L’Aveyronnais (cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
L’Ecir de l’Aubrac (cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
La Taupiniere (cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
La Vache Qui Rit (cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
Ladyfinger cookie
SAFE TO EAT
Lamb (Baked, Boiled, Cooked, Grilled, Seared)
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Lamb (Raw)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Eating raw meat puts you at risk of exposure to harmful bacteria like coliform bacteria, salmonella, and e. coli, and can cause toxoplasmosis, a serious parasitic infection. Although most of these infections can probably not cross the placenta, they could make you sick enough to negatively affect your baby’s growth and development. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women cook all meat thoroughly during pregnancy before eating it – about 170 degrees Fahrenheit at the center for steak. You can always talk to your health care provider if you have more questions.
Lamb Toungue
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Lambada roll (sushi)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Many types of sushi contain raw meat or fish, which may contain parasites which could get your baby sick. While the risk of contracting a parasitic infection from sushi is relatively low, and the infection could probably not cross the placenta and make your baby sick, the gastrointestinal problems it could cause in you are serious enough that it could hinder your baby’s development. Because of this, The Mayo Clinic recommends that pregnant women avoid sushi during pregnancy, but many doctors are mixed on the issue, so you may want to ask your practitioner for his or her opinion. Additionally, many types of sushi do not contain raw meat or fish, and are safe to consume as long as they follow your other dietary guidelines.
Lard
SAFE TO EAT
Las Vegas roll (sushi)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Many types of sushi contain raw meat or fish, which may contain parasites which could get your baby sick. While the risk of contracting a parasitic infection from sushi is relatively low, and the infection could probably not cross the placenta and make your baby sick, the gastrointestinal problems it could cause in you are serious enough that it could hinder your baby’s development. Because of this, The Mayo Clinic recommends that pregnant women avoid sushi during pregnancy, but many doctors are mixed on the issue, so you may want to ask your practitioner for his or her opinion. Additionally, many types of sushi do not contain raw meat or fish, and are safe to consume as long as they follow your other dietary guidelines.
Lasagna
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Latkes
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system to protect you and baby from disease, assists in the absorption of iron to make new blood cells, and contributes to the formation of collagen, which helps build baby’s bones and skin.
Iron
You need iron to help you and baby build healthy red blood cells as your blood volume expands, and it could also help prevent preterm birth.
Laver
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin A
You need Vitamin A to help repair tissues after you give birth, and baby needs it to aid in heart, lungs, eye, and all other sorts of functional development.
Labrador Tea
NOT RECOMMENDED
Some herbal teas contain ingredients that may put you or baby at risk, and doctors and researchers generally recommend avoiding this particular tea. Different herbal teas have been proven to induce contractions, and pose other possible risks, so it’s probably best to avoid this while you are pregnant. If you really can’t give it up, you should talk to your doctor about his or her opinion on the pregnancy-health of drinking this tea, as their opinion may be different.
Le lacandou (cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
Le Chevrot (cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
Le Roule (cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
Lebbene (Cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
Leek
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system to protect you and baby from disease, assists in the absorption of iron to make new blood cells, and contributes to the formation of collagen, which helps build baby’s bones and skin.
Vitamin A
You need Vitamin A to help repair tissues after you give birth, and baby needs it to aid in heart, lungs, eye, and all other sorts of functional development.
Lemon Bar
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system to protect you and baby from disease, assists in the absorption of iron to make new blood cells, and contributes to the formation of collagen, which helps build baby’s bones and skin.
Vitamin A
You need Vitamin A to help repair tissues after you give birth, and baby needs it to aid in heart, lungs, eye, and all other sorts of functional development.
Lemon Chicken
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Lemon Danish
SAFE TO EAT
Lemon Grass
SAFE TO EAT
Lemon Iced Tea
NOT RECOMMENDED
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a moderate amount of caffeine (think one cup of coffee or a soda a day) is safe to drink during pregnancy. However, the safety of consuming larger quantities, which ACOG describes as over 200mg in a day, is unknown, and some studies have linked caffeine to miscarriage and low birth weight, so it’s very important to keep your caffeine intake under control. Furthermore, drinking caffeine may help contribute to frequent urination, and difficulty sleeping, so women who are having difficulty falling or staying asleep may want to avoid caffeine, particularly later in the day. You should talk to your health care provider, as his or her opinion on caffeine during pregnancy may differ.
Lemon Juice
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system to protect you and baby from disease, assists in the absorption of iron to make new blood cells, and contributes to the formation of collagen, which helps build baby’s bones and skin.
Folic Acid
You need folic acid to help build blood cells, repair DNA, and reduce your risk of preeclampsia, and baby needs it to build a healthy brain and prevent other developmental impairment, and heart defects.
