As well as remembering all the things you should eat during pregnancy, you also need to know about the things you should stay well clear of. Plus, it's particularly important for you to follow general hygiene rules when preparing and handling foods like raw meat.

The following food can be eaten but in moderation:

Salt
We all need some salt but most of us have too much, around 9g a day, rather than the recommended 6g a day fpr adults. Processed foods are one of the main sources of salt in our diets.

Caffeine
Caffeine is a mild stimulant found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and cola drinks, which will affect your baby during pregnancy. The Food Standards Agency suggests a maximum level of 300mg a day i.e. three mugs of instant coffee or six cups of tea per day. Some pregnant women cut out caffeine completely.

Liver
Liver and liver products such as liver pate contain very large amounts of retinol, a form of vitamin A. The Department of Health has advised they should not be eaten during pregnancy. Vitamin A supplements should also be avoided, including high dose vitamins and cod liver oil.

Fish
Unlike some oily fish that are good sources of Omega-3, other types of fish contain high levels of mercury, which can harm a baby's developing nervous system.
Fishes to avoid are shark, swordfish and marlin. Plus, limit tuna to two tuna steaks a week (140g cooked/170g raw) or four medium-sized cans (drained weight 140g per can) per week.

Cheese
Avoid soft mould-ripened cheeses such as Brie and Stilton, because of the risk of listeria. Instead, go for cream cheese, cottage cheese or hard, Cheddar-type cheeses. Also, ready-to-eat poultry and undercooked ready meals are a listeria risk, so make sure you heat everything thoroughly.

Unpasteurised milk
Steer well clear of all unpasteurised milk and milk products, and uncooked or rare meat. These can cause toxoplasmosis, which can result in foetal abnormalities.

Raw egg
Raw or lightly cooked eggs can contain Salmonella - even if they're free range. So traditional fried eggs are a no-no while you're pregnant. Eggs should be cooked until the white and yolk are solid. Undercooked poultry should also be avoided.

Chilled ready meals
Avoid any ready-prepared meals which are not to be heated, e.g. purchased salads, quiches, cold meat pies. And fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly, especially if they are going to be eaten raw.