Pregnancy Food Safety

Pregnancy

Search any food to check if it is safe, should be limited, or avoided during pregnancy.

Cooked chicken
Safe

Fully cooked poultry is safe and a great source of protein.

Cooked pork
Safe

Fully cooked pork is safe.

Cooked beef
Safe

Well-cooked beef is safe and rich in iron.

Cooked egg
Safe

Fully cooked eggs are safe.

Salmon (cooked)
Safe

Low-mercury fish, rich in omega-3.

Sardine
Safe

Low in mercury and high in omega-3 and calcium.

Tofu
Safe

Good plant-based protein source.

Broccoli
Safe

Rich in folate, calcium and fibre.

Spinach
Safe

Rich in folate and iron.

Sweet potato
Safe

Rich in beta-carotene and fibre.

Banana
Safe

Good source of potassium and B6.

Apple
Safe

Rich in fibre and vitamins.

Orange
Safe

High in vitamin C and folate.

Avocado
Safe

Rich in healthy fats, folate and potassium.

Brown rice / white rice
Safe

Good carbohydrate source.

Pasteurised milk
Safe

Good source of calcium and protein.

Yoghurt (pasteurised)
Safe

Pasteurised yoghurt is safe and provides probiotics.

Hard cheese
Safe

Hard aged cheeses are safe during pregnancy.

Pho (beef noodle soup)
Safe

Safe when broth and meat are fully cooked.

Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
Safe

Excellent source of protein, folate and iron.

Watermelon
Safe

Hydrating and contains vitamins A and C.

Nuts (walnuts, almonds)
Safe

Rich in omega-3, vitamin E and healthy fats.

Canned tuna
Limited

Limit to 2 cans (170g) per week due to mercury content.

Coffee
Limited

Limit to under 200mg caffeine per day (about 1 cup).

Tea (black/green)
Limited

Contains caffeine. Keep total daily caffeine under 200mg.

Shrimp / prawns (cooked)
Limited

Safe when fully cooked. Limit to 340g per week.

Deli meats / processed meats
Limited

Risk of listeria. Reheat until steaming hot before eating.

Soft-serve ice cream
Limited

Possible listeria risk from dispensing machines. Enjoy in moderation from trusted sources.

Pineapple
Limited

Small amounts are safe. Large quantities contain bromelain which may cause uterine contractions.

Liver (small amounts)
Limited

Very high in vitamin A — limit to once a week or less. Excess vitamin A can harm the fetus.

Unwashed fruits/vegetables
Limited

Wash thoroughly to remove bacteria and pesticides.

Alcohol
Avoid

No safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. Causes fetal alcohol syndrome.

Raw fish / sushi / sashimi
Avoid

Risk of bacteria and parasites that can harm the fetus.

Raw/undercooked eggs
Avoid

Risk of Salmonella infection.

Raw shellfish
Avoid

High risk of bacterial infection.

High-mercury fish (swordfish, shark, king mackerel)
Avoid

High mercury damages baby's nervous system.

Unpasteurised soft cheese
Avoid

Risk of Listeria infection which can cause miscarriage.

Unpasteurised milk / raw milk
Avoid

Risk of harmful bacteria including Listeria, Salmonella and E.coli.

Raw sprouts
Avoid

Bacteria can grow in the warm conditions needed to sprout seeds.

Green papaya / unripe papaya
Avoid

Contains high latex and papain which may cause uterine contractions.

Fermented shrimp paste / raw fish sauce
Avoid

High salt and risk of bacteria. Avoid consuming raw.

High-dose herbal teas
Avoid

Some herbs in high doses can stimulate contractions or affect fetal development.

Energy drinks
Avoid

High caffeine and other stimulants, not safe during pregnancy.

For reference only. Consult your doctor or dietitian for personalised guidance.

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