Can pregnant women eat hot dogs? What about goat cheese, oysters, or sushi? The rules on foods to avoid while pregnant can seem confusing, but there are just a few important takeaways to keep you and your baby safe. Don't eat raw or undercooked meat, poultry, shellfish, fish, or eggs. Avoid unpasteurized foods like raw-milk cheeses and fresh-squeezed juice. Wash or peel fruits and veggies, and reheat refrigerated meats and fish (like cold cuts, lox, and hot dogs) and leftovers until they're steaming hot. Avoid cold deli salads, high-mercury fish, alcohol, and excessive caffeine. Why you should avoid certain foods during pregnancy Some foods and beverages are best avoided during pregnancy because they can be harmful to you and your baby. You've probably had food poisoning or foodborne illness at some point in your life, but during pregnancy you're more at risk – and the consequences can be more serious.