Safe foods for pregnancy

This list doesn't include all the safe foods for pregnancy, as it would be far too long. Instead, we have concentrated on supplying a list of foods that you might not be very sure about. Do you know which foods to avoid in pregnancy, or the reasons why you are advised to avoid them? This article is worth reading to avoid any unnecessary complications in your pregnancy.

All hard cheeses are safe in pregnancy, even if made with unpasteurised milk, such as cheddar and parmesan. 

All semi-hard cheeses if the milk has been pasteurised, such as edam.

Soft cheeses, if made with pasteurised milk which are safe to eat during pregnancy include:

• Cottage cheese
• Cream cheese
• Feta
• Goat's cheese (without white rind)
• Halloumi
• Mozzarella
• Paneer
• Processed cheeses, such as cheese spread
• Ricotta

See foods to avoid during pregnancy for a list of cheeses that are not safe to eat raw, but can be eaten if cooked until piping hot.

 Shell fish that are cooked thoroughly (avoid raw shellfish when pregnant), including:

• Crab
• Crayfish
• Clams
• Lobster
• Shrimps
• Mussels
• Oysters
• Prawns
• Scallops
• Winkles

White fish that is cooked thoroughly, including:

• Cod
• Coley
• Flounder
• Gurnard
• Haddock
• Hake
• Plaice
• Skate

See foods to avoid during pregnancy for a list of fish and shellfish that are not safe to eat raw, but can be eaten if cooked until piping hot.

Ice cream is safe to eat if made with pasteurised milk and eggs - this should be most of the ice cream you buy in supermarkets. Homemade ice cream should be made with a pasteurised egg substitute or no eggs.

Milk bought in supermarkets will be pasteurised and is therefore safe to drink. If you are unsure if the milk has been pasteurised boil it before you use it.

Peanuts and food containing peanuts are safe to eat when you are pregnant and breastfeeding - unless you have a nut allergy. New evidence suggests that eating nuts during pregnancy can reduce the chance of nut allergies in your child. 

As long as the milk has been pasteurised, yoghurt will be fine to eat. If the yoghurt is homemade, check with the person who made it that the milk has been pasteurised first.

Read more about foods to restrict and foods to avoid in pregnancy.

Information provided by specialist nutritional therapist: Rosie Letts Nutrition.

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice, and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. New Life Classes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.