Pregnancy food guide
What can I eat and drink while pregnant? Quick answers on listeria, mercury, caffeine and safe preparation.
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16 results
Generally safe
Can I eat feta while pregnant?
Yes, if it's made from pasteurised milk. Most supermarket feta is pasteurised — check the label.
LOOKS SUITABLECan I eat honey while pregnant?
Yes. Honey is safe during pregnancy. The botulism warning applies to babies under 12 months, not pregnant women.
LOOKS SUITABLECan I eat shrimp while pregnant?
Yes, when cooked. Shrimp and prawns are low in mercury and a good protein source. Avoid raw or cold pre-cooked prawns from deli counters.
With care: cooked, pasteurised or limited
Can I eat brie while pregnant?
Only when cooked until steaming hot. Cold brie — even pasteurised — is a mould-ripened soft cheese that can harbour listeria.
CHECK FIRSTCan I eat sushi while pregnant?
Cooked or vegetarian sushi is fine. Raw fish sushi is generally advised against in the US; the UK allows it if the fish was frozen first — but skip high-mercury fish either way.
CHECK FIRSTCan I eat tuna while pregnant?
Yes, in moderation. Canned light tuna is a good low-mercury choice; limit albacore and fresh tuna steaks because they contain more mercury.
CHECK FIRSTCan I eat runny eggs while pregnant?
Depends on the egg. In the UK, British Lion-stamped eggs are safe runny. Elsewhere, cook eggs until white and yolk are firm, or use pasteurised eggs.
CHECK FIRSTCan I eat deli meat while pregnant?
Only when heated until steaming hot. Cold cuts and lunch meats can carry listeria, which keeps growing in the fridge.
CHECK FIRSTCan I drink coffee while pregnant?
Yes, up to 200 mg of caffeine a day — roughly two mugs of instant coffee or one large barista coffee.
CHECK FIRSTCan I eat smoked salmon while pregnant?
Only when cooked until steaming hot. Both UK (NHS) and US (FoodSafety.gov) guidance advise against eating cold-smoked or cured salmon cold during pregnancy. Refrigerated smoked fish — including hot-smoked — is best heated through; canned or shelf-stable smoked fish is considered lower risk.
CHECK FIRSTCan I eat rare steak while pregnant?
Cook steak and other meat until there's no pink or blood, especially minced meat. Rare steak is not recommended during pregnancy.
CHECK FIRSTCan I drink herbal tea while pregnant?
Most common teas are fine in moderation (up to about four cups a day). Avoid large amounts of licorice root and be cautious with concentrated herbal remedies.
CHECK FIRSTCan I eat hot dogs while pregnant?
Yes, if heated until steaming hot. Never eat hot dogs straight from the packet.
Best avoided
Can I eat salami & prosciutto while pregnant?
Avoid cold cured meats such as salami, chorizo, pepperoni and prosciutto — unless cooked, for example on a hot pizza.
BETTER AVOIDCan I eat liver & pâté while pregnant?
Avoid liver and liver products (including pâté and liver sausage). They contain very high levels of vitamin A, which can harm the baby.
BETTER AVOIDCan I eat blue cheese while pregnant?
Avoid soft blue cheeses like gorgonzola, roquefort and danish blue unless cooked until steaming hot. Hard blue cheese like stilton is OK if pasteurised.
General information based on public health guidance, not medical advice. Ask your midwife or doctor.