Wondering if it's safe to drink alcohol in pregnancy? How about eating soft cheese, seafood and pâté? Here's the official advice on whether it's safe to have your favourite foods and drinks in pregnancy, from coffee to yoghurt.
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We've looked into the foods and drinks mums-to-be ask about most, delved into the NHS guidance and consulted official sources, to bring you this at-a-glance guide to whether your favourite foods and drinks are safe in pregnancy.
Click on the name of any food or drink to learn more about why it is or isn't safe, and discover tasty recipes and other handy safety tips.
These are general guidelines for women with a healthy pregnancy. If you have any allergies, follow a special diet, or are experiencing pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, talk to your midwife or GP for further advice.
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Alcohol
Alcohol is not safe to drink during pregnancy. Even small amounts may harm your baby.
Alcohol-free beer and wine
Alcohol-free beer and wine may be safe to drink in pregnancy. Always check the label to make sure the drink contains 0.0% ABV.
Babybel
Babybel is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Bacon
Bacon is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.
Baked beans
Baked beans are safe to eat in pregnancy.
Baked camembert
Baked camembert is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's steaming hot.
Bananas
Bananas are safe to eat while you're pregnant.
Black pudding
Black pudding is safe to eat in pregnancy, but it's best to cook it first.
Blue cheese
Soft blue cheeses are not safe to eat in pregnancy, unless they're fully cooked. However, hard blue cheeses are safe to eat in pregnancy.
Boursin
Boursin cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Brie
Brie is not safe to eat in pregnancy, unless it's fully cooked.
Caesar salad
Caesar salad is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with shop-bought mayonnaise or British Lion eggs. Make sure any chicken has been fully cooked, too.
Calamari
Calamari and squid are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.
Camembert
Camembert is not safe to eat in pregnancy, unless it's fully cooked.
Carbonara
Shop-bought carbonara sauce and ready meals are safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade or restaurant carbonara is only safe to eat in pregnancy if it's made with British Lion eggs. If it's not made with British Lion eggs, it's safe to eat if the eggs are thoroughly cooked through.
Cashew nuts
Cashew nuts are safe to eat in pregnancy.
Caviar
Caviar may be safe to eat in pregnancy, though you might prefer to avoid it to be on the safe side.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised cheese.
Chinese food
Chinese food is generally safe to eat in pregnancy. Just make sure any meat or seafood is fully cooked.
Chocolate
Chocolate is safe to eat in pregnancy. However, it does contain caffeine, so limit the amount you eat.
Chorizo
Chorizo is safe to eat in pregnancy if it's fully cooked. Be cautious with uncooked chorizo, though.
Clotted cream
Clotted cream is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
Cockles
Cockles are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked and come from clean water.
Coffee
Small amounts of coffee are safe to drink in pregnancy. However, it does contain caffeine, so limit the amount you drink.
Coke and Diet Coke
Coke and Diet Coke are safe to drink while you're pregnant. However, both contain caffeine, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw made with shop-bought mayonnaise is safe to eat in pregnancy. Coleslaw made with homemade mayonnaise is only safe to eat if it's made with British Lion eggs.
Corned beef
Pre-packed corned beef is safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade corned beef is safe to eat in pregnancy as long as it's fully cooked.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
Crab
Crab is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked. However, limit brown crab meat to no more than two portions per week.
Crab sticks
Crab sticks are safe to eat in pregnancy.
Cranberries
Cranberries are safe to eat during pregnancy. Cranberry juice is safe to drink too.
Cream
Fresh cream is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's pasteurised.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
Crème brûlée
Crème brûlée is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.
Crème fraîche
Crème fraîche is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
Custard
Custard is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked and/or made with British Lion eggs or pasteurised eggs.
Dairylea
All Dairylea products are safe to eat in pregnancy.
Duck
Shop-bought duck is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked. Wild (hunted) duck is not safe to eat in pregnancy.
Eggs
Eggs with a red British Lion stamp are safe to eat in pregnancy, even runny or raw. Eggs without a British Lion stamp (including duck and quail eggs) are only safe to eat if fully cooked.
