Each of these foods carry different risks during pregnancy. Some foods could be contaminated with germs — these can cause infections and may be harmful for you or your baby. Other foods contain substances that can harm your baby. Listeriosis Listeriosis, caused by the bacteria listeria, is a rare infection that is usually not a problem for healthy people. However, if you’re pregnant it can make you unwell. If your baby becomes infected, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or premature labour. Foods that could be contaminated with listeria include: leftovers and pre-prepared foods unwashed or pre-cut fruits and vegetables soft cheeses, unpasteurised milk products and soft-serve ice cream smoked or raw seafood smoked meats, pâté and cold chicken rockmelon and raw sprouts unpasteurised juice Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite toxoplasma, is an infection that can affect your baby if you get it for the first time when you’re pregnant. This is rare in Australia, but it’s important to be cautious because it can cause your baby to have brain damage or blindness. Foods that could be contaminated with toxoplasma include: undercooked meat unwashed fruits and vegetables Salmonella The bacteria salmonella can make you unwell with food poisoning. If you get it when you’re pregnant it can cause miscarriage, but this is rare. Foods that could be contaminated with salmonella include: raw or undercooked eggs and eggs that were cracked during storage sesame seeds, hummus and tahini undercooked meat and chicken sprouts Mercury Fish is a healthy and nutritious part of your diet when you’re pregnant, but be aware that fish contains mercury. High levels of mercury can affect your baby’s developing nervous system. Some types of fish have higher levels of mercury than others. This is usually higher in the larger predatory fish. The highest levels are found in shark, marlin, broadbill, swordfish, orange roughy and catfish. Vitamin A Too much vitamin A (also called retinol) can harm your baby. Liver contains a lot of vitamin A and should be limited. Alcohol If you drink a lot of alcohol during pregnancy, your baby could develop fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Alcohol can also increase your risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth. Caffeine High levels of caffeine can increase your risk of miscarriage, premature birth and having a baby with a low birth weight. Caffeine is naturally found in lots of foods, such as coffee, tea and chocolate. It is also added to some soft drinks and energy drinks.