Pregnancy is a time when women need to be careful about what they eat and drink, as certain foods can be harmful to the developing baby. Some foods can cause miscarriage or other complications, and it is important for pregnant women to be aware of these risks and avoid them. In this list, we will explore 30 foods that can cause miscarriage or other complications during pregnancy, along with some details on why they should be avoided.

 


  • Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs: Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause serious illness and potentially harm the developing baby. Pregnant women should cook meat, poultry, and eggs thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.
  • Fish with high levels of mercury: Fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, should be avoided during pregnancy. Mercury can harm the developing nervous system of the baby, and pregnant women should consume fish that are low in mercury, such as salmon and trout, in moderate amounts.
  • Unpasteurized dairy products: Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and cheese made from raw milk, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should consume only pasteurized dairy products.
  • Alcohol and caffeine in excessive amounts: Alcohol and caffeine in excessive amounts have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and other complications during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid alcohol completely and consume caffeine in moderation.
  • Herbal supplements such as black cohosh, blue cohosh, and dong quai: Herbal supplements such as black cohosh, blue cohosh, and dong quai have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth and should be avoided during pregnancy.
  • Teas made with pennyroyal or tansy: Some teas, such as teas made with pennyroyal or tansy, may increase the risk of miscarriage and should be avoided during pregnancy.
  • High doses of green tea or other caffeinated teas: High doses of green tea or other caffeinated teas may increase the risk of miscarriage and should be consumed in moderation.
  • Deli meats and cold cuts: Deli meats and cold cuts may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should heat deli meats and cold cuts until steaming hot before consuming them.
  • Raw or undercooked shellfish: Raw or undercooked shellfish may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should cook shellfish thoroughly before consuming it.
  • Raw sprouts: Raw sprouts, such as alfalfa, clover, and mung bean sprouts, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Pregnant women should avoid raw sprouts.
  • Unwashed fruits and vegetables: Unwashed fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, pesticides, or other harmful substances that can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
  • Unwashed hands and kitchen surfaces: Unwashed hands and kitchen surfaces may be contaminated with harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should wash their hands frequently and clean kitchen surfaces thoroughly to reduce the risk of contamination.
  • Unpasteurized juices and cider: Unpasteurized juices and cider may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, that can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should consume only pasteurized juices and cider.
  • Smoked seafood: Smoked seafood, such as smoked salmon and trout, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and should be avoided during
  • Large amounts of vitamin A: Large amounts of vitamin A, found in some supplements and in foods such as liver, can be toxic and cause harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should consume only moderate amounts of vitamin A.
  • Raw cookie dough and cake batter: Raw cookie dough and cake batter may contain raw eggs, which can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. Pregnant women should avoid eating raw cookie dough and cake batter.
  • Artificial sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, have been linked to an increased risk of birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy.
  • Soft cheeses: Soft cheeses, such as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined, and queso blanco, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should consume only hard cheeses or soft cheeses that have been made from pasteurized milk.
  • Processed foods: Processed foods, such as fast food, chips, and snack foods, are often high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar and low in nutrients. Pregnant women should limit their consumption of processed foods and choose healthy, whole foods instead.
  • Excessive amounts of vitamin C: Excessive amounts of vitamin C, found in some supplements and in high doses of certain fruits and vegetables, can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems that can be harmful to the developing baby. Pregnant women should consume only moderate amounts of vitamin C.
  • Certain types of nuts: Some nuts, such as peanuts, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, and should be consumed in moderation. Pregnant women should also avoid nuts if they have a family history of allergies.
  • Hot dogs: Hot dogs may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and should be heated until steaming hot before consuming them.
  • Raw honey: Raw honey may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as botulism, which can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should consume only pasteurized honey.
  • Licorice root: Licorice root may cause premature labor and should be avoided during pregnancy.
  • Processed meats: Processed meats, such as sausage and bacon, may be high in unhealthy fats, salt, and preservatives and should be consumed in moderation.
  • Energy drinks: Energy drinks may contain high amounts of caffeine and other stimulants that can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid energy drinks.
  • Raw or unpasteurized sauerkraut: Raw or unpasteurized sauerkraut may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and should be consumed only if it has been pasteurized.
  • Raw or unpasteurized vinegar: Raw or unpasteurized vinegar may contain harmful bacteria and should be consumed only if it has been pasteurized.
  • High-sugar foods and beverages: High-sugar foods and beverages can contribute to unhealthy weight gain and increase the risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consume only moderate amounts of sugar.
  • Unwashed or undercooked rice and grains: Unwashed or undercooked rice and grains may be contaminated with harmful bacteria or toxins that can cause serious illness and harm to the developing baby. Pregnant women should wash rice and grains thoroughly and cook them until fully done.

 


In conclusion, maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is essential for the health of the mother and the developing baby. Pregnant women should be careful to avoid certain foods that can cause miscarriage or other complications, such as raw or undercooked meat, fish with high levels of mercury, and unpasteurized dairy products. By following a balanced and healthy diet, pregnant women can help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and give their baby the best possible start in life.