell in the United States, based on the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The concern about raw eggs is bacteria. The pasteurization process involves heating the egg to a temperature high enough to kill hazardous bacteria, but not high enough to cook the egg. Therefore, eating pasteurized mayo is while pregnant is safe.
49. Can you eat hot dogs while pregnant?
Hot dogs are convenient and easy to consume, but many people consider them unsafe to eat during pregnancy. One major concern about eating hot dogs when pregnant is that they are not particularly nutritious for the mother or baby. Another concern is that they are associated with a form of food poisoning called listeriosis. Eating hot dogs while pregnant carries the same risk as consuming any other type of deli meat that is pre-cooked and served cold. They can get contaminated with bacteria called Listeria. This is especially true when you have not prepared the hot dogs yourself. It is best to wait until you give birth before you start eating hot dogs again.
50. Can you eat honey while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat honey safely while pregnant. Honey doesn’t carry the same risks as many unpasteurized or uncooked foods. Giving honey to babies who have not yet reached the age of one is not recommended, as it can make them ill with a disease called botulism. Fortunately, the digestive system of adults can handle the bacteria in honey, so it is safe to eat when pregnant. Feel free to use honey to sweeten your tea or even take a spoonful to soothe your sore throat.
Conclusion
Many of the foods on this list are safe to eat during pregnancy. When consuming foods that require cooking, always make sure that they are heated to a safe temperature to ensure any bacteria is destroyed.
