The Ultimate Pregnancy Guide to Eating Out

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Now comes nine months full of advice and warnings about what you should and shouldn't do while your child is all cozy in your womb. We hate unsolicited advice (even when you know everyone means well) as much as the next mom, but there are a few truths rooted in some of the most common warnings that are important to bear in mind — especially when it comes to the foods and drinks you put into your body during your three trimesters.

During your pregnancy, it's important to be aware of bacteria and infections sometimes present in certain foods, which can result in potential food-borne illnesses that your baby is susceptible to. Knowing the foods you should steer clear of is crucial, especially when you're dining out or ordering in and won't be preparing the foods yourself.

If you're looking to play it by the books — or to have a solid response to anyone who tells you what you can or cannot eat — read through for your ultimate guide to eating out while you're pregnant.

If you have any questions regarding your diet while pregnant, be sure to consult your physician.

Foods that pose a potential risk due to bacteria or parasites:
Flickr user Bob Peters

Foods that pose a potential risk due to bacteria or parasites:

  • Undercooked or raw eggs: Anything from poached eggs and mayo to meringues can pose a salmonella bacteria risk.
  • Unpasteurized soft cheeses: Calcium is great for you and your baby, but soft, moldy cheeses (i.e. brie or blue cheese) could potentially contain listeria if they're made with unpasteurized milk. Ask your server to confirm for you!
  • Unpasteurized juices: These can contain harmful bacteria — check the label to make sure the juices you drink and add to smoothies are pasteurized.
  • Cured, smoked, rare, or undercooked meats: These pose the risk of toxoplasmosis — a rare parasite. To avoid any risk, ask for your steaks and burgers well done, and lay off the prosciutto (we know, torture).
  • Raw fish: It can cause food poisoning and pose risks of both parasites and bacteria.
  • Raw fruits and vegetables: Rinse everything before eating or prepping, even if the outer peel won't be consumed, and cut off damaged or bruised portions when possible as bacteria can thrive in those areas. (The risk of toxoplasmosis is also posed when consuming unwashed raw produce.)
Foods that pose a potential risk due to high vitamin content or toxins:
Flickr user Charles Haynes

Foods that pose a potential risk due to high vitamin content or toxins:

  • Patés: Too much vitamin A can harm your developing baby, making liver patés a risky treat.
  • Exotic fish and tuna: Exotic fish (i.e., swordfish and shark) can contain high levels of mercury, which could be harmful to your unborn baby. Tuna in the form of a cooked steak or a few medium-size cans is OK, but don't go for raw.
Foods and drinks that contain caffeine:
Flickr user Alice Carrier

Foods and drinks that contain caffeine:

  • Coffees, teas, and sodas: It is advised for a pregnant woman to have no more than 200mg of caffeine a day — find out how to keep your coffee habit going with our handy guide, but stick to decaffeinated whenever you can.
  • Chocolate: There's way less caffeine in most chocolates than coffee, so a few squares if you haven't consumed any caffeinated beverages should be OK — but keep an eye on your coffee or tea habits in conjunction with your Twix addiction.
Alcohol:
Flickr user Simon Cocks

Alcohol:

This is definitely one for your doctor to speak on. There are plenty of studies and articles that warn women against drinking even if they're merely planning on becoming pregnant in the future, those that say never to drink during pregnancy, and those that say not a drop in the first trimester but that a glass or two of wine a week during the second two is OK. Consult your physician to see what they have to say on the subject, or if you're looking to be strict with your diet and avoid any issues at all, it may be best to abstain completely.

General tips for ordering takeout and eating out, on vacation, or on the go:
Flickr user cyclonebill

General tips for ordering takeout and eating out, on vacation, or on the go:

  • Always ask for your food to be cooked thoroughly. Especially if it contains meat, fish, or eggs.
  • Follow the "Two-Hour Rule". If you're taking home leftovers, be sure to get them into a fridge within about two hours of being served to be safe from bacteria growth — this goes for both takeout and restaurant doggie bags.
  • Never leave your leftovers (or groceries) in a hot car for an extended period of time. Bacteria can grow rapidly in warmer conditions (between about 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Steer clear of too many unhealthy foods. Fried food, anything with a lot of sugar, fat, or sodium, or foods that may make you uncomfortable, give you heartburn, or cause you to gain too much pregnancy weight should be avoided — especially in excess — when possible. (Consult your doctor to discuss healthy pregnancy weight gain, or if you're having issues with indigestion in any way.)