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What to Avoid During Pregnancy

Sure, you know that you should not be drinking alcohol, smoking, or eating excessive amounts of junk food. But here are some things to avoid you may not have thought of.

What Should You Avoid during Pregnancy?

Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

Fish high in mercury (like tuna and salmon)

Raw meat or fish (skip the sushi until baby is born)

Deli meats. They're high in fat, many are heavily salted and may contain a contaminant called Listeria. These bacteria can harm an unborn baby severely. It can also cause a miscarriage or stillbirth. Avoid the deli counter for a while. It's important.

Soft cheeses like blue, Brie or feta. Any soft cheese has the potential to carry the Listeria bacteria.

Raw or undercooked eggs. These foods may carry Salmonella- a dangerous toxin.

Caffeine, which, in high amounts, is associated with birth defects and miscarriage.

Alcohol. Any amount, in any form - alcohol is dangerous to your baby's health.

Drugs

There is no 'safe' time to use and abuse dangerous and illegal drugs. When you put bad things into your body, it can have a lifelong, life-threatening impact on the health of your child.

If you use any of the following illicit drugs and you know you're pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, you must stop now. You must also inform your doctor of the drugs you have been taking.

Marijuana

Cocaine

Methamphetamine

Heroin and all other narcotics

PCP

LSD

Glues and solvents

Ecstasy

Designer/club drugs

Nicotine

Medications

Many over the counter (OTC) and prescription drugs contain ingredients that are safe for unpregnant adults but may be harmful to baby. That's why you should inform your doctor of any and all medications and food supplement you've been taking.

Androgens/testosterone-based supplements and medications

ACE inhibitors

Carbamazepine

Coumarin by-products

Anti-folic acid medications

Tetracycline

Thalidomide

Vitamin A and associated by products, i.e. retinoids

Phenytoin

Trimethadione/paramethadione

Harmful Chemical Agents

You might not think of your home as a danger zone, but it may well be for your baby.

Many common household products contain agents that can do serious harm to an unborn. During pregnancy, avoid the following:

Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Lead

Lithium

Mercury

Formaldehyde

Valproic acid