Pregnancy Food Safety: What Can I Eat?
Browse our database of over 90 foods to find out which ones are safe, should be consumed with caution, or should be avoided during pregnancy. Search for a food by name or filter by category.
No food found
Try a different search term or change the category.
Golden Rules of Nutrition During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your diet plays an essential role in your baby's development. A few simple principles help minimize risks while enjoying a varied and balanced diet:
- Cook meat and fish thoroughly: cooking to the core eliminates parasites and potentially dangerous bacteria.
- Wash fruits and vegetables carefully: even pre-packaged salads should be rewashed to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis.
- Choose pasteurized products: milk, cheese, cream — always check the label.
- Maintain the cold chain: consume foods promptly after opening and respect expiration dates.
- Wash your hands: before every meal preparation and after handling raw foods.
Why Are Some Foods Forbidden?
Three main infections justify dietary restrictions during pregnancy:
Listeriosis is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, found in certain raw milk cheeses, deli meats, smoked products, and poorly stored foods. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage, premature delivery, or a serious infection in the newborn. Listeria is resistant to cold but is destroyed by cooking.
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection transmitted through raw or undercooked meat, poorly washed vegetables and fruits, or contact with cat feces. If you are not immune (negative serological test at the beginning of pregnancy), strict dietary precautions are necessary throughout pregnancy.
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked eggs, meat, or contaminated dairy products. It causes gastrointestinal disorders that can lead to dangerous dehydration during pregnancy.
When in Doubt
This database is provided for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt about a food, always consult your doctor, midwife, or obstetrician. Every pregnancy is unique and your healthcare provider can adapt recommendations to your situation (toxoplasmosis immunity, allergies, gestational diabetes, etc.).
If you think you have consumed a risky food, don't panic. The risk of contamination remains statistically low for an isolated exposure. Contact your healthcare provider who can reassure you or prescribe additional tests if necessary.