Pregnancy brings plenty of excitement and plenty of questions. One of the biggest is What’s safe to eat? Believe it or not, some everyday favorites in your fridge could pose a hidden risk. Consumer Reports breaks down which foods moms-to-be should avoid and reveals safer choices to enjoy.

Part of giving your baby the best start begins with making sure the food you eat is safe. Pregnant women need to be especially careful to avoid listeria, a harmful bacteria that can sometimes be found in ready-to-eat foods. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 pregnant women who get listeria lose their pregnancy or their baby shortly after birth. Listeria can thrive in cold, damp places like food processing plants and survive on various surfaces. The list of foods that can carry pathogenic Listeria is long, so focus on avoiding the ones that pose the highest risk.

That includes deli meats, some cheeses, hot dogs, and prepared deli salads. Soft cheeses, like queso fresco and queso blanco, which are popular in many Latino households, also carry a risk of listeria and are best avoided during pregnancy.

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are also risky, but because they’re packed with nutrients, choose greens you can cook when possible.

You can lower your risk by cooking foods thoroughly to a safe internal temperature, which kills any listeria present. A food thermometer can help ensure everything is fully cooked and safe to eat.

With that in mind, it’s best to avoid raw or smoked seafood like sushi or lox, refrigerated meat spreads or pâtés, and raw alfalfa and bean sprouts.

Talk with your doctor for clear guidance on what’s best for you and your baby. It all adds up to a safer pregnancy journey.

Handle food safely. Use separate cutting boards, clean kitchen surfaces often, defrost frozen foods in the fridge, not on the counter, and don’t leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.