What to avoid during pregnancy: food, drinks and medicines

Most foods can be part of pregnancy with safe preparation and storage. A few exposures need extra care; check local product labels and ask your care team when uncertain.

Food safety first

Avoid unpasteurized dairy and raw or undercooked meat. Some soft ripened cheeses need thorough cooking. Wash produce, refrigerate perishable foods and respect use-by dates. Fish and egg advice depends on the product and how it is prepared, so consult reliable local guidance for a specific item.

Alcohol, caffeine and supplements

No safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy is known, so health authorities advise avoiding it. The NHS advises limiting total caffeine to 200 mg a day, including tea, cola, energy drinks, chocolate and some medicines. Avoid supplements with vitamin A as retinol and cod liver oil unless your clinician advises otherwise.

Review medicines individually

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting an over-the-counter medicine or herbal product. Do not abruptly stop a prescribed medicine when you learn you are pregnant; stopping may itself carry risks. If you took something before knowing you were pregnant, record its name, dose and date and discuss it with your clinician.