Take note: These are the foods to avoid when pregnant.

March 15, 2017

Video by Mamamia Women's Network.

One of the best things about pregnancy is that you can eat, a lot, with no judgement.

Even when you’re sitting in front of a plate full of food, people will still try and feed you, because you are, after all, eating for two. It’s awesome.

Still, while pregnant your body takes over. It tells you what to eat and doesn’t take “no” for an answer.

Watermelon, NOW.

Peanut butter and coleslaw, NOW.

A frozen banana, WHAT?!?

And if you want to, you should go for it. Eat what your body (or the baby) tells you that you need to eat. Have fun. Enjoy. But be careful.

According to the NSW Food Authority and multiple other sources such as the book What to Expect When You’re Expecting, you should do your best to avoid these foods while pregnant:

1. Soft cheesesAll of the delicious soft cheeses are off limits, but hard cheeses are okay. Image: iStock

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2. Prepared saladsSalad bars are a bad idea, so too pre-packaged salads. Make your own. Image: iStock

3, Soft serveSadly soft serve icecream and yoghurt is a no go. Image: iStock

4. Store-bought sushiAvoid store bought sushi due to the raw fish and the cold rice. But you can make your own. Image: iStock

5. Raw cookie doughYes it's delicious, but you can't eat raw cookie dough due to the raw eggs, unless you make it without eggs. Image: iStock

6. Raw cake batterNo licking the spoon while making a cake, due to the raw eggs. Image: iStock

7. Under cooked meatRare steak does not exist during your entire pregnancy. Well done only. Image: iStock

8. Lunchon meatsAnything smoked or cured should be avoided, particularly from the deli, unless you cook with them. So yay, you can have bacon! Image: iStock

9. Cold chickenCold chicken is not a good idea, in fact no cold meats at all. Heat them up to boiling point if you want to eat them. Image: iStock

10. Raw meatRaw meat dishes such as quibe and civiche should be avoided, just to be safe. Image: iStock

11. PatePate needs to be avoided as well, so sorry if you have a massive craving for it. Image: iStock

12. Unpasturised milkYou need to stay away from unpasteurised milk, in fact unpasteurised everything, even if you've milked the cow yourself. Image: iStock

13. Bean sproutsBean sprouts of all kinds shouldn't be eaten raw due to the risk of bacteria. Image: iStock

14. Cold seafoodIf you want to eat prawns you'll need to buy them raw and cook them and eat them yourself. But while they are still hot. Image: iStock

15. Aioli and mayoSauces such as aioli and mayonnaise should be avoided due to the raw egg component. Image: iStock

And then there are some foods you might want to cut down on:

ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE

When I first fell pregnant 13 years ago I was told to cut out caffeine and consume alcohol “moderately”. Then, four years later when I fell pregnant again I was told the exact opposite – to cut out alcohol and consume caffeine moderately. So knowing what to do during which pregnancy can be tricky.

The latest advice according to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is to “abstain from drinking alcohol” while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

And moderate consumption of caffeine is the recommendation from Better Health Victoria.

SODIUM

Sodium in all it’s forms affect a person’s blood pressure as well as fluid levels, so pregnant women should aim for balance when it comes to salt consumption. According to WhatToExpect.com and Better Health Victoria, approximately six grams of iodine-fortified salt is recommended during pregnancy.

TINNED TUNA

Due to the high level of mercury in some fish Food Standards Australia recommends pregnant women limit the consumption of the following fish to two to three serves per week, including orange roughy, marlin, shark, tuna and swordfish.

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But as with all pregnancy health advice, it’s highly recommended that you consult your doctor about any and all food choices and see a pregnancy nutritionist if need be.