Food Don'ts



The National Women’s Health Information Center, a service of the Office of Women’s Health (OWH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), lists the dangers expectant mothers face in their diet from food-borne illnesses. This tip sheet is useful for health managers, nurses, and professionals who work in child care organizations and health centers. To read PDF files, get here.

There are 3 main dangers lurking in the food pregnant women eat. They are: Listeria – a dangerous bacterium that can grow even in cold refrigerators. Mercury – a harmful metal found in high levels in some fish. Toxoplasma – a risky parasite found in undercooked meat and unwashed fruits and vegetables. These things can cause serious illness or even death to you or your unborn baby. Follow these food facts to help keep you and your baby healthy: More>> [PDF, 87.6KB]

Food Don'ts. HHS/OWH. 2006. English. [PDF, 87.6KB].

Last Reviewed: December 2008