Lemon Meringue Pie
SAFE TO EAT
Lemon Pie
SAFE TO EAT
Lemon Pudding
SAFE TO EAT
Lemon sole
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Lemon-lime Soda
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soda and other carbonated beverages are safe to drink during pregnancy as a whole, but some varieties may contain caffeine, which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends you either avoid or drink in moderation during pregnancy, as some studies have linked it to miscarriage and low birth-weight. Soda is quite far from nutritionally-fulfilling, but so long as you keep your caffeine intake down, there is nothing wrong with drinking soda or other carbonated beverages while pregnant. You can ask your doctor if you have any questions about drinking soda during pregnancy.
Lemonade
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system to protect you and baby from disease, assists in the absorption of iron to make new blood cells, and contributes to the formation of collagen, which helps build baby’s bones and skin.
Folic Acid
You need folic acid to help build blood cells, repair DNA, and reduce your risk of preeclampsia, and baby needs it to build a healthy brain and prevent other developmental impairment, and heart defects.
Lemongrass tea
NOT RECOMMENDED
Some herbal teas contain ingredients that may put you or baby at risk, and doctors and researchers generally recommend avoiding this particular tea. Different herbal teas have been proven to induce contractions, and pose other possible risks, so it’s probably best to avoid this while you are pregnant. If you really can’t give it up, you should talk to your doctor about his or her opinion on the pregnancy-health of drinking this tea, as their opinion may be different.
Lemons
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system to protect you and baby from disease, assists in the absorption of iron to make new blood cells, and contributes to the formation of collagen, which helps build baby’s bones and skin.
Lentil soup
SAFE TO EAT
Fiber
You need fiber to help your digestive system stay as regular as possible, and prevent certain annoying pregnancy symptoms.
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Folic Acid
You need folic acid to help build blood cells, repair DNA, and reduce your risk of preeclampsia, and baby needs it to build a healthy brain and prevent other developmental impairment, and heart defects.
Iron
You need iron to help you and baby build healthy red blood cells as your blood volume expands, and it could also help prevent preterm birth.
Lentils
SAFE TO EAT
Fiber
You need fiber to help your digestive system stay as regular as possible, and prevent certain annoying pregnancy symptoms.
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Folic Acid
You need folic acid to help build blood cells, repair DNA, and reduce your risk of preeclampsia, and baby needs it to build a healthy brain and prevent other developmental impairment, and heart defects.
Iron
You need iron to help you and baby build healthy red blood cells as your blood volume expands, and it could also help prevent preterm birth.
Licorice
SAFE TO EAT
Licorice Root Tea
NOT RECOMMENDED
Some herbal teas contain ingredients that may put you or baby at risk, and doctors and researchers generally recommend avoiding this particular tea. Different herbal teas have been proven to induce contractions, and pose other possible risks, so it’s probably best to avoid this while you are pregnant. If you really can’t give it up, you should talk to your doctor about his or her opinion on the pregnancy-health of drinking this tea, as their opinion may be different.
Lima Bean
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Iron
You need iron to help you and baby build healthy red blood cells as your blood volume expands, and it could also help prevent preterm birth.
Folic Acid
You need folic acid to help build blood cells, repair DNA, and reduce your risk of preeclampsia, and baby needs it to build a healthy brain and prevent other developmental impairment, and heart defects.
Limburger (cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
Lime
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system to protect you and baby from disease, assists in the absorption of iron to make new blood cells, and contributes to the formation of collagen, which helps build baby’s bones and skin.
Lime Juice
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system to protect you and baby from disease, assists in the absorption of iron to make new blood cells, and contributes to the formation of collagen, which helps build baby’s bones and skin.
Ling (Baked, Boiled, Cooked, Grilled, Seared)
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Ling (Raw)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Many types of sushi contain raw meat or fish, which may contain parasites which could get your baby sick. While the risk of contracting a parasitic infection from sushi is relatively low, and the infection could probably not cross the placenta and make your baby sick, the gastrointestinal problems it could cause in you are serious enough that it could hinder your baby’s development. Because of this, The Mayo Clinic recommends that pregnant women avoid sushi during pregnancy, but many doctors are mixed on the issue, so you may want to ask your practitioner for his or her opinion. Additionally, many types of sushi do not contain raw meat or fish, and are safe to consume as long as they follow your other dietary guidelines.
Lingot Saint Bousquet d’Orb (Cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
Linguini Pasta
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Liquorice Candy
SAFE TO EAT
Little Rydings (Cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.
