Dietary Recommendations for Pregnant Women

Food Safety Guidelines

• Pregnant women should avoid high-mercury fish, raw or undercooked animal products, unpasteurized dairy, and alcohol during the first trimester to protect fetal development and maternal health, as recommended by the American College of Cardiology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2
• Avoid fish with high mercury content completely during pregnancy, including shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, as mercury can cross the placenta and damage the developing fetal nervous system, according to the American College of Cardiology 1
• Limit white (albacore) tuna to no more than 6 ounces per week, as advised by the American College of Cardiology 4
• Consume 8-12 ounces of low-mercury seafood weekly for optimal fetal development, as recommended by the Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 5
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs to prevent foodborne illnesses like listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2
• Cook meat thoroughly until no pink remains - internal temperature should reach 165°F for poultry and 160°F for red meats, as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2
• Avoid all unpasteurized (raw) milk and dairy products, including soft cheeses like feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, and Mexican queso fresco unless clearly labeled as made with pasteurized milk, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2
• Completely avoid alcohol during pregnancy as it can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, as advised by the American College of Cardiology 4
• Wash hands, cutting boards, counters, knives, and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw foods, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2
• Keep uncooked meats separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination, as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2