7 foods pregnant women should avoid

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Abstain from alcohol

Even if it's not "edible" per se, alcohol is the biggest no-no that comes to mind during pregnancy. The reason is that alcohol is a teratogenic agent with harmful effects, especially on the central nervous system of a fetus, which can lead to unforeseen birth defects. Although the exact alcohol intake that's capable of causing problems is unknown, it's better to be safe than sorry and avoid all alcohol consumption in the interest of your unborn child. If you're worried about feeling left out at social gatherings and family holidays, there are some sneaky alternatives, such as alcohol-free beers or sparkling grape juice.