Liver
NOT RECOMMENDED
Pregnant women should avoid eating pate and other liver products, as liver has an excess of a type of Vitamin A called retinol. Not only is there far more Vitamin A than one needs a day during pregnancy, but according to the March of Dimes, the safety of eating so much Vitamin A is unknown. Because of this, we recommend avoiding liver when pregnant. Consult your doctor if you want to know more about eating liver during pregnancy. ,
Liver Pate
NOT RECOMMENDED
Pregnant women should avoid eating pate and other liver products, as liver has an excess of a type of Vitamin A called retinol. Not only is there far more Vitamin A than one needs a day during pregnancy, but according to the March of Dimes, the safety of eating so much Vitamin A is unknown. Because of this, we recommend avoiding liver when pregnant. Consult your doctor if you want to know more about eating liver during pregnancy. ,
Liverwurst
NOT RECOMMENDED
Pregnant women should avoid eating pate and other liver products, as liver has an excess of a type of Vitamin A called retinol. Not only is there far more Vitamin A than one needs a day during pregnancy, but according to the March of Dimes, the safety of eating so much Vitamin A is unknown. Because of this, we recommend avoiding liver when pregnant. Consult your doctor if you want to know more about eating liver during pregnancy. ,
Liverwurst Spread
NOT RECOMMENDED
Pregnant women should avoid eating pate and other liver products, as liver has an excess of a type of Vitamin A called retinol. Not only is there far more Vitamin A than one needs a day during pregnancy, but according to the March of Dimes, the safety of eating so much Vitamin A is unknown. Because of this, we recommend avoiding liver when pregnant. Consult your doctor if you want to know more about eating liver during pregnancy. ,
Lobster (Baked, Boiled, Cooked, Grilled, Seared)
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Lobster (Raw)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Many types of sushi contain raw meat or fish, which may contain parasites which could get your baby sick. While the risk of contracting a parasitic infection from sushi is relatively low, and the infection could probably not cross the placenta and make your baby sick, the gastrointestinal problems it could cause in you are serious enough that it could hinder your baby’s development. Because of this, The Mayo Clinic recommends that pregnant women avoid sushi during pregnancy, but many doctors are mixed on the issue, so you may want to ask your practitioner for his or her opinion. Additionally, many types of sushi do not contain raw meat or fish, and are safe to consume as long as they follow your other dietary guidelines.
Lobster (Smoked)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Because of the way it is prepared and packaged, smoked seafood may contain the listeria bacteria, which can cause the listeriosis infection and put both you and your baby at risk. Listeria can cross the placenta, and cause an infection in your baby that could possibly result in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious disorders. Because of this, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women thoroughly cook all seafood before eating it. Fish should be a vital part of every woman’s pregnancy diet, so long as it is cooked, and does not contain an excessive amount of mercury. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about smoked seafood.
Lobster Bisque
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Calcium
Your baby needs calcium to help build strong bones and muscles, and you need it because if you don’t get enough, baby will leech calcium off of your bones, which could make you develop osteoporosis later in life.
Lollipop
SAFE TO EAT
Longan
SAFE TO EAT
Lonquat
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin A
You need Vitamin A to help repair tissues after you give birth, and baby needs it to aid in heart, lungs, eye, and all other sorts of functional development.
Lumpsucker (Cooked)
SAFE TO EAT
Protein
Protein helps you build cells as your body grows to accomodate and support baby, and baby uses it to help build healthy muscles and a brilliant brain.
Lotus Root
SAFE TO EAT
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system to protect you and baby from disease, assists in the absorption of iron to make new blood cells, and contributes to the formation of collagen, which helps build baby’s bones and skin.
Fiber
You need fiber to help your digestive system stay as regular as possible, and prevent certain annoying pregnancy symptoms.
Lumpsucker (Raw)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Many types of sushi contain raw meat or fish, which may contain parasites which could get your baby sick. While the risk of contracting a parasitic infection from sushi is relatively low, and the infection could probably not cross the placenta and make your baby sick, the gastrointestinal problems it could cause in you are serious enough that it could hinder your baby’s development. Because of this, The Mayo Clinic recommends that pregnant women avoid sushi during pregnancy, but many doctors are mixed on the issue, so you may want to ask your practitioner for his or her opinion. Additionally, many types of sushi do not contain raw meat or fish, and are safe to consume as long as they follow your other dietary guidelines.
Lumpsucker (Smoked)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Because of the way it is prepared and packaged, smoked seafood may contain the listeria bacteria, which can cause the listeriosis infection and put both you and your baby at risk. Listeria can cross the placenta, and cause an infection in your baby that could possibly result in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious disorders. Because of this, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women thoroughly cook all seafood before eating it. Fish should be a vital part of every woman’s pregnancy diet, so long as it is cooked, and does not contain an excessive amount of mercury. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about smoked seafood.
Lyonnais (Cheese)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Soft cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk, which may contain the listeria bacteria that causes listeriosis. However, soft cheeses that are clearly marked as “pasteurized” are safe to eat, as this process kills the bacteria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection in your baby, potentially resulting in pre-term birth, miscarriage, and other serious risks. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses. You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about soft cheeses, or want his or her opinion on eating soft cheeses, as it may differ.