Sushi

The likelihood of harmful bacteria or parasites in raw fish is much higher than in cooked fish. For your own safety, you should avoid consuming it when pregnant. Unfortunately, this means no sashimi or sushi! The no-undercooked-or-raw-fish-sushi rule applies to all three trimesters.

“Undercooked or raw fish increases the risks of exposure to certain types of bacteria during pregnancy and is more likely to contain bacteria and parasites”, says Dr. Lisa Valle, DO, OB-GYN at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. When thoroughly cooked and with low mercury content, most fish varieties are acceptable. Despite being less attractive, overcooked fish is preferable to risking your baby's health.