Foods to Avoid During First Trimester Pregnancy: Cheese, Milk, and What Else?

Most foods and drinks are safe to consume during pregnancy, offering vital nutrients that support the mother’s and baby’s health and development. However, there are certain foods to avoid when pregnant first trimester.

It’s also a good time to simplify your routine with maternity skincare for early pregnancy that supports sensitive, changing skin.

1. Cheese, Milk, And Other Dairy

Including milk and dairy in the maternal diet is recommended for protein and nutrient intake. However, there is a small chance that unpasteurized or soft-ripened dairy products may contain Listeria bacteria, which can cause an infection called listeriosis.

Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, or make your newborn baby very unwell. Soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside have more moisture, making it easier for bacteria to grow.

What to Avoid

• Foods made from unpasteurized milk (soft-ripened goat’s cheese).
• Pasteurized or unpasteurized mould-ripened soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside (brie, camembert, and chèvre).
• Pasteurized or unpasteurized soft blue cheeses (Danish blue, gorgonzola, and Roquefort).
• Unpasteurized cow’s milk, goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, or cream.

2. Fish With High Mercury Content

Mercury can accumulate in oceans, lakes, and streams. In these waters, mercury transforms into methylmercury, a neurotoxin present in small amounts in most fish. High levels of methylmercury can be harmful to the nervous system.

Therefore, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is essential to avoid specific types of fish known for their high mercury content. We recommend limiting the intake of these fish to once every two weeks during pregnancy.

What to Avoid

• Shark
• Flake
• Swordfish
• Orange roughy
• Barramundi
• Ling

Opt for safer alternatives like salmon, canned tuna, or prawns instead.

3. Alcohol

There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and it is recommended to avoid all alcohol consumption to protect your baby’s health. The more you drink during pregnancy, the greater the risks to your baby, with higher levels of consumption leading to even more severe potential effects.

When you consume alcohol, it passes from your blood through the placenta to your baby. Since your baby’s liver is not fully developed, it cannot process alcohol effectively.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. Moreover, it can lead to lasting effects on your baby’s health after birth.
One serious condition linked to alcohol consumption during pregnancy is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), with problems such as:

• Learning and behavioural issues
• Problems with joints, bones, muscles, and some organs
• Difficulty managing emotions and developing social skills
• Hyperactivity and impulse control challenges
• Speech and communication difficulties

What to Avoid

• Beer
• Wine
• Liqueurs

4. Caffeine

National Institutes of Health claimed that pregnant women who consumed just half a cup of coffee daily had slightly smaller babies than those who did not drink caffeinated beverages.

The study found that infants whose mothers consumed less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day (about two cups of coffee) had reductions in size and lean body mass. Smaller birth sizes can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes later in life for these infants.

What to Avoid

• Tea
• Coffee
• Energy drink
• Chocolate bar

5. Raw Fish & Undercooked (Rare) Meat

Raw seafood and fish, as well as undercooked (rare) meat, may contain bacteria that can cross the placental barrier and harm your unborn baby, even if you are not affected.

To protect your baby, avoid consuming raw seafood and fish, and ensure that chicken, beef, and pork are cooked thoroughly.

6. Processed Meats, Hams, And Unpasteurized Products

Processed meats, hams, and unpasteurized products may harbour bacteria, which can be harmful to your baby. These bacteria potentially cause serious infections and complications during pregnancy.

What to Avoid

• Hot dogs
• Pepperoni
• Soft cheeses
• Unpasteurized milk

For optimal growth and development for moms and babies, remember to check the expiration dates on product packaging and avoid consuming items past their sell-by date.

Besides, it’s advisable to avoid unpasteurized dairy products altogether, as pasteurization helps kill harmful bacteria that can pose risks to both you and your baby.

What To Eat In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy?

Besides the foods mentioned above, here is a curated list of essential nutrients for the first trimester of pregnancy to support the mother’s and baby’s overall health:

Remember that all nutrients play a crucial role, and maintaining a balanced diet is the best way to support a healthy pregnancy.

This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose health conditions or make changes to medical treatments. Always consult with your healthcare professional for advice.