Whether you’re in your first or fortieth week of pregnancy, it’s important to watch what you put into your body. Here are some things to avoid:

Alcohol
The alcohol consumed by a mother-to-be is passed along to the baby where it remains in a high concentration for a period of time. Doctors advise pregnant women to avoid alcohol altogether; there is no recommended safe amount of alcohol to consumer during pregnancy. Alcohol is one of the most common causes of birth defects. In fact, more severe abnormalities in a developing fetus are caused by alcohol than by heroin, cocaine or marijuana.

OTC and prescription medications
You should steer clear of many medications during pregnancy. Even common over-the-counter medications may be considered off-limits because of potential dangerous effects on the baby. Certain prescription medications also may cause damage to the developing fetus. If before you became pregnant you were prescribed a medication for an illness or condition you still have, consult with your doctor to weigh potential benefits and risks of continuing your prescription.

Recreational Drugs
Drug use puts unborn babies at risk for premature birth, birth defects, and behavior and learning problems. Additionally, a baby whose mother uses drugs could be born addicted to those drugs themselves. If you used drugs of any kind at any time during your pregnancy, inform your health care provider — even if you quit, your unborn child could still be at risk for health problems. If you’re pregnant and using drugs, contact a health clinic such as Planned Parenthood. With help, you can quit your habit and have a healthier pregnancy.

Nicotine
If a pregnant woman is smoking, her unborn baby is smoking, too. Nicotine and carbon monoxide are passed to the growing baby. Risks of smoking include prematurity, low birth weight, stillbirth, SIDS and asthma. If in spite of these risks you still can’t quit smoking, talk to your doctor for help breaking the habit.

Caffeine
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea and soda. Since high caffeine consumption is linked to miscarriage, you should avoid caffeine altogether. Decaffeinated products may still have some caffeine, so look for caffeine-free alternatives.

Seafood
Fish and shellfish contain omega-3 fatty acids and protein and are part of a healthy pregnancy diet, but there is some seafood to avoid. Shark, swordfish and king mackerel may contain high levels of mercury, which can cause brain damage in a developing fetus. Canned tuna also contains mercury, so consume no more than six ounces per week of light albacore or white tuna in water. Also avoid raw or undercooked fish, sushi or shellfish.

Other foods that may be dangerous
Food-borne illnesses may cause birth defects or miscarriage. Do not consume unpasteurized cheeses, milk or juice. Avoid raw eggs or food containing them such as cookie dough, homemade ice cream and mousse.

By focusing on healthy eating habits to protect your unborn baby, you many find that you’ve never felt better than when you were pregnant!