Knowing there are certain foods to avoid when pregnant is rarely enough to entice craving frenzied expectant women away from them.  A bit of knowledge goes a long way. The specific whys of that restrictive diet during pregnancy first trimester powerfully motivate women to protect their unborn babies from possible harm.

Does Size Matter When You are Pregnant?

Stating that with the fetus growing in an expectant mother's belly would seem to be obvious to the point of stupidity.  Yet this is one of the key reasons why so many of the foods to avoid when pregnant make the banned list.

Everything that mothers eat, in essence, baby eats too.  Baby's body is much smaller, however and the effects of toxic substances in drugs, alcohol, cigarette smoke and trace elements of minerals or bacteria in foods affect baby to a much greater degree.

Keep in mind mom's adult body equipped with fully developed and functioning organ systems may never even feel the effects, but baby almost certainly will. To this end it is better just to pass on certain menu items to ensure baby's safe arrival. Diet during pregnancy first trimester is especially critical as the fetus is so tiny and all the vital systems are being developed during this time.

Should You Eat Fish When You're Pregnant?

Health experts have been recommending an increased consumption of fish as part of a healthy diet.  This is not so for expectant mothers.  Predator species especially contain mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels in large enough amounts to cause certain birth defects.

Avoid shark, tuna, swordfish, mackerel and blue fish until after the birth.  Other fish are considered safe.  It is recommended that no more than 12 oz of any fish be eaten in one week.

Artificial Sweeteners Don't Mix

Aspartame, Splenda, Acesulfame-K, saccharin and other sweeteners are often used in place of sugar to reduce calories and still maintain a sweet taste, as in the case of low calorie sodas like Diet Coke.  The safe use of artificial sweeteners during pregnancy is yet to be studied.  Yet the FDA does keep a list of 98 detrimental side effects linked directly to artificial sweeteners.

Even with a balanced diet, Diet Coke and pregnancy health don't co-exist. It is best just to skip chemical sweeteners all together.

Beware of Hidden Raw Foods during Pregnancy

Perhaps the idea of raw foods does not appeal to you.  They weren't a part of your regular diet for pregnancy and aren't slated for a debut during pregnancy.

Don't be so sure.  Who has never been guilty of eating a gob of cookie dough before baking it? Ever had eggnog to toast the holiday? The alcohol isn't the only thing that should be of concern to new mothers.

Eggs, sushi, undercooked meats, eggnog, salad dressings and other common foods all have the potential to contain raw or undercooked foods to avoid while pregnant.  The biggest concern for raw or undercooked foods is the possibility of bacterial contamination.

Proper cooking removes this threat.  Just think before you volunteer to lick the bowl.

No Laughing Matter: Avoid Deli Meats and Pregnancy

Can't live without your turkey on wheat for lunch? It might be a healthy option, but deli meats have a bit of a dark side in terms of their links to food poisoning. The risk is minimal, but can be costly to baby.

To be safe, either pass on the sub sandwich or heat all deli meats, including hotdogs and sausages to 165 degrees before you eat them.

Give Up Caffeine before You Get Pregnant

Caffeine is found in large quantities in beverages like colas, coffee and tea.  Try to limit caffeine intake as part of a healthy diet for pre pregnancy.  Then you won't be suffering from the jittery withdrawals at the same time as morning sickness.