Pregnancy is one of the happiest and most exciting times in a woman’s life. For the first time, she is responsible not only for herself and her own health, but that of her unborn baby.

It is essential to follow a proper and healthy diet during pregnancy, and although there is a lot of information available about what a woman should eat during pregnancy, there is not always a lot of information of what foods to avoid during pregnancy.

Although most foods are fine and healthy to consume during pregnancy, there are a few that should be avoided until after the healthy new baby is born.

Here are some of the foods that could pose potential harm to your unborn child if consumed during pregnancy.

Deli meats could pose a threat due to bacteria (listeria).

Raw Meats should be completely avoided during pregnancy.

Fish with Mercury. Avoid all together during pregnancy.

Smoked Seafood could have potentially harmful bacteria.

Fish Exposed to Industrial Pollutants Harmful chemicals could pose a threat.

Raw Shellfish should be completely avoided during pregnancy.

Raw eggs could pose the threat of salmonella.

Soft Cheeses. Potential for harmful bacteria.

Unpasterurized Milk. Bacteria could exist that could be unsafe.

Pate. They may contain a bacterium that is unsafe.

Caffeine. Avoid all caffeine, even trace amounts.

Alcohol. Avoid all alcohol, no matter what the amount.

Unwashed Vegetables. Make sure any vegetables consumed are properly washed and handled.

Although some of those foods do not pose as great of threat as others, the potential does exist. The risks posed by those foods vary from potentially fatal reactions to the fetus, to minor problems during birth or pregnancy, but doctors advise staying clear of all of them to avoid the risks to your baby and your pregnancy.