Which French Foods Should I Avoid in Pregnancy? A Guide to Safe French Dining for Expecting Mums

Ah, French cuisine – the land of buttery croissants, melt-in-your-mouth pâtés, decadent cheeses, and a glass of Bordeaux that you may have just resigned yourself to not drinking for a while (I feel you!). French food is renowned for its indulgence and sophistication, but when you’re pregnant, there are a few things to consider before you start diving into that fresh baguette and wheel of brie. Pregnancy is a time when your body needs the best nutrition and utmost care, which is where antenatal care becomes so important. If you’ve been daydreaming about French food – the perfect cheese board at a Parisian café or that crispy duck confit – you may be wondering which dishes you can enjoy without worry and which ones should stay on the “we’ll try again after the baby arrives” list. Let’s indulge in the most delightful of dilemmas: Which French foods should I avoid in pregnancy?

French Food: A Love Affair of Flavours and Challenges for Pregnant Mums

French cuisine is like a warm, comforting hug – a buttery croissant here, a rich pâté there. But with pregnancy, there are some culinary hugs you might want to avoid (at least temporarily). Fortunately, the vast majority of French dishes are perfectly safe during pregnancy, but a few notable exceptions need some attention for your antenatal nutrition.

The French Cuisine You Can Safely Savor: A Quick Overview

Before we go down the list of “oh no, not that,” let’s remind ourselves of what you can definitely enjoy without hesitation. So, grab your beret (or at least pretend you’re wearing one) and dive into these delectable French treats:

• Quiche – A savoury pie made with eggs, cream, and fillings like spinach, mushrooms, or ham (make sure the eggs are well-cooked, though).
• Salmon – Fresh, grilled, or smoked, but only if the fish is fully cooked.
• Ratatouille – A delightful vegetable medley of tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, and courgettes. You can’t go wrong here!
• Baguette and Butter – There’s no better way to enjoy French bread than with a good, old-fashioned pat of butter. No need to worry here! Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of which French foods should be avoided when you’re expecting.

1. Unpasteurised Cheese: A Cheese Lover’s Dilemma

Ah, cheese – the crown jewel of French cuisine. Brie, camembert, roquefort, and many more soft cheeses fill our dreams and Instagram feeds. But here’s the issue: many of these cheeses are made with unpasteurised milk, which can carry the risk of listeria – a bacteria that could cause harm to you or your baby during pregnancy.

• The Problem with Unpasteurised Cheese: The problem lies with certain soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, chevre, and roquefort. They’re creamy, they’re delicious, and they might be the first thing you crave when pregnancy hormones start to play tricks on you. But, unpasteurised dairy can contain listeria, which poses a risk for miscarriage or premature labour.
• Solution: Stick to pasteurised cheese options. In most modern French restaurants and stores, pasteurised cheese is more common than you’d think, and many of these cheeses are still wonderfully tasty, such as cheddar, emmental, and comté. The key is always to check labels or ask the waiter if you’re dining out. Cheese lovers need not despair – just be cautious with your selections!

2. Foie Gras: The Ultimate French Indulgence… But Not for You Right Now

Foie gras, the luxurious pâté made from duck or goose liver, is a French delicacy that’s often served as an appetizer or part of a festive spread. But for expectant mothers, foie gras is one French food you may want to pass on.

• The Problem with Foie Gras: While delicious, foie gras is made from liver, which contains a high amount of vitamin A (retinol). Too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity and pose a risk for birth defects in your baby.
• Solution: Keep foie gras off your plate for now, and opt for a vegetarian pâté or a delicious salad with fresh ingredients instead.

3. Raw or Undercooked Meat: The French Steak Tartare Situation

Another French food you may need to wave goodbye to for now is steak tartare. If you’ve ever travelled to France, you know that steak tartare is a popular dish consisting of finely chopped raw beef, usually served with a raw egg and various seasonings. It’s as French as the Eiffel Tower, but raw meat during pregnancy is a no-go.

• The Problem with Raw Meat: Eating raw or undercooked meat can increase the risk of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can affect the baby, and salmonella or other foodborne illnesses. So, that juicy raw steak you’ve been eyeing? Not a safe choice while pregnant.
• Solution: Go for a nicely cooked steak instead, with the meat prepared to a fully well-done temperature. No harm, no risk, and you still get to savour the delicious French beef experience.

4. Escargot (Snails) – Not the Most Pregnancy-Friendly Delicacy

While escargot (snails) may sound exotic and quintessentially French, they’re not always the best choice for expectant mums. This is a dish you might want to avoid during pregnancy.

• The Problem with Escargot: These snails are often cooked in garlic butter, and while garlic is generally fine, there can be concerns about the source of the snails, especially if they haven’t been thoroughly cooked or prepared in hygienic conditions.
• Solution: As a general rule, if it’s not a dish you’d normally be inclined to try (and let’s be real, not everyone’s in love with the idea of snails), it’s probably safest to skip. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, make sure they’re well-cooked and from a trusted source.

5. Uncooked Eggs: A Sneaky French Dessert Culprit

Ah, French desserts. We could spend hours gushing about crème brûlée, mousse au chocolat, or tarte Tatin. But many classic French desserts are made with raw or lightly cooked eggs, which could pose a risk of salmonella during pregnancy.

• The Problem with Uncooked Eggs: Certain French sweets, like chocolate mousse and mille-feuille, might be made with raw eggs, which are an easy breeding ground for salmonella bacteria.
• Solution: Always opt for desserts that are fully cooked or made without raw eggs. Fortunately, there are many other delicious and safe French desserts to enjoy, such as baked fruit tarts or a good old-fashioned sorbet.

6. Wine – The Bitter Truth (For Now)

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for… French wine. Let’s face it – a glass of rich, full-bodied Bordeaux or a crisp white wine from the Loire Valley is a beloved part of French dining. But, alas, during pregnancy, alcohol is a no-go.

• The Problem with Wine: Alcohol can interfere with your baby’s development and increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Solution: Keep the wine for after the baby arrives and stick to refreshing sparkling water, fruit juices, or a comforting cup of herbal tea instead. Santé, in a non-alcoholic way!

Pregnancy Care and the Joy of Safe French Dining

Now that we’ve covered which French foods to avoid during pregnancy, let’s talk about the bigger picture: antenatal care. Eating the right foods during pregnancy is crucial, not just for your baby’s health, but for your own wellbeing too. French food is, thankfully, not all off-limits – just a few tasty treats require some caution. As long as you keep a keen eye on food safety and stick to well-cooked, pasteurised, and non-alcoholic options, you can still enjoy the pleasures of French dining. So, the next time you find yourself seated at a French bistro, you’ll know exactly what to order – and what to politely decline with a smile (and maybe a sigh). Bon appétit, mamas-to-be!