Pregnancy Foods: Fact vs. Fiction

Cutting through the noise on what’s actually safe to eat and drink during pregnancy, with real evidence-based guidance.

I spent most of Saturday at the library, and honestly? It was the reset I didn’t know I needed. I’ve rediscovered my love of reading and it’s been such a joy to slow down and just be in that space for a while.

We’re still counting down to the school holidays over here, with another heatwave apparently on the way (fingers crossed it doesn’t mean more early school finishes this time!). Today is packed with exciting planning calls and client meetings, which I genuinely love.

But today’s email is all about something that comes up again and again in my work with pregnant clients: food noise.

You know the kind. The unsolicited opinions from your mother in law, the contradicting articles, the well-meaning friends who swear by a rule they heard from someone who heard it from someone else.

Pregnancy nutrition already feels like a lot. The last thing you need is confusion on top of it.

So I’m cutting through the nonsense and sharing clear, honest guidance on six of the most commonly asked-about foods and drinks during pregnancy. No scaremongering. No vague “just to be safe” advice. Just the real picture.

6 Foods to Know About

Kombucha: Usually unpasteurised with trace alcohol. Best to avoid during pregnancy.
Shellfish: High listeria risk. Avoid throughout pregnancy to stay safe.
Fish: Brilliant for you! Just skip raw fish and enjoy it cooked.
Kefir: If pasteurised, it’s great for gut health. Check the label first.
Soft cheeses: Pasteurised versions are fine. Always check before you indulge.
Melon: Surprisingly, can have a high listeria risk. Always wash thoroughly and eat fresh to minimise any risk.