It's difficult to know which food to avoid during pregnancy. You baby's health is all important, as is your own. But there are a few that do stand out as unwise to eat when you are carrying a child. here are my top 5 tips for food to avoid during pregnancy to help ensure a bright and healthy baby and mother:

1. Fish constitute a very healthy diet. But certain fish can accumulate mercury in dangerous levels. Mercury, in large quantities, can cause brain damage to unborn babies, which can delay their natural development. It is not necessary to avoid all fish and fish products, just the ones that may contain dangerous levels of mercury. These include, king mackeral, tilefish, swordfish and shark.

2. It may seem obvious that raw meat is not advisable for eating, but many pregnant women still eat things like, sushi, seafood, very rare or barely cooked beef, and poorly cooked poultry. Eating food like this runs the risk of being contaminated with salmonella, coliform bacteria and toxoplasmosis.

3. Soft cheeses are not advisable for eating by women during their pregnancy. These cheeses may contain bacteria that could be harmful. These include, Brie, feta, queso fresco, queso blanco, blue cheese and Camambert.

4. Raw eggs are definitely to be avoided. This of course includes all foods that contain raw eggs. This is because raw eggs may contain salmonella. These producs include, mayonnaise, Hollandaise sauce and Caesar dressing.

5. While liver is good for you, go easy on its intake. Liver from all animals contain high levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A is not a problem in itself, but too much of it can lead to a higher incidence of birth defects. You don't have to cut out liver or vitamin A, just don't consume too much.

Your pregancy is a special time. It's a time when you should be happy and stress-free. Take the time to discover the food to avoid during pregnancy, and the food to safely eat, and you will enjoy your special time. Your baby deserves that at least.