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Pregnancy Dos and Don'ts


You're pregnant—and chances are, you've got questions. What foods should you avoid? Is an occasional glass of wine okay? Will sex hurt the baby? Here are seven pregnancy dos and don'ts from the experts at WebMD.

Do I need to take precautions with food?

Yes, though it's wise to eat healthfully whether you're pregnant or not. Take these extra precautions during pregnancy:

  • Don't eat unpasteurized dairy products. Opt for hard cheeses like cheddar instead of soft cheeses like brie, says Atlanta obstetrician-gynecologist Celia Dominguez, MD.
  • Practice food safety. Make sure foods are properly cooked, and wash your hands thoroughly before cooking or eating.
  • Don't go on fad diets during pregnancy. "Focus on healthy eating habits," Dr. Dominguez says. Then pass those habits on to your baby as he or she grows up.



By Miranda Hitti; Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD

SOURCES: Celia Dominguez, MD, reproductive endocrinologist, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine. WebMD Medical Reference: "Myths, Dos, and Don'ts of Pregnancy."