Mistake 5: Eating unsafe foods
You're at higher risk for food-borne illnesses now, because a woman's immune system is suppressed when she's pregnant. Listeriosis, a serious food-borne bacterial infection, is particularly dangerous during pregnancy. "This infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or severe brain infections in fetuses and newborns," says Jennifer Galuzzi, Ph.D. "Pregnant women may think it's OK to have a hot dog or undercooked meat 'just this once,' but that's all it takes if the food is contaminated."
Solution: Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats and fish (that includes sushi), Mexican soft cheeses and varieties such as Brie and Camembert, deli meats, hot dogs, and unpasteurized milk products or juices. In addition, adopt safe food-handling practices, which include washing your hands after touching uncooked meats and using separate cutting boards, plates and knives for meats and produce.