Elderflower
Elderflower tea, cordial and lemonade are safe to drink in moderation during pregnancy. Elderflower wine is not safe to drink while you're pregnant. It's also safest to avoid taking elderflower supplements.
Energy drinks
Some energy drinks may be safe to drink in pregnancy, but check the pack for warnings. And limit the number you drink, because they contain caffeine.
Ferrero Rocher
Ferrero Rocher is safe to eat during pregnancy. However it's made with chocolate, which contains caffeine, so it's best to enjoy in moderation.
Feta cheese
Pasteurised feta cheese (no white rind) is safe to eat in pregnancy. Unpasteurised feta with a white rind is not safe to eat in pregnancy unless fully cooked.
Fish
Most types of fish are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked, smoked, or have been previously frozen. Limit oily fish to no more than two portions per week. Swordfish, shark and marlin are not safe to eat in pregnancy.
Garlic
Shop-bought garlic is safe to eat in pregnancy, however it's safest to avoid wild garlic. Talk to your midwife before taking garlic supplements.
Goats' cheese
Pasteurised goats' cheese (no white rind) is safe to eat in pregnancy. Unpasteurised goats' cheese with a white rind is not safe to eat in pregnancy unless fully cooked.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola cheese is not safe to eat in pregnancy unless it's thoroughly cooked.
Grapes
Grapes are safe to eat in pregnancy.
Green tea
Green tea is safe to drink in pregnancy, however it does contain caffeine, so enjoy in moderation.
Guacamole
Guacamole is safe to eat while you're pregnant.
Guinness
Guinness is not safe to drink in pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol can harm your baby.
Haggis
Haggis is only safe to eat in pregnancy if it's made without liver, and thoroughly cooked. Traditional haggis made with liver is not safe to eat in pregnancy.
Halloumi
Halloumi is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made from pasteurised milk.
Ham
Regular pre-packed ham is safe to eat in pregnancy. If making ham at home, ensure it's fully cooked.
Hollandaise sauce
Hollandaise sauce is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it has been made with pasteurised or British Lion eggs.
Honey
Honey is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Horlicks
Horlicks is safe to drink while you're pregnant.
Hot dogs
Hot dogs are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.
Hummus
Hummus is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Ice cream
Ice cream is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk and eggs.
Jelly
Jelly is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Kebabs
Kebabs are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as the meat is fully cooked. If you're getting a takeaway, opt for a restaurant with good hygiene standards.
Kidney beans
Kidney beans are safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as they've been cooked.
Lamb
Lamb is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.
Lasagne
Lasagne is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as any meat fillings are fully cooked. If you're making white sauce, be sure to use pasteurised milk, butter and cheese. And leave out the wine!
Liquorice
Be cautious about eating liquorice during pregnancy. Liquorice root is not safe to eat while you're pregnant.
Liver
Liver is not safe to eat in pregnancy. This includes products made from liver, such as liver sausage and cod liver oil.
Lobster
Lobster is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.
Lucozade
Lucozade is safe to drink in pregnancy, however Lucozade Energy contains caffeine, so limit the amount you drink. Lucozade Sport is caffeine free.
Mango
Mango is safe to eat while you're pregnant.
Marmite
Marmite is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Mascarpone
Mascarpone is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
Mayonnaise
Shop-bought mayonnaise is safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade mayonnaise is only safe to eat if it's made with British Lion stamped eggs.
McDonald's milkshakes
McDonald's milkshakes are probably safe to eat in pregnancy. If you're worried, check with your midwife.
McFlurries
McFlurries are probably safe to eat in pregnancy. If you're worried, check with your midwife.
Meringue
Shop-bought meringues are safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade meringues are also safe, as long as they're made with British Lion eggs and/or thoroughly cooked.
Milk
Cow's milk is safe to drink during pregnancy, as long as it's been pasteurised. Plant-based milks are fine to drink in pregnancy, too.
Mince pies
Mince pies are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they don't contain any alcohol.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are generally safe to eat in pregnancy, though some types of mushroom need to be cooked first. All mushrooms need to be thoroughly washed before eating.
Mussels
Mussels are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.
Nuts
Nuts are safe to eat in pregnancy.
Olives
Olives are safe to eat in pregnancy.
Oysters
Oysters are only safe to eat during pregnancy if they have been fully cooked.
Panna cotta
Panna cotta is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised cream or milk.
Parma ham and prosciutto
Parma ham and prosciutto are safe to eat in pregnancy if they're fully cooked. Be cautious with uncooked Parma ham and prosciutto, though.
Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Pâté
Pâté is not safe to eat in pregnancy. This includes vegetarian pâté, as well as pâté made with meat or fish.
Peanuts
Peanuts and peanut butter are safe to eat in pregnancy.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is safe to drink while you're pregnant. The NHS sometimes recommends it as a remedy for morning sickness.
Pepperoni and Peperami
Pepperoni is safe to eat in pregnancy if it's fully cooked, but be cautious with uncooked pepperoni. Peperami is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Pesto
Pesto is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Pineapple
Pineapple is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Pizza
Pizza is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as any meat toppings are fully cooked. If you're using a soft blue cheese, mould-ripened soft cheese or unpasteurised soft cheese like brie, camembert or gorgonzola, make sure it has been cooked until steaming hot.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Pork
Pork is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.
Prawns
Prawns are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.
Pre-packed salad
Pre-packed salad is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Profiteroles
Profiteroles are safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as they're made with pasteurised cream.
Protein shakes
Be cautious about drinking protein shakes during pregnancy. It's best to get the protein you need from a balanced diet.
Quiche
Quiche is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked and/or made with British Lion eggs.
Raisins
Raisins are safe to eat while you're pregnant.
Rare steak
Rare and medium-rare steak is not safe to eat in pregnancy.
Raspberries
Raspberries are safe to eat in pregnancy. Raspberry fruit teas are fine to drink, too. However, be cautious about drinking raspberry leaf tea.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is safe to eat in moderation while you're pregnant.
Ribena
Ribena is safe to drink while you're pregnant.
Rice and rice pudding
Rice is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's been cooked. Rice pudding is fine too, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
Ricotta
Ricotta cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
Salad cream
Shop-bought salad cream is safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade salad cream is only safe to eat in pregnancy if it's made with British Lion eggs.
Salami
Salami is safe to eat in pregnancy if it's fully cooked. Be cautious with uncooked salami, though.
Salmon steaks
Salmon steaks are safe to eat in pregnancy, but stick to a maximum of two portions of oily fish per week.
Saveloy
Saveloy is safe to eat during pregnancy, providing it has been fully cooked.
Scallops
Scallops are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.
Scampi
Scampi is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's thoroughly cooked.
Shandy
Shandy is not safe to drink during pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol can harm your baby.
Smoked salmon
Smoked salmon is safe to eat in pregnancy, but stick to a maximum of two portions of oily fish per week.
Sorbet
Sorbet is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it doesn't contain any alcohol.
Sour cream
Sour cream is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
Spicy food
Spicy food is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Spinach
Spinach is safe to eat while you're pregnant.
Steak
Steak is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked (well done).
Stilton
Stilton cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Sushi
Some types of sushi are safe to eat in pregnancy, but not sushi made with raw shellfish. Sushi made with raw fish is only safe to eat if it's been previously frozen.
Taramasalata
Taramasalata may be safe to eat in pregnancy, though you might prefer to avoid it to be on the safe side.
Tartar sauce
Shop-bought tartar sauce is safe to eat during pregnancy. Homemade tartar sauce is generally safe too, providing it has been made with British Lion eggs.
Tea
Tea is safe to drink in pregnancy (including black tea, fruit tea and herbal tea), but you should limit the amount you drink.
Tuna
Tuna is safe to eat in pregnancy, but limit it to no more than two steaks or four medium cans per week.
Venison
Shop-bought venison is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked. Wild venison and venison liver are not safe to eat.
Wensleydale
Wensleydale cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.
The Whole 9 Months is a week-by-week guide to nutrition during pregnancy, with lots of delicious recipes to try. See more details here at Amazon.
Looking for more pregnancy diet info? Check out our articles below, or swap tips with other mums-to-be in our